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Cardiology Lab Test Instructions

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Cardiac Lab performs a number of tests on the heart and circulatory system.

These tests include:

ECG or EKG (Electrocardiogram)
Echocardiogram
Stress Echocardiogram
Dobutamine Echocardiogram
Stress (Exercise ECG)
Holter Monitor
Event Monitor

ECG or EKG (Electrocardiogram)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a graphic display of the electrical activity of the heart. It is one of the most common tests done by a cardiologist in examining the activity of the heart and in order to diagnose suspected problems, check on the effects of medications or devices affecting the heart rhythm or rate or obtain information to use as a basis for later comparisons.

Allow 20 minutes for this appointment.
Several wires, or "leads," are attached to the arms, legs and chest.
There is no pain or risk associated with having an electrocardiogram.
The result will be sent to your doctor on the next working day.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound test used to examine the movement of the heart in real-time images.

Allow at least 60 minutes for this appointment.
An ultrasound image of your heart will be recorded and evaluated by a cardiologist.
There are no other special preparations for the test.
After 4-5 days, the result will be sent to your doctor.

Stress Echocardiogram

A test to examine the heart through ultrasound images following exercise. Images are taken before and after walking on a treadmill to reveal which parts of the heart may not be receiving enough blood or oxygen because of blocked arteries.

Allow at least 60 minutes for this appointment.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol the same day of the test.
You need to eat a light meal at least two hours prior to the test.
Ultrasound images of your heart will be recorded before and after walking on a treadmill.
Your ECG and blood pressure will be checked throughout the whole test.
It's recommended that you stop taking your "Beta Blocker" medications 24 hours prior to testing.

Dobutamine Echocardiogram

Similar to the stress echocardiogram, but for patients who aren't able to exercise, the medication dobutamine is given by IV to quicken the heart rate. Ultrasound images can then be taken to reveal which parts of the heart may not be receiving enough blood or oxygen because of blocked arteries.

Allow at least 90 minutes for this appointment.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol the same day of the test.
An intravenous IV line is started in your arm.
Dobutamine will be slowly given through the IV (This will increase your heart rate).
Ultrasound images of your heart will be recorded during the test.
Your ECG and blood pressure will be checked throughout the whole test.
It's recommended that you stop taking your "Beta Blocker" medications 24 hours prior to testing.

*Always check with your doctor about which medications you will need to stop taking prior to the test.

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Stress (Exercise ECG)

A test to measure the effects of exercise on your heart. While walking on a treadmill, the electrical activity of the heart will be measured and evaluated by the cardiologist. No imaging of the heart is done in this test.

Allow at least 30 minutes for this appointment.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol the same day of the test.
Avoid heavy meals at least two hours prior to test.
You are required to walk on the treadmill.
Your ECG and Blood Pressure will be checked throughout the whole test.
It's recommended that you stop taking your "Beta Blocker" medications 24 hours prior to testing.
Always check with your doctor about which medications you will need to stop taking prior to the test.

Holter Monitor

A device used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, similar to an electrocardiogram. This device is usually worn for 24 hours and records heart activity, which can be examined by the cardiologist.

Allow at least 20 minutes for this appointment.
A Cardiac Tech will apply electrodes and lead wires which connect to a monitoring device, which will continuously record your ECG for 24 hours.
You will take home the monitor and be advised to continue with your daily activities.
You will not be able to take a shower or swim for the duration of recording.
At the end of 24-hour recording, you will need to come back to the Cardiac Lab, so a Cardiac Tech can remove the monitor.

Event Monitor

Like the Holter Monitor, a device is worn over a period of time to record heart activity. Usually, the device is turned on when an "event" -- heart symptoms -- occur. The data can be downloaded by the cardiologist and examined to diagnose heart problems.

Allow at least 30 minutes for this appointment.
A Cardiac Tech will apply the monitor on you, which you will take home with you for 30 days.
It is advisable to wear the monitor when you are most likely to experience symptoms. For example, if you have been experiencing your symptoms only in the afternoon, then that is when you want to be sure that you have the monitor on.
The machine will record your ECG any time it is activated.
You will be advised to continue with your daily activities.
You will not be able to take a shower or swim when wearing the monitor.
At the end of 30 days, you will need to return this monitor to Lifewatch.