2-D Echocardiogram | Adenosine MPI | Cardiac Catheterization | Dobutamine MPI | MUGA | Persantine (Dipyridamole) MPI | Stress Echocardiogram | Tilt Table Test | Treatmill Test (ETT) | MPI Treatmill Test | Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

 

2-D Echocardiogram With or Without Doppler and Colorflow

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound or sound wave test of the heart. It is used to evaluate the size, thickness, and pumping action of the heart. It can also help evaluate murmurs, valve problems, or fluid around the heart.

The test is noninvasive, which means no needles, catheters, or dyes are used. Ultrasound is used to create a picture of the heart, including the blood vessels, valves, atria and ventricles. Gel is placed on the skin over the area to be studied. An instrument, called a transducer, is placed on your skin. Sound waves are transmitted from the transducer. The sound waves reflect off the tissues and organs to create a picture that can be seen on a screen. Blood flow through the blood vessels can be heard as the test is being completed.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Wear two-piece clothing.
  2. Allow approximately 1 hour.
  3. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Adenosine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test

The test takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

An Adenosine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging test uses a radioactive imaging agent (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The imaging agent gives off a small amount of radiation which can be seen with a special camera. The amount of radiation exposure during this test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Prior to the test an IV will be started. During the rest portion of the test, you will receive an injection of the radioactive imaging agent, and pictures will be taken of your heart. For the stress portion of the test, a medication (Adenosine) will be given through the IV to simulate exercise by dilating the blood vessels of the heart. During the infusion, you will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. You will be given an injection of the radioactive imaging agent during the infusion. Following the Adenosine infusion, pictures will be taken to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patient Instructions:
  1. No caffeine 24 hours before your test. (This includes decaffeinated beverages, chocolate, and caffeine containing medications such as Anacin and Excedrin.)
  2. Do not eat or drink anything four hours prior to the test.
  3. If you have lung problems such as asthma, emphysema, or COPD, please let the nurse or technologist know prior to the test.
  4. Take all your regular medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
    If you take any medications for breathing problems, please consult with the nurse or technologist. Any medications containing Aminophylline or Theophylline should not be taken for 48 hours prior to the test. If you take Persantine or Dipyridamole pills, please consult with the nurse or technologist.
  5. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes. No shirts with metal snaps.
  6. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  7. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Cardiac Catheterization

A Cardiac Catheterization allows a physician to examine a patient's heart for pumping function, check for blockage in the arteries bringing blood to the heart, and measure pressures within the heart. Patients are usually given a mild sedative prior to the procedure. This will help you feel more relaxed and maybe a bit sleepy. This test is done in a sterile room with special cameras to take x-ray pictures of your heart. Most cardiac catheterizations are done through a large artery in the groin, although they can be done from the wrist or elbow area. The nurse or technician will cleanse and shave the groin (or arm) area and cover you with sterile drapes. The doctor will then numb the area and insert a small hollow tube or sheath into the artery in your groin (or arm). The physician can then thread special catheters (long, thin plastic tubes) up to the heart. Through these specially shaped catheters, the physician can inject x-ray contrast dye and take x-ray pictures of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and the main pumping chamber of the heart. Some people may notice a mild discomfort or "hot flash" following the dye injection which will last only a few seconds. During the catheterization, the physician can view the x-ray images on special TV screens. The entire procedure can take as little as 20 minutes or sometimes more than an hour, depending on how many and what type of measurements are taken. After the physician has completed the procedure, the sheaths are removed from the groin (or arm) and a nurse or cath lab technician will hold pressure on the site to allow the small hole in the artery to close. A special dressing, pressure device or sandbag may be placed on the site at this time. You will be asked to lie flat and still for several hours after the procedure to allow the hole in the artery to seal. Some physicians use a type of vascular closure device to seal the puncture in the artery. You should follow your physician's specific instructions about activity following the use of one of these devices. Most patients will go home several hours after the procedure, but because you have been given medication to relax you, please plan to have someone drive you home. After your procedure, it is normal for the puncture site to be a bit tender and bruised, and a small knot may even develop. If you notice redness, drainage, severe pain or swelling, talk to your doctor to see if further evaluation is indicated.

In most cases, you will be asked to come to the hospital in the morning, and depending on the results, you may be able to leave later that afternoon. You will want to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in case you need to stay in the hospital. Prior to the procedure, you will be told not to eat or drink anything after a certain time. Your doctor will inform you which of your medications you should take prior to the procedure, and which medications to avoid before your catheterization. Please inform your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to x-ray contrast dye or shellfish. He or she will prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Please inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease.

