An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that measures and records the electrical activity of your heart.

Your doctor may order this test if you are experiencing abnormal heart beats (palpitations) or if you are having chest pain.

Patient instructions:
You do not need to restrict what you eat or drink before this test. You can take your usual medications before this test.

Also known as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), this test uses ultrasound images of your heart to determine its structure and function

Your doctor may order this test to determine how large the heart is, how well it contracts, and how the valves function

Patient instructions:

There are no specific preparations required. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications prior to and after this test.

This test combines an ultrasound of your heart with a contrast agent to enhance image quality.

Patient instructions:

This test will take slightly longer than a regular echocardiogram. A technologist will insert an IV in your arm. There is no preparation needed for this exam. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications prior to and after this test.

This test is an ultrasound of your heart with injection of saline (salt water) bubbles to visualize blood flow in the heart

Your doctor may order this test to look for a “hole” in the heart.

Patient instructions:

There are no specific preparations required. A technologist will insert an IV in your arm. There are no side effects to the injection but the test will take longer than a regular echocardiogram

This is an imaging test that uses ultrasound to show how your heart works during the stress of exercise.

Your doctor may order this test to diagnose the presence or absence of coronary artery disease

Patient instructions:

You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill as part of this test. Wear comfortable walking clothes and running shoes. This test will take approximately 45 minutes. A contrast agent may be used to enhance image quality, which will require. a technologist to insert an IV in your arm.

This test involves walking/running in place on a treadmill while monitoring the electrical activity of your heart. Throughout the test, the speed and incline of the treadmill increase.

Your doctor may order this test to detect abnormal heart rhythms, diagnose the presence or absence o coronary artery disease, assess the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan, or to help develop an individualized exercise program.

Patient instructions:

You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill as part of this test. Wear comfortable walking clothes and running shoes. You can take your usual cardiac medications unless specified otherwise by your cardiologist

This test uses a portable blood pressure recording device to obtain blood pressure readings at specified times during a 24-hour period.

Your doctor may order this test if hypertension or low blood pressure is suspected, or to assess the efficacy of your treatment regimen.

Patient instructions:

You will wear the monitor for 24 hours. Unless otherwise programmed, the arm cuff inflates every 20 minutes until 10:00 p.m. and every hour afterwards until 6:00 a.m. You will be given a diary to record any symptoms, activities, stressful episodes and your sleep time.

Please do not drink any coffee or caffeinated beverages for 1 hour prior to your appointment. Please let your technician know if you have had a prior mastectomy or are on hemodialysis or have an AV fistula.

*This test is not covered by OHIP. There is a feee of $75.00 payable by cash at time of appointment

This test uses a portable device that you wear, to make a continuous recording of your heart rate and rhythm as you go about your daily routine.

Your doctor may order this test to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, determine whether your medications need adjusting, or to match your symptoms with heart activity.

Patient instructions:

Your technologist will provide instructions on how to wear and remove the device. Bring a list of all your medications to your appointment. Wear comfortable clothing and please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

If you have a hairy chest, you may opt to shave in advance.

You will be asked to return the monitor at the end of your test. Please return the device at your scheduled time.