Cardiac

Cardiac Ultrasound

• Also known as an echocardiogram or “echo”. This test is a scan used to look
  at the heart and nearby vessels.  It’s a type of ultrasound scan, which means
  a small probe is used to send out high-frequency sound waves that create
  echoes when they bounce off different parts of the body.
• The technologist will use a probe covered in a jelly like substance to place
  on certain areas of your chest. The probe will pick up the echoes which are
  then turned into moving images on a monitor while the scan is being
  performed.
• The test is non-invasive and not painful and takes between 30-45 minutes.
• Although it has a similar name, an echocardiogram is not the same as an
  electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a test used to check your heart’s rhythm
  and electrical activity.

Carotid Studies

• Much like an echocardiogram, a carotid study is also an ultrasound study which
  is safe, non-invasive and painless.
• The technologist will use a jelly coated probe to place over areas on your neck to
  examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries.
• The ultrasound uses sound waves which are then recorded on a monitor.
• This test takes between 10-15 minutes to perform and is usually done in conjunction
  with an echocardiogram.

24 Hour ABP Monitoring

• 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a method to measure
  blood pressure on a continuous basis. Your BP is measured even as you
  sleep. The ongoing data helps your doctor get a more accurate picture of
  your blood pressure numbers.
• You will wear a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm that is connected to a
  monitor. The blood pressure cuff will inflate at regular intervals throughout the
  next 24 hours, every half hour during the day and hourly during the night. (11pm – 7 am)
• Upon returning the monitor the next day, the clinician will then download the
  results from the monitor and a final report will be sent to your doctor who ordered the test.

ECG Holter Monitoring

• A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records the heart’s rhythm.
  It’s used to detect or determine the risk of irregular heartbeats.
  (arrhythmias)
• A Holter monitor test may be done if a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG or
  EKG) doesn’t provide enough details about the heart’s condition.
• A Holter monitor records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 or 48 hours.
  While you wear it, you continue to do your regular daily activities.
• Upon returning the monitor, the clinician will then download the results
  from the monitor and a final report will be sent to your doctor who ordered
  the test.