An echocardiogram (echo) is a test using sound waves (ultrasound) to create pictures of your heart. The images we gather help us determine the cause of your symptoms and also help us calculate if there is any future risk for heart diseases or disorders.

Echocardiogram Preparation:

The echocardiogram procedure requires very little preparation on your part.

• Please bring a list of current medications.
• Do not consume any caffeine 4 hours prior to your test (ex: tea, coffee, decaffeinated products, chocolate, soda pop or medications containing caffeine).
• Do not apply lotion, perfume or powder to the chest area prior to your appointment.

A loop monitor or wireless heart monitor documents abnormal electrical activity of the heart, as it happens, throughout the day.

Unlike a standard monitor that records the patient over a set period of time with analysis occurring after the monitor is returned, a wireless loop monitor records and transmits a patient’s ECG in real-time while it’s being worn. The real-time data is sent to the Canadian Cardiac Monitoring Centre where it is analyzed by a team of doctors and cardiac technicians to be acted upon immediately. The doctor(s) will thoroughly review the recordings in case a threatening situation is imminent.

Heart Monitor Preparation

On the day you’re scheduled to receive your heart monitor, plan for your appointment to take approximately 30 minutes. During this time, you will receive a Baseline 12-lead ECG, this allows us to benchmark for your regular heart rate. Any questions you have about the monitor, how to use it, or about the test will be answered by our medical staff.

The following factors can affect your test results.

• If you have diabetes and use insulin, take half of your normal insulin dose on the day of the test. The exercise during your test will lower your blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns or questions, please call the clinic or consult your family physician
• Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or any powder to your chest area the day of your test
• Wear a two-piece outfit as well as athletic shoes. You will be more comfortable during your test
• If you’re taking medications to help you manage your heart, you may be asked to stop taking them the day before and day of your test
• You will be required to fill out a medical history, consent form and equipment loan agreement.

A stress echocardiogram (also known as stress echo) is an exercise test used to evaluate the heart using both ECG and ultrasound technology. The patient undergoing a stress echocardiogram is generally walking on a treadmill while being observed for determining:

• How well your heart tolerates activity
• The function of your heart and valves
• Your likelihood of having coronary artery disease
• The effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
• Whether the symptoms you are experiencing (i.e. chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness, etc.) are caused by a blockage of your heart or other heart conditions.
• If you have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, a stress test may enable the doctor to estimate the severity of the blockages.
• If you have just undergone balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery, a stress test can help monitor the success of the procedure as well as determine an appropriate rehabilitation program for you.

Stress Echo Preparation

The following factors can affect your test results. In preparation for your test, there are a few things that we need you to do for at least six hours before your scheduled appointment:

• Avoid eating heavy meals
• Do not consume coffee, decaffeinated drinks or pop
• No smoking or alcohol consumption
• If you have diabetes and use insulin (Take half of your normal insulin dose on the day of the test)
• The exercise during your test will lower your blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns or questions, please call the clinic or consult your family physician
• Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or any powder to your chest area the day of your test
• Wear a two-piece outfit and athletic shoes. You will be more comfortable during your test
• If you are taking medications to help you manage your heart, you may be asked to stop taking them the day before and day of your test. You will be required to fill out a medical history and a consent form

An electrocardiogram (also know as an ECG or EKG) is a quick and simple test that checks how your heart is functioning by measuring its’ electrical activity. The test results help us check for heart conditions.

Electrocardiogram Preparation:

The echocardiogram procedure requires very little preparation on your part.

• Do not apply lotion, perfume or powder to the chest area prior to your appointment.