ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
Description:
An electrocardiogram (also called an ECG or EKG) is a safe and painless test that studies the electrical activity of the heart. It presents a graphic tracing of the variations of electrical impulses as they are detected and measured through electrodes connected to the skin. The electrode,
which is a small, self-adhesive patch, serves as the medium between the heart and the machine that records the electrical activity, called an electrocardiograph.
What to Expect During An Electrocardiogram
You may be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a hospital gown.
Several electrodes
will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph, the machine that records the electrical activity.
An EKG takes approximately five minutes.
Preparation Checklist for a Electrocardiogram
A written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Wear a buttoned blouse or shirt without an undershirt for easy access to your chest.
Do not apply any creams, lotions or powder to your chest, arms, or legs on the day of the test.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
An electrocardiogram (EKG) provides valuable information about the heart at rest.
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HOLTER MONITORING
Description:
A Holter monitor is a portable
unit that records your heart’s rhythm over a continuous period of time, usually 24 hours. While you are wearing the monitor (either clipped onto your belt or draped across your shoulder with an attached strap), you maintain your normal daily activities. Holter monitoring is very safe and it is only minimally inconvenient since you need to carry the recorder unit with you all day.
What To Expect During Holter Monitoring
You may be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a gown.
Several electrodes
(small adhesive patches) will be applied to your chest. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
Once the electrode patches are adhered to the chest, they will be connected by a cable to the small portable EKG recorder, which is worn on the belt or across the shoulder with the attached strap.
You should go about you normal daily activities except those involving water, such as, showering, or swimming.
You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and to keep note of any symptoms you may experience during the monitoring period. This is very important since it enables your physician to correlate your activities and symptoms with the
EKG
recording.
After the equipment is returned, the tape will be analyzed and a detailed report will be sent to your physician.
Preparation Checklist for Holter Monitoring
Written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Wear a buttoned blouse or shirt without an undershirt for easy access to your chest.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to the chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Holter monitoring provides valuable information about cardiac rhythm disturbances. It helps determine if any abnormal rhythms are related to a patient’s symptoms or activities. This test may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments such as medication or pacemakers.
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ECHOCARDIOGRAMS
Description:
An echocardiogram examines the heart with the use of ultrasound,
an imaging modality that visualizes internal structures by recording the pulsating "echoes" of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed to the heart. These high frequency sound waves are transmitted through a transducer
which is a device that converts them into electrical impulses. An echocardiograph machine converts the electrical impulses into images that are displayed onto a monitor and recorded so that a cardiologist can view them and interpret the results.
(see Stress Tests)
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Description:
A transthoracic echocardiogram is an ultrasound,
that records the pulsating "echoes" of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed to the heart. A hand-held device called a transducer
is glided over the chest to obtain these images, and an echocardiograph machine displays them onto a monitor and records them so a cardiologist can view them and interpret the results.
What To Expect During a Transthoracic Echocardiogram
You will be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a hospital gown.
Electrodes will be placed on your chest to record the heart’s electrical activity during the test.
You will be asked to lie on your left side while a transducer
is moved to various positions on your chest to obtain different views of the heart. To improve the quality of the pictures, the transducer will be coated with a colorless gel to help it glide over your skin.
This procedure is painless although you may feel slight discomfort when the transducer is held tightly against the chest.
The echocardiogram takes approximately 20 to 60 minutes.
Preparation Checklist for a Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Written prescription from your doctor.
An insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Wear a buttoned blouse or shirt without an undershirt for easy access to your chest.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to the chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of a Transthoracic Echocardiogram:
A transthoracic echocardiogram assesses the overall anatomy, chamber size, and motion of the heart as well as the function of the cardiac valves. Blood flow across the valves also is measured to determine if they are functioning properly.
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Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Description:
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an ultrasound,
that records the pulsating “echoes” of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed to the heart. Like all echocardiograms, these impulses are converted into images that are displayed onto a monitor and recorded so that your cardiologist can view them and interpret the results.
A TEE is a specialized echocardiogram that enables your cardiologist to visualize areas in the back of the heart that are difficult to view using a standard echocardiogram. A tiny transducer
is mounted on the tip of a flexible tube and inserted down the throat into the esophagus
(the food pipe that connects the mouth with the stomach). Since the esophagus lies directly behind the heart, the view is unobstructed and sharper details of your heart and better images of the valves can be obtained.
