Echocardiogram/ECG

The heart is a two-stage electrically coordinated mechanical pump that circulates blood throughout the body.  The anatomy includes four chambers and four valves.  For the heart to function normally these structures need to be intact and the heart muscle needs to beat in a coordinated fashion so that blood flows in and out of each chamber in the proper direction.

 

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that can evaluate the size and pump function of heart chambers and the flow of blood from one chamber to the next through special one-way valves.  An ECG is the most common and the easiest test to perform.

 

Technicians specially trained in echocardiography produce the images and videos, often using a special probe or transducer that is placed in various places on the chest wall to view the heart from different directions.

 

Cardiologists, or heart specialists, are trained to evaluate these images to assess heart function and provide a report of the results.  The echocardiogram is just one of the many tests that can be done to evaluate heart anatomy and function.

 

An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)  is the most common heart tracing done.  Electrodes are placed on the chest wall and collect information about the electrical activity of the heart.  Aside from the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, the ECG can provide indirect evidence of blood flow within arteries to the heart muscle and the thickness of heart muscle and also sizes of some chambers of the heart.

Stress Test/Stress Echcardiogram

The most common reason for a stress test is to see if there are any suggestions of narrowed heart arteries (to see if your chest discomfort is angina).

 

There are other reasons for a stress test to see if:

any heart rhythm disturbances occur in exercise, driving fitness, general fitness, fitness for surgery and to see if symptoms

occur during exercise. These are some reasons why stress tests are done.

 

Sometimes it is done to reassure that the heart is in good health, particularly after an episode of chest pain.

 

These tests are always performed under direct supervision of the cardiologist and with resuscitation equipment on stand by.

We perform two different types of stress tests and we choose one depending on what your doctor has requested and also what may be best for you.

 

Treadmill Stress ECG:

Your ECG, heart rhythm, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the procedure. The cardiologist will be present throughout the procedure.

 

At the end of the test you will be given a verbal result and the formal report will be sent electronically to your GP and to any other centres that may require the result.

 

Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram:

Your ECG, heart rhythm, blood pressure will be monitored throughout the procedure. The cardiologist will be present throughout the procedure. In addition, you will have an ultrasound examination of your heart, valves and pumping chamber function before exercise and immediately after exercise.

 

At the end of the test you will be given a verbal result and the formal report will be sent electronically to your GP and to any other centres that may require the result.

 

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a small wearable device that records your heart rhythm.  You usually wear a Holter monitor for  24 hours.

The monitor helps to identify any irregularities (fast or slow) of your heart rhythm.

 

It is very helpful if you develop your symptoms (usually palpitations, sometimes dizziness/faintishness) while you are wearing the monitor and the cardiologist can identify any underlying rhythm disturbance .

 

If your symptoms are less frequent a longer monitoring period can be arranged.

 

 

 

24hr BP Monitoring

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is when your blood pressure is being measured as you move around, while living your normal daily life.  It is usually carried over 24 hours.

 

It uses a small digital blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt around your body and connected to a cuff around your upper arm. It is small enough that you can go about your normal daily life and even sleep with it on.

 

24 hour BP monitor is commonly used to see if your BP at home (in your own environnment) is normal as compared to at a doctor's office.