General Information
We are pleased to offer the following tests for initial evaluation and follow-up of cardiac and vascular illness. Most all tests can be provided in the office setting on the day of the request or within one to three days after testing.
Please call our downtown (509) 838-7711, Northside (509) 489-7504, Valley (509) 922-9045, Coeur d’Alene (208) 676-9913 or Sandpoint (208) 263-2505 offices for more information and to arrange an appointment.
Purpose
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound exam helpful in the diagnosis of multiple forms of heart disease. Two-dimensional images allow evaluation of the severity of valve disease, chamber size measurement, and calculation of ejection fraction.
Preparation
The exam takes approximately one hour and requires no special preparation by the patient. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Purpose
Stress Echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound combined with exercise treadmill examination, used to diagnose wall motion abnormalities resulting from ischemic disease. In addition, the viability of damaged heart muscle, regurgitant lesions, and intracardiac pressures can be evaluated.
Preparation
Stress Echo takes about 1 hour. Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are closely monitored throughout the exam. Nothing to eat 3 hours prior to the test, except water which is encouraged. Beta blockers and other medications, as instructed, should be withheld for 24 hours prior to the test. Patients are advised to wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Purpose
As an alternative to Stress Echo, Dobutamine Echocardiography is a non-invasive stress ultrasound useful in patients who are unable to exercise. This examination uses Dobutamine, and occasionally atropine, to pharmacologically increase the patient’s heart rate.
Preparation
The exam takes approximately 2 hours. Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are closely monitored throughout the exam. Beta blockers, Viagra, and other medications, as instructed, should be withheld for 24 hours prior to the exam. Nothing orally, except water, 4 hours prior to the test. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Purpose
This exam evaluates carotid blood flow and possible causes of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Preparation
The exam takes about 1 hour. It requires no specific prep and no special clothing.
Purpose
The abdominal vascular exam is a non-invasive exam helpful in diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm and evaluation of abdominal bruits.
Preparation
The exam takes 1-2 hours. Patients must fast for an 8-hour period prior to testing. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is suggested.
Purpose
This arterial exam is a non-invasive exam helpful in evaluation of arterial insufficiency. At-rest ankle brachial pressures are obtained, as well as post exercise, to evaluate physiologic changes in pressure.
Preparation
The exam takes 30 minutes. No special preparation is required, although it is helpful for patients to wear shorts.
Purpose
This arterial exam is a non-invasive exam helpful in evaluation of arterial insufficiency. Ultrasound is used to determine the location and severity of disease. At-rest ankle brachial pressures are obtained, as well as post exercise, to evaluate physiologic changes in pressure.
Preparation
The exam takes 1½-2 hours. Patients may have a light meal prior to testing. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is suggested
Purpose
Venous study is helpful in locating deep venous thrombosis (vein clot)
Preparation
This exam takes 1-1½ hours and requires no special preparation.
Cardiac Stress Evaluation
Purpose
Exercise Treadmill is useful in the diagnosis of exercise-induced cardiac ischemia and aids in evaluating therapy. Patients are exercised on an incline treadmill to reach peak tolerance. Vital signs and EKG are closely monitored during this test.
Preparation
Exercise Treadmill Testing takes 1 hour. Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are closely monitored throughout the exam. Nothing to eat 3 hours prior to the test, except water which is encouraged. Beta blockers and other medications, as instructed, should be withheld for 24 hours prior to the test. Patients are advised to wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Purpose
This test can detect cardiac muscle damage or conditions that may lead to damage through the injection of a small amount of heart-sensitive radioisotope. The heart is subsequently imaged with a special camera. Images are obtained at rest and after treadmill exercise stress testing. For those patients unable to exercise, the drug Persantine can simulate exercise by increasing the patient heart rate and blood pressure.
Preparation
The test takes approximately two hours. Preparation for the exam requires that beta blockers, Viagra, and other medications, as instructed, be withheld for 24 hours prior to the exam. Patients must avoid caffeine and decaf products for 24 hours prior to testing. Nothing orally, except water, 4 hours prior to the test.
Cardiac Rhythm Evaluation
12 lead electrocardiogram to evaluate resting abnormalities in heart rhythm and cardiac status.
The King of Hearts Monitor selectively records heart rhythm as patient symptoms occur. Patients manually trigger recordings. Worn for a two-week period, this method is appropriate for infrequent symptoms. The monitors are designed for telephone transmission of ECG tracings over an extended period of time.
This monitor provides continuous tracking of cardiac rhythm for changes correlating with patient symptoms. Worn for 24 hours, the Holter Monitor is the best choice for symptoms that occur frequently.
Prescribed for follow-up of pacemaker and defibrillator function. A transmitter is supplied to the patient, who is contacted on a regular basis for pacemaker checks.