In-Office Testing

Test time: Up to 1 hour

An echocardiogram (also called "echo") is a test that uses ultrasound waves (sound waves to examine the heart). It is a safe and painless procedure that helps doctors diagnose a variety of heart problems. Two-dimensional images of your heart are obtained by a technologist when an ultrasound probe with a cool gel is moved over the chest. The images can determine heart structure, function and pressures within the heart.

Test time: About 1 hour

Even if your heart functions well at rest, the blood supply to the heart may not be sufficient to meet its needs when its workload is increased. The exercise EKG test is used to see how well your heart functions during exertion. An exercise EKG test allows doctors to learn how well your heart functions when it is made to work harder. This test can help detect heart problems that may not be apparent at rest. The exercise EKG test is done while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. During the test, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart.

Test time: Varies from 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours

A stress echocardiogram is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with an exercise test (See EKG Stress Test). It allows doctors to learn how the heart functions when it is made to work harder. During the echo study, a small microphone-like device, called a transducer, is held against the chest. The transducer sends ultrasound waves that bounce off the various parts of the heart. These echoes are converted into a moving image of the heart. The image is displayed on a television screen and it can be recorded. An echo study is first done at rest, then immediately after an exercise test. Doctors then compare the images side by side. The stress echocardiogram shows doctors which areas of the heart muscle do not receive an adequate blood supply. However, it does not provide images of the actual coronary arteries. If your doctor suspects blocked or narrow arteries, he or she may recommend additional tests.

Test time: 1-1/2 to 2 hours

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a stress test. It allows doctors to learn how the heart functions when it is made to work harder. Generally, a stress test is done while patients walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle (See Stress Echocardiogram). For patients who are unable to exercise adequately, you will be given a medication, dobutamine, through an intravenous (IV) line to simulate exercise. The dose of the medication is gradually increased to speed up your heart rate. Throughout the test, your EKG and blood pressure will be recorded as well as your heart function through the use of ultrasound images. You will be monitored by our staff until your heart rate and blood pressure return to more normal levels.

Test time: 24 or 48 hours

Holter monitoring is a continuous recording of your heart rhythm, usually for 24 hours, while you go about your usual daily activities. It is especially useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms. A Holter monitor is the size of a pocket radio and is attached to your chest by wires and worn for 24 (or 48) hours. A cardiologist analyzes the recording of the heart's electrical activity. Please be aware that you cannot shower or bathe with the monitor on. Your chest should be easily accessible with what you are wearing when the monitor is applied. Twenty-four hours later, simply drop off the monitor.

Test time: 30 days

Event monitors are used for patients who have dizzy spells, skipped heartbeats, palpitations or fainting. When problems occur, the patient pushes a button to begin the recording. Event monitors also can be used for intermittent arrhythmia because the patient can wear it for several weeks. The recordings are stored and can be transmitted by phone for interpretation. A patient wears a device the size of a pager for a 30-day period which can record the heart's rhythm with the push of a button then utilizes the phone to transmit the event. After 30 days, the patient returns the monitor in a postage paid self-addressed envelope.

Test time: 3 to 4 hours

A nuclear scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance, known as a tracer, to produce images of the heart muscle. The nuclear stress test is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease, the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries. This test is similar to the EKG stress test with the addition of nuclear scans before and after exercise. Prior to exercise, a small amount of a radioactive isotope is given through an intravenous (IV) line. This material circulates and allows us to trace the blood flow to your heart. A special camera will take pictures of your heart at rest, before you exercise. Then near the end of the exercise portion of your test you will be given a second dose of the isotope and the scans are repeated. The pictures taken of your heart will allow the cardiologist to look for areas of possible damage or reduced blood flow.

Test time: 3 to 4 hours

For patients who are unable to exercise, the nuclear stress test may be done after the injection of adenosine, a drug that produces an effect on the heart similar to exercise.

Three sets of nuclear scans are performed during this procedure: the initial scan, a four-hour scan and a 24-hour scan. A patient must be available to visit our office over a period of two days. You will not be required to stay in the office between scans.

Test time: 1 to 1-1/2 hours

A nuclear scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance, known as a tracer, to produce images of the heart muscle. The scans for this test are done only at rest to evaluate your heart's resting ejection fraction.

Test time: 30 to 60 minutes

A duplex examination uses ultrasound to obtain images and information regarding the speed of blood flow in a vessel to check for areas of narrowing or blockage. The study is performed with the use of ultrasound waves. No dyes or injections are needed with this test.

Test time: 30 to 60 minutes

Arterial Doppler examinations can be done on the legs or arms to evaluate the blood flow in each of the limbs. The test is often done when there are symptoms of leg or arm pain at rest, or pain in the legs or arms with exercise, which eases up when exercise is stopped. It is also performed on patients who have numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and when ulcerations form on the fingers, toes or legs. During the test, a pencil-sized microphone is positioned over various blood vessels in your legs, arms or both. The "microphone" called a Doppler probe, sends sound waves into the body which are reflected off of the blood vessels, producing sounds and an electronic tracing of the blood flow pattern of that vessel. This tracing is similar to that seen on a heart monitor or an EKG. Blood pressure cuffs are then placed at several levels of the legs, arms, fingers or toes, and blood pressures are taken. By comparing the blood pressures from one level to another, it is possible to determine the amount of blood flow arriving at a particular area of the limb, hand or foot.