What To Expect During a Transesophageal Echocardiogram
You will be given a mild sedative that will keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Because you will receive this medication, you will be instructed not to drive until the next day. You should make arrangements for a family member or friend to accompany you and drive you home.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown.
An intravenous (I.V.) tube will be placed into a vein in your arm. The sedative will be given through the intravenous line to relax you for the short time that the transducer
is inserted.
The back of your throat will be sprayed with a medication to numb it in order to make you more comfortable as the transducer
is guided into your esophagus.
The procedure will last approximately one hour, however, the transducer
will only be in place for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time your vital signs will be continuously monitored.
After the test is completed you will remain in the recovery area for approximately two hours until effects of the numbing medication and sedation have subsided.
Preparation Checklist for a Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to test.
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to the chest area on the day of your test.
If you are taking medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
Diagnostic Capabilities of a Transesophageal Echocardiogram:
Transesophageal echocardiograms assess the overall anatomy and motion of the heart, the function of the cardiac valves and chambers, and the measurement of the blood pumping through the heart. It is generally recommended when your physician does not get enough information from a standard
transthoracic echocardiogram
or when blood clots in the heart are suspected. Since the images obtained are sharper and clearer, the cardiologist is able to visualize structures in the back of the heart that cannot be seen on a standard echocardiogram.
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STRESS TESTS
Description:
Cardiac stress tests are the most commonly used techniques for the detection of
Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) and other heart disorders that are not apparent during a resting
EKG.
Examining the heart when higher demands are placed on its pumping capacity provides vital diagnostic information about the blood flow through your coronary arteries. Types of stress tests include:
Electrocardiographic (EKG) Stress Test
Description:
An electrocardiographic stress test (also called an EKG or ECG stress test or an exercise stress test) is simply an
EKG
that is done while you are walking on a treadmill. The exercise places a higher demand on the heart’s pumping capacity so blood flow through the coronary arteries can be evaluated.
What To Expect During an EKG Stress Test
A cardiologist and an experienced cardiac technician will be with you during the test and your vital signs will be continuously monitored.
You will be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a gown.
Several electrodes
(small adhesive patches) will be applied to your chest. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
Once the electrode patches are adhered to the chest, they will be connected to equipment that will monitor your electrocardiogram during the procedure.
Under the supervision of a cardiologist, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill. As the test progresses, the speed of the treadmill and the angle of the incline will be increased.
As your levels of exertion are increased, you will be continuously monitored with the
EKG
and your pulse rate, blood pressure, and any resulting symptoms will be recorded.
An EKG stress test lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. The test is generally safe, although a small amount of risk does exist when the heart is stressed. The cardiologist and cardiac technicians are available to handle any situation that may occur.
Preparation Checklist for a EKG Stress Test
Written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for two hours prior to your test.
If you are taking medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for exercise.
Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to your chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of an EKG Stress Test:
An EKG stress test is a safe way to detect
Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD). Since higher demands are placed on the heart, the blood flow to your heart muscle can be readily evaluated. In addition to studying the results of your EKG, your doctor will get important diagnostic information about your blood pressure and your maximum exercise level. The development of any symptoms that may occur during the test provides valuable diagnostic information as well. The EKG stress test also aids in evaluating the effects of drug therapy and determining how fit you are and how safe an exercise program would be for you. This test often detects heart disorders that are not apparent at rest.
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Nuclear Stress Tests
Description:
Cardiac nuclear scanning is an imaging modality that shows the blood flow to the heart muscle after the injection of a radiopharmaceutical, which serves as a tracer substance that can be measured as the compound is metabolized within the body.
Radionuclide Stress Test
Description:
A radionuclide stress test consists of two components: nuclear scanning of your heart and exercise on a treadmill. The nuclear scan captures images of the biochemical changes in your heart after the injection of a radiopharmaceutical, which is a tracer substance that can be measured as the compound is metabolized within the body. The exercise portion of the test places a higher demand on the heart’s pumping capacity so blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle can be evaluated.
What To Expect During a Radionuclide Stress Test
A cardiologist and an experienced cardiac technician will be with you during the test and your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure will be continuously monitored.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown.