If you take coumadin, hold your dose for 3 days prior.If you are a diabetic hold your Metformin the day prior to your procedure, the day of your procedure and one day after. Continue your Long-Acting Insulin. Hold your Short Acting Insulin if you have been instructed to not eat or drink anything the day of your test. Restart your Short Acting Insulin when your diet resumes.

Continue to take all cardiac medications as usual.

You may take your medications with a small sip of water.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Dobutamine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test

The test takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

A Dobutamine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging test uses a radioactive substance (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The radioactive substance gives off a small amount of radiation which can be seen with a special camera. The amount of radiation exposure during this test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Prior to the test an IV will be started. During the rest portion of the test, you will receive an injection of the radioactive substance, and pictures will be taken of your heart. For the stress portion of the test, a medication (Dobutamine) will be given through the IV to stimulate the heart. During the infusion, you will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. You will be given an injection of the radioactive substance during the infusion. Following the Dobutamine infusion, pictures will be taken to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Do not eat or drink anything four hours prior to the test. No caffeine 24 hours prior to your test.
  2. Take all your regular medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
  3. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes. No shirts with metal snaps.
  4. No smoking 24 hours prior to your test.
  5. If you have a history of glaucoma, please notify the person doing your test.
  6. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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MUGA

A MUGA uses a radioactive substance (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The radioactive substance gives off a small amount of radiation which can be seen with a special camera. The amount of radiation exposure during this test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart that do not pump strongly. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Prior to the test an IV will be started. A series of pictures will then be taken to check the pumping action of the heart.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Wear two-piece clothing.
  2. The test takes approximately 1 hour.
  3. Take all of your regular medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
  4. No caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.
  5. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  6. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Persantine (Dipyridamole) Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test

The test takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

A Persantine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging test uses a radioactive imaging agent (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The imaging agent gives off a small amount of radiation which can be seen with a special camera. The amount of radiation exposure during this test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Prior to the test an IV will be started. During the rest portion of the test, you will receive an injection of the radioactive imaging agent, and pictures will be taken of your heart. For the stress portion of the test, a medication (Persantine) will be given through the IV to simulate exercise by dilating the blood vessels of the heart. During the infusion, you will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. You will be given an injection of the radioactive imaging agent following the infusion. Following the Persantine infusion, pictures will be taken to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patient Instructions:
  1. No caffeine 24 hours before your test. (This includes decaffeinated beverages, chocolate, and caffeine containing medications such as Anacin and Excedrin.)
  2. Do not eat or drink anything two hours prior to the test. No caffeine 24 hours prior to or on the day of testing.
  3. Diabetics should eat a light breakfast and take their insulin.
  4. If you have lung problems such as asthma, emphysema, or COPD, please let the nurse or technologist know prior to the test.
  5. Take all your regular medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
    If you take any medications for breathing problems, please consult with the nurse or technologist. Any medications containing Aminophylline or Theophylline should not be taken for 48 hours prior to the test.
  6. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes. No shirts with metal snaps.
  7. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  8. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Stress Echocardiogram

The test takes approximately 1 hour.

A Stress Echocardiogram incorporates a treadmill test along with imaging of the heart utilizing ultrasound (sound waves). The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Ultrasound images will be obtained before and immediately after exercise on a treadmill. During the treadmill, you will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Do not eat or drink anything four hours prior to the test.
  2. If you take a Beta Blocker hold your dose prior to your test, you may take the rest of your medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. For a complete list of Beta Blockers please call the office at number below.
  3. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes.
  4. No caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.
  5. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  6. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Tilt Table Test

What is a Tilt Table Test?
A tilt table test evaluates for neurocardiogenic syncope. Syncope is a condition when a person passes out, faints, or is unconscious for a short time. Neurocardiogenic means that the nervous system "neuro" and the heart system "cardio" are involved. The person's blood pressure and heart rate drop suddenly and the brain does not receive enough blood. This results in the loss of consciousness.

When is a Tilt Table Test needed?
The most common reason for a tilt table test is when a person has passed out for reasons that are unclear. These spells can be dangerous if the person is injured when falling or crashes when driving a car.

Is the Tilt Table Test safe?
You may be given a medication during this test. Some possible side effects from the medication include fast heart rate, nausea, or slight nervousness. Other rare complications are shortness of breath, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, and very rarely, a heart attack or death. Health care professionals are with you and will watch closely for any problems.

If you are pregnant, suspect you may be, or are a nursing mother; discuss this with your doctor before the test.

How should I prepare for the test?
Do not eat, drink, or smoke for 2 hours before the test. You may have hard candy to suck or gum to chew. Check with your doctor about continuing to take any heart medicines. Your doctor may want you to stop taking some medicines a day or two before the test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Family may come with you, but they will need to wait in the waiting room.

