Transesophageal Echocardiogram
What is the test?T.E.E. (Transesophageal Echocardiography) is a test that uses ultrasound waves to examine the heart's structures. This is done by placing a small transducer (on the end of a flexible scope) into your esophagus. In this manner, a clearer view can be obtained of the various structures of the heart than can be obtained with standard echos recorded externally.
What preparation is needed?You will be asked not to take in any food or water for at least six hours before the test. You may take necessary medications with a small sip of water. An intravenous line may be inserted into your vein. Your throat will be anesthetized using a spray or gargle. You will be asked to remove any dentures or oral prostheses.
How is the test done?The "transducer" is mounted on a flexible tube that is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus. You will be asked to lie on your left side while the tube is inserted. Your throat will be numbed with a local anesthesia and small doses of sedatives are usually administered by vein before attempting to pass the tube. Some people experience a gagging sensation at this time, but this will quickly subside. During the procedure, sound waves will be transmitted so a picture of your heart can be created on a monitor screen. You will not feel this process. The test should take approximately 15- 20 minutes, but due to the need to preregister and ready the equipment, please plan on two hours for completion of the exam from the initial check-in time.
What can you expect after the test?You can not eat or drink for at least two hours. Please do not drive. You should have someone else drive you home. Your throat may be a little sore after the test. Please call your physician immediately if you have a fever, chills, chest pain or bleeding.
For more information contact Crouse Hospital's ECHO Department @ 315/470-7653, or Coffey.Suzanne@snet.hcds.com
Stress Exercise ECG
(Electrocardiogram) (Treadmill Testing)
What is the test?The stress exercise test is used to measure how your heart acts when it is put under physical stress. The stress increases your heart's demand for oxygen, making it work harder by pumping more blood. As your body works harder during the test, the doctor can see if there is enough blood supplied to the heart muscle arteries that go to the heart. It will help the doctor decide what kind and level of exercise is right for you.
What preparation is needed?Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or walking shoes. Do not eat anything for four hours before the test. Also, do not smoke or drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages for four hours before the test. Take your normal medication with only a sip of water.
How is the test done?You will have small electrodes attached to your chest which are hooked up to a heart monitor. There will be a blood pressure cuff attached to one of your arms. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill. The speed of the treadmill will change from slow to faster to make your heart work harder. You may also be asked to breathe into a tube for a few minutes. As you exercise, your blood pressure and heart activity will be monitored and recorded. The length of exercise time varies according to your tolerance. The total test takes about 45 minutes to one hour. You can stop the test at any time if you need to.
What can you expect after the test?You can return to your normal activity after the test is finished.
For more information contact Crouse Hospital's ECHO Department @ 315/470-7653, or Coffey.Suzanne@snet.hcds.com
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
What is the test?Stress echocardiography is a special examination that uses ultrasound waves to image the heart and evaluate its function both at rest and with the added "stress" of increased heart rate and blood pressure.
What preparation is needed?You will need to be without food for three hours prior to the procedure. If you are scheduled for late morning or afternoon, a light breakfast is permitted. You may take your regular medications at their usual time with a small amount of water. If you have specific medication questions, please call and talk to one of our nurses. Please dress so you can remove all clothing from the waist up. A cover gown will be provided. There will be some skin preparation done with special equipment to "rough up" the skin to ensure that the EKG patches stay on during the test.
How is the test done?To induce the "stress" of increased blood pressure and heart rate, you will have a medication called dobutamine administered through an intravenous (IV) line. This will slowly increase your heart rate and blood pressure in a controlled setting while being constantly monitored by specially trained medical personnel and a trained cardiologist. Baseline EKG and Echo images are obtained for comparison during the test, and these will be continuously monitored throughout the medication infusion as well. It is expected that it will give you a slight headache, feelings of nausea, anxiety, or tremors. You will be closely monitored for any signs of angina (chest pain), problems breathing, or irregularities of rhythm of your heart. The test should take about one hour to complete, but due to the need to preregister, attach and set up the equipment, please plan on two hours for the completion of this exam from the initial check-in time.
What can you expect after the test?You will be able to return to your normal activities after the test. You may want to bring someone with you to drive you home, as the medication effects may leave you feeling weak.
For more information contact Crouse Hospital's ECHO Department @ 315/470-7653, or Coffey.Suzanne@snet.hcds.com
Echocardiogram
What is the test?An echocardiogram examines the size, shape and motion of your heart including the heart muscle, heart valves and surrounding structures. It also examines, in detail, blood flow in the heart and great vessels. The test is totally non-invasive and does not carry any known hazards since it includes only high frequency sound waves.
How is the test done?The procedure is done while you lie on a bed on your back or side. Some jelly will be put on a "transducer" (a small hand-held instrument) and this in turn will be placed on your chest. Ultrahigh frequency sound waves will pick up images of your heart muscle and valves. These images are displayed on a video monitor and are recorded on a video tape. This is a painless procedure. The test usually takes 30 minutes to complete.
What can you expect after the test?You may return to your normal activities after the test.
For more information contact Crouse Hospital's ECHO Department @ 315/470-7653, or Coffey.Suzanne@snet.hcds.com
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