Several electrodes
(small adhesive patches) will be applied to your chest. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
An intravenous (I.V.) tube will be placed into a vein in your arm.
During the first part of the test, resting views of the heart will be obtained. First, a small amount of the tracer substance will be given intravenously. After it has been absorbed in the body for approximately 30 minutes your heart will be scanned. A special camera is used to detect the tracer drug that has circulated to your heart during rest.
Approximately three hours later you will have the exercise portion of the test at which time you will be asked to walk on a treadmill to increase the blood flow to the heart.
Shortly before the treadmill is stopped, another dose of the tracer substance is given through the I.V.
After time is allowed for this tracer substance to be absorbed by the body (at least 30 minutes), your heart will again be scanned.
The cardiologist and a radiologist will review all of the information obtained from this test and interpret the results. A written report of the findings will be sent to your referring physician(s).
A cardiac nuclear stress test takes approximately five hours to complete. For accuracy, it is important that adequate time be allowed for the resting dose of tracer to clear the heart before the second dose is given. When clinically indicated, it may be necessary to perform this test in two days. If this is the case, the rest portion of the test is done on one day and the stress portion is then scheduled on another day.
Preparation Checklist for a Radionuclide Stress Test
Written prescription from your doctor.
An insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for three hours prior to your test.
If you are taking medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
NO caffeine or dairy products should be consumed after midnight. This includes chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even those beverages labeled “caffeine free” (since these products have traces of caffeine in them).
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sneakers if you will be walking on the treadmill.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to your chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of Radionuclide Stress Test:
A radionuclide stress test is extremely useful in diagnosing
Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) because the images show if the heart muscle is receiving an adequate blood supply when higher demands are placed upon it. Areas of the heart that have sufficient blood flow will absorb the tracer immediately. Areas of the heart that have a reduced blood supply will absorb the tracer slowly or not at all. These tests provide important diagnostic information for those who have an abnormal baseline
electrocardiogram
and/or a non-conclusive
EKG stress test. Return to Top
Persantine™ Radionuclide Stress Test
Description:
A Persantine™ radionuclide stress test consists of two components. The first component involves a nuclear scan of your heart before and after the injection of a radiopharmaceutical, which is a tracer substance that can be measured as the compound is metabolized within the body. The second component includes images that are taken both before and after the administration of the drug Persantine™, which is a vasodilator medication that increases the blood flow to the heart muscle — without making it work harder — so that the supply of blood to the coronary arteries can be evaluated. This type of nuclear stress test is usually recommended for those who are unable to exercise or who have conduction defects, such as bundle branch block,
which may interfere with a standard
EKG
interpretation.
What To Expect During a Persantine™ Radionuclide Stress Test
A cardiologist, a registered nurse, and an experienced cardiac technician will be with you during the test and your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure will be continuously monitored.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and put on a gown.
Several electrodes
(small adhesive patches) will be applied to your chest. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
An intravenous (I.V.) tube will be placed into a vein in your arm.
During the first part of the test, resting views of the heart will be obtained. First, a small amount of the tracer substance will be given intravenously. After it has been absorbed in the body for approximately 30 minutes your heart will be scanned. A special camera is used to detect the tracer drug that has circulated to your heart during rest.
Approximately three hours later you will be given Persantine™ through your I.V. This medication will increase the blood flow to your heart without making it work harder. The dose administered is measured according to your weight.
Shortly after the Persantine™ is administered, another dose of the tracer substance is given through the I.V.
After time is allowed for this tracer substance to be absorbed by the body (at least 30 minutes), your heart will again be scanned.
The cardiologist and a radiologist will review all of the information obtained from this test and interpret the results. A written report of the findings will be sent to your referring physician(s).
A Persantine™ radionuclide stress test takes approximately five hours to complete. For accuracy, it is important that adequate time be allowed for the resting dose of tracer to clear the heart before the second dose is given. When clinically indicated, it may be necessary to perform this test in two days. If this is the case, the rest portion of the test is done on one day and the stress portion is then scheduled on another day.
Preparation Checklist for a Persantine™ Radionuclide Stress Test
Written prescription from your doctor.
An insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for three to six hours prior to your test. The length of the time you need to fast will depend upon whether your test is done in one day or scheduled over a two-day period.
If you are taking medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
NO caffeine or dairy products should be consumed after midnight. This includes chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even those beverages labeled “caffeine free” (since these products have traces of caffeine in them).
