Cardiology Procedures

The Abdominal Aorta or Renal Artery Ultrasound is a test that  uses sound waves to produce live images of your aorta or renal artery. This exam lasts approximately 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having an ultrasound:

• The procedure will be completed in our Echo/Vascular department prior to your appointment with your physician.
• We will apply ultrasonic gel and a transducer to your abdomen in order to obtain images.
• You should have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to the exam; ideally schedule your test first thing in the morning after an overnight fast. It is also a good idea for you to only have a light, bland meal the night before.

Cardiac Catheterization (or Cardiac Caths) are outpatient procedures that evaluate heart function and diagnose cardiovascular conditions. Here’s what to expect if you are having Cardiac Catheterization:

• You may not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
• Please check with your physician in regards to stopping any medications prior to the procedure.

The Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart and allows our physicians to monitor your heart and its valves to see how they are functioning. This exam lasts approximately 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having an Echo:

• The procedure will be completed in our Echo/Vascular department prior to your appointment with your physician.
• We will apply ultrasonic gel and a transducer to your chest in order to obtain images.

The Electrocardiogram (EKG) will be completed before you see your physician and lasts approximately 2 to 15 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having an EKG:

• You will have 10 adhesive electrodes placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm at rest.

Endovenous Ablations are outpatient procedures that treat problems with veins in the legs and will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This procedure is minimally invasive and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Here’s what to expect if you are having Endovenous Ablation:

• You may eat and drink and take your medications as you usually do.
• You will be given a prescription for support stockings. However, the stockings can also be purchased at most drug stores or medical supply stores instead, if you prefer. Please bring these with you.
• Please refrain from strenuous activities for  1 to 2 days after the procedure.

The Graded Exercise Stress Test (GXT) includes an exercise segment that lasts approximately 3 to 15 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having a Graded Exercise Stress Test:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, slacks or shorts.
• You will have 10 adhesive electrodes placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm while you walk on the treadmill.

The Holter Monitor Study requires that the monitor be worn for a period of 24 hours to 48 hours to monitor your heart rhythm. Here’s what to expect if you are having a Holter Monitor Study:

• Please plan 30 minutes for set-up time.
• Plan to wear a loose-fitting top.

Nuclear Cardiac Stress Tests measure blood flow to your heart muscle during rest and stress and last approximately 2 to 3 hours. Here’s what to expect if you are having a Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test:

• You will be given a radioactive tracer.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, pants or shorts.
• Do not consume any caffeine (coffee – including decaffeinated, soda, tea, chocolate, or medicines containing caffeine) for 12 hours prior to your test.
• Please do not eat after midnight prior to your test (you may have sips of water or juice).
• If you are diabetic, please contact your physician for specific instructions.
• No heavy exercise prior to your test.
• No smoking 12 hours prior to your test.
• Please check with your physician in regards to stopping any medications prior to the procedure.

PTCA’s are performed to open blocked coronary arteries and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue. Your physician will provide you with specific instructions should this procedure be necessary.