Stress Testing & EKGs

What is an EKG?

We measure your heart’s electrical activity using electrodes hooked up to an EKG, or echocardiogram, machine.

What to Expect

Your technician will place electrodes on your chest and ask you to lie still for a few minutes while the machine records your heart activity.

Holter Monitor EKG Testing

Your doctor may decide they need to monitor your heart over a longer period of time or during normal daily activities.

What is it?

The holter monitor is a small, portable EKG machine that records your heartbeat over 24 to 48 hours. You can carry the monitor over your shoulder, around your neck or in a pocket or pouch.

What is stress testing?

We raise your heart rate to find problems with your heart rhythm (arrhythmias), diagnose your risk of heart disease and determine the most effective treatment program, if needed.

Treadmill Stress Test

What to Expect

Your doctor will ask you to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while they evaluate your heart at work. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given medicine to increase your heart rate.

Duration

Plan for the test to take about an hour, but you will only be asked to exercise for about 15 minutes.

Stress Echocardiogram

What to Expect

Your doctor will use an ultrasound wand to monitor your heart, first at rest and then while you exercise for a brief period. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given medicine to increase your heart rate.

Duration

Plan for the test to take about an hour, but you will only be asked to exercise for about 15 minutes.

Nuclear Medicine Stress Test

What to Expect

Your doctor will use a special dye that shows up in imaging to monitor your heart at rest and while you exercise for a brief period. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given medicine to increase your heart rate.

Duration

This test will take at least 3 hours and maybe more, depending on the type of imaging you need.