NO medications that contain caffeine should be taken after midnight. These include Anacin, Excedrin, NoDoz, Fiorinal, Cafergot, Darvon, etc.
If you have a history of wheezing, asthma or chronic lung disease (such as emphysema), please contact your physician for specific instructions. If you use a respiratory inhaler or take medications containing any form of Theophylline (e.g., Constant-T, Primatene, Quibron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Slo-Phylline, or Theo-dur, etc.), your physician will need to know this as well so he or she can provide specific instructions.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to your chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of a Persantine™ Radionuclide Stress Test:
A Persantine™ radionuclide stress test is extremely useful in diagnosing
Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) because the images show if the heart muscle is receiving an adequate blood supply when higher demands are placed upon it. Areas of the heart that have sufficient blood flow will absorb the tracer immediately. Areas of the heart that have a reduced blood supply will absorb the tracer slowly or not at all. These tests provide important diagnostic information for those who have an abnormal baseline
electrocardiogram
and/or a non-conclusive
EKG stress test. Return to Top
Stress Echocardiograms
Description:
A stress echocardiogram examines the heart with the use of ultrasound,
both before and after higher demands are placed on it. Ultrasound is an imaging modality that visualizes internal structures by recording the pulsating “echoes” of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed into the area of the body being studied. These high frequency sound waves are transmitted through a transducer
which is a device that converts them into electrical impulses. An echocardiograph machine converts the electrical impulses into images that are displayed onto a monitor and printed so that a cardiologist can view them and interpret the results. There are two types of stress echocardiograms:
Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
Description:
A stress echocardiogram consists of two components: an ultrasound,
of the heart and exercise on a treadmill. Ultrasound is an imaging modality that visualizes internal structures by recording the pulsating “echoes” of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed into the area of the body being studied. During an exercise stress echocardiogram, these high frequency sound waves are transmitted through a transducer
that is glided over the chest above your heart. The exercise portion of the test places a higher demand on the heart’s pumping capacity so blood flow through the coronary arteries can be evaluated.
What To Expect During an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
A cardiologist, an echocardiographer and a cardiac technician will be with you during the test.
You will be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a gown.
EKG electrodes
will be placed on your chest to record the heart’s electrical activity during the test. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved. Your
EKG
and blood pressure readings will be continuously monitored during the procedure.
A resting echocardiogram will be performed. You will be asked to lie on your left side while a transducer
is moved to various positions on your chest to obtain different views of the heart. To improve the quality of the pictures, the transducer will be coated with a colorless gel to help it glide over your skin.
Under the supervision of a cardiologist, you will then be asked to walk on a treadmill, which will gradually become faster and steeper as the test progresses.
When your optimal level of exercise is reached, the treadmill will be stopped. At this time a second echocardiogram will be obtained while your heart is still working hard.
A stress echocardiogram will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. It is considered a safe test, although a small amount of risk does exist when the heart is stressed. The cardiologist and experienced personnel are available to handle any situation that may occur.
The cardiologist and a radiologist will review all the information obtained from this test and interpret the results. A written report of the findings will be sent to your referring physician(s).
Preparation Checklist for an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
Written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for two hours prior to your test.
If you are taking medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise.
Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to your chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram:
Placing a higher demand on the heart’s pumping capacity enables the cardiologist to directly visualize your cardiac function and to evaluate how your heart muscle responds when it is working harder. This test often detects heart disorders that are not apparent at rest.
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Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
Description:
A Dobutamine stress echocardiogram is an ultrasound
of the heart that is performed before, during, and after the administration of medication that will make the heart work harder. Ultrasound is an imaging modality that visualizes internal structures by recording the pulsating “echoes” of harmless and painless sound waves that are directed into the area of the body being studied. During a Dobutamine stress echocardiogram, these high frequency sound waves are transmitted through a transducer
that is glided over the chest above your heart. It is usually recommended for patients who are unable to exercise adequately.
What To Expect During a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A cardiologist, a registered nurse, an echocardiographer and a cardiac technician will be with you during the test.
You will be asked to remove clothing above the waist and put on a gown.