How is the test performed?
Several small sticky patches, called electrodes, will be placed on your chest. Wires to an electrocardiograph, or EKG, machine will connect these electrodes. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. A recording of your heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure will be obtained throughout the test. An intravenous line (IV) will be placed into a vein in your arm. You will lie on a table; straps will be placed around your chest, waist, and above your knees to prevent you from falling.

The table will be placed in a standing position. If you notice any symptoms similar to when you passed out (such as yawning, nausea, warmth, or dizziness), please tell the staff.

A medication may be given if none of your symptoms reoccur. After you receive the medication, if you notice any symptoms similar to when you passed out or chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, tell the staff. After the medication is done, you will be placed flat. Your heart rate and blood pressure will continue to be checked for about 10 minutes.

The test will take about 1-2 hours.

How will I find out the test results?
A cardiologist will read the test and report the results to your doctor. Your doctor will inform you of the test results.

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Treadmill Test (ETT)

The purpose of this test is to determine how your heart responds to stress and evaluate your cardiovascular status. You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill until you reach a "target" heart rate based on your age. During the treadmill, you will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. The exercise portion of the test usually lasts for 6 to 15 minutes. You should allow about an hour for the entire test, which includes preparation, the exercise portion, and the recovery period.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Do not eat or drink anything two hours prior to the test.
  2. If you take a Beta Blocker hold your dose prior to your test, You may take the rest of your medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. For a complete list of medications you can call the office.
  3. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes.
  4. No caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.
  5. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  6. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Treadmill Test

The test takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

A Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Treadmill test uses a radioactive substance (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The radioactive substance gives off a small amount of radiation which can be seen with a special camera. The amount of radiation exposure during this test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. Prior to the test an IV will be started. During the rest portion of the test, you will receive an injection of the radioactive substance, and pictures will be taken of your heart. For the stress portion of the test, you will exercise on a treadmill and be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. You will be given an injection of the radioactive substance during your last minute of exercise. Following the treadmill, pictures will be taken to determine blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patient Instructions:
  1. Do not eat or drink anything four hours prior to the test.
  2. Take all your regular medications, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
  3. Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable shoes. No shirts with metal snaps.
  4. No smoking 24 hours prior to the test.
  5. Your physician will be notified of the results.

If you need to reschedule the test or have any questions regarding these instructions. please call our office at 616-717-5141.

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Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

What is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?
A TEE is a test which uses a flexible tube that produces ultrasound waves to create pictures of the heart from inside of the esophagus and stomach. Sound waves are transmitted from an instrument, called a transducer probe, into your body. The sound waves reflect (echo) off the tissues and organs to create pictures which can be seen on a screen.

When can a TEE be useful?
The TEE provides very clear pictures of the heart structures and blood flow. The pictures are usually clearer than those obtained from a standard echocardiogram, which is performed from the chest wall. This test is often used to view hard-to-see structures or to obtain more detailed pictures of the heart and aorta.

Common reasons for the test include measuring the size and pumping strength of the heart and looking at the shape and motion of the heart valves. This test may also be used to look for fluid around the heart and blood clots or masses inside of the heart or aorta.

Is a TEE safe?
The risks associated with having a TEE are small. Possible complications include pneumonia and abnormal heart rhythms. Very rarely, there may be some bleeding from the esophagus, a hole in the stomach or esophagus, or depressed breathing.

How should I prepare for the test?
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the test.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a problem with swallowing or a history of esophagus or stomach conditions.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any allergies to medicines, especially medicines that make you relax.

If you are coming into the hospital for this test, please bring someone to drive you home.

How is the test performed?
A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. Small sticky patches, called electrodes, will be placed on your chest. An oxygen transducer will be placed on your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in your body. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing will be monitored during the test. You will be given oxygen. An intravenous line (or IV) will be placed into a vein in your arm.

A local anesthetic will be sprayed to numb the back of your throat. Medicine will be given through your IV to help you relax and feel sleepy.

The doctor will gently insert the probe into your mouth. As you swallow, the probe will be directed into your esophagus. You may feel the probe moving, but it is generally not painful. When the probe is positioned in the esophagus just behind the heart, pictures of the heart will be taken.

The preparation and test together will take approximately 1 hour.

What about after the test?
The nurse will give you instructions about when you may eat or drink.

Your throat may feel slightly sore for about one day. When you can start drinking, soothe your throat with cold liquids and lozenges.

Do not drive for 12 hours.

Avoid alcoholic beverages for 12 hours.

How will I find out the test results?
A cardiologist will read the test and report the results to your doctor. Your doctor will inform you of the test results.

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