Echocardiography

Also referred to as cardiac ultrasound. This is a technique that permits imaging of the heart using a high-frequency sound wave.

Exercise Stress Echocardiography

Also referred to as a stress echo, this combines cardiac imaging (echocardiography) with treadmill exercise electrocardiography (EKG), to enhance accuracy of the stress test.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Also referred to as a Dobutamine Stress Echo or DSE, this combines cardiac imaging (echocardiography) with a chemically induced heart response simulating exercise to diagnose or evaluate coronary artery disease.

Preparation instructions:

The patient should have nothing to eat or drink for approximately 4 hours prior to the test (at the physician's discretion), but should take medications as usual (unless instructed specifically otherwise) with sips of water. Diabetic clients should be given specific instructions by the attending or ordering physician regarding eating.

The Treadmill Exercise Stress Test

Done with electrocardiographic (EKG) monitoring, this is one of the basic tools used to diagnose or evaluate coronary artery disease.

Preparation Instructions:

The patient should have nothing to eat or drink for approximately 4 hours prior to the test (at the physician's discretion), but should take medications as usual (unless instructed specifically otherwise) with sips of water. Diabetic patients should be given specific instructions by the attending or ordering physician regarding eating.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Preparation Instructions:

Abstain from eating or drinking (with possible exception of sips of water for medications, at discretion of ordering physician) for a minimum of 4 hours prior to the study. Most outpatients are instructed to be NPO ("Nil Por Os" or nothing by mouth) after midnight.