EKG electrodes
will be placed on your chest to record the heart’s electrical activity during the test. To ensure good electrode contact with your skin, the area will be cleansed with alcohol and a special pad to remove skin oils and dry skin. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved. Your
EKG,
heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored continuously during the test.
An intravenous (I.V.) tube will be placed into a vein in your arm. The medication Dobutamine will be given through the I.V., which will cause your heart to pump faster and harder as if you were exercising. The dose, which is measured according to your weight, is given very slowly and increased in small increments every few minutes.
An echocardiogram will be performed before, during, and after the administration of the medication. You will be asked to lie on your left side while a transducer
is moved to various positions on your chest to obtain different views of the heart. To improve the quality of the pictures, the transducer will be coated with a colorless gel to help it glide over your skin.
A Dobutamine stress echocardiogram will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. It is considered a safe test, although a small amount of risk does exist when the heart is stressed. The cardiologist and experienced personnel are available to handle any situation that may occur.
The cardiologist will review all of the information obtained from this test and interpret the results. A written report of the findings will be sent to your referring physician(s).
Preparation Checklist for a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
Written prescription from your doctor.
Insurance referral, if required by your plan.
Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your test.
If you are taking a beta blocker or any other medications, it is up to your physician to decide whether you should stop any of them prior to the test. If you are instructed to continue taking your medications, only a small sip of water should be consumed.
If you are a diabetic on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, please contact your physician for special instructions.
Wear comfortable loosing fitting clothes.
Do not apply any creams, lotions, or powder to your chest area on the day of your test.
Diagnostic Capabilities of a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms:
Placing a higher demand on the heart’s pumping capacity enables the cardiologist to directly visualize your cardiac function and to evaluate how your heart muscle responds when the blood flow is increased. This test often detects heart disorders that are not apparent at rest.
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ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION (EECP®) PROGRAM The Division of Non-invasive Cardiology at Hackensack University Medical Center offers Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP®) as a treatment option for patients with angina that does not respond to therapy.
Angina is a condition that signals a part of the heart muscle is not receiving an adequate supply of blood or oxygen. When this happens, symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath may occur.
There are many options for the treatment of angina, which may include medications, balloon procedures or surgery. Sometimes these therapies do not relieve the symptoms because the disease is too extensive. On other occasions, the treatments cannot be performed due to coexisting medical conditions. In these cases, EECP® may be indicated. It is a safe, painless, and noninvasive alternative that may decrease the frequency of angina symptoms, or eliminate them altogether.
EECP® therapy stimulates the growth of “collaterals,” which are a network of small vessels that create a “natural bypass” around narrowed or blocked arteries. During treatments, compressive air cuffs that are similar to blood pressure cuffs are applied to the calves, lower and upper thighs, and buttocks. The cuffs deliver waves of pressure that are electronically timed to your heartbeat, so that an increased blood flow is delivered to your heart at the precise moment it is relaxing. When the heart begins to pump again, the pressure is instantly released, allowing the blood to be pumped out of the heart more easily.
Therapy is administered through a series of 60 to 90 minute sessions held five days a week over a seven-week period. A Magnet Award-winning cardiac nurse supervises each session. Experienced cardiac nurses also provide emotional support for patients and their families, as well as education tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Patients must obtain a physician’s order to receive EECP® therapy. They are advised to wear comfortable clothes to each session and eat breakfast or lunch prior to treatment. Those coming for the first time should contact their doctor beforehand to discuss medications. Depending on the patient’s individual situation, he or she may need to refrain from taking medications before EECP® therapy. In addition, patients are asked to bring a list of their medications to the first session.
For more information, please call Non-invasive Cardiology’s EECP® Program at (201) 996-EECP (3327).
SCHEDULING & INSURANCE INFORMATION
Outpatients who need to schedule a cardiac test should call (201)996-3800. A Registration Intake Coordinator will help you choose a convenient appointment time and will provide you with the appropriate preparation instructions for your test.
Hospitalized patients, of course, do not need to schedule their cardiac tests. The nursing staff coordinates these procedures according to your physician’s orders, and many of them are done at the patient’s bedside.
RECEIVING RESULTS
The test results of outpatients are sent to your referring physician, and copies can be sent to other physicians as per your request during the registration process.
The results of cardiac tests for hospitalized patients are sent directly to the appropriate nursing unit, where they become a part of your permanent charted record and are readily available for review by your physician(s).
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