Cardiac Diagnostics is a critical component of the cardiovascular services continuum of care at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. Cardiologists use results of cardiac diagnostic tests to assist them in diagnosing a patient’s heart condition and developing a treatment plan.
If your physician orders a cardiac diagnostic test, you will receive a call from the Morris Hospital Scheduling Department. The Scheduling representative will work with you to select a date and time for your test and will provide you with instructions.
Listed below are the most common cardiac diagnostic tests performed at Morris Hospital, along with a brief description of the purpose of each test.
For additional information about your cardiac diagnostic test, please contact your physician or call the Cardiac Diagnostics department at Morris Hospital at 815-705-1170.
Common Cardiac Diagnostic Tests Performed at Morris Hospital:
Electrocardiogram (EKG) – EKG stickers and wires are placed on the arms, legs and chest. An electrical tracing is taken of the heart and is read by a cardiologist. The test is painless and takes a few minutes.
Echocardiogram – Also known as an Echo, this test shows an image of the heart by using ultrasound technology. During the test, patients are required to rest on their back or left side while a technologist uses an ultrasound machine (similar to one used during pregnancy) to take images of the heart for the cardiologist to review. A highlighting agent may be used through an IV to improve the picture quality.
Holter Monitor – This type of monitoring provides a record of electrical heart activity over a 24-48 hour period. Five stickers and wires are attached to the chest. The wires attach to a small monitor that records and stores the heart rhythm. The monitor cannot get wet as it will damage the monitor and wires. This device will be returned to the hospital for the cardiologist to read.
Zio Patch – This is a small patch that is worn on the left side of the chest to record the heart rhythm. A shower cannot be taken for the first 24 hours of wearing the monitor. The Zio patch will record the heart rhythm and can be worn for up to 15 days. The monitor will need to be mailed in the prepared box and taken to the post office. A report is prepared by an outside company, and the results are read by the cardiologists.
Stress Test – During a stress test, a patient will either exercise or receive a medication to increase the work of the heart. The nurse will monitor the heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm throughout the test. There are different types of stress tests. The doctor will order the most appropriate test. Listed below are all the types of stress tests that are performed in the Cardiac Diagnostics department at Morris Hospital, as well as instructions on how to prepare for each of them:
Transesophageal Echocardiogram – A transesophageal echocardiogram is a special type of ultrasound test to take pictures of the heart that cannot be seen with a regular echocardiogram. For this procedure, a medication will be given to numb the back of the throat and other medications through an IV that will cause sleepiness. The cardiologist will pass the ultrasound probe in through the mouth and down the throat to take ultrasound pictures of the heart. The patient will need a driver to and from the procedure. A designated person should stay with the patient after the procedure to help with medication(s) and meals for the rest of the day. A Cardiac Diagnostic nurse will call the day before the procedure to review instructions. Plan to be at the hospital for approximately 3 hours.
Cardioversion – This is a non-emergent procedure in Cardiac Diagnostics to treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. The Cardioversion will help to restore a normal heart rhythm. For this procedure, a large patch is applied to the chest and back. Medication is given through an IV that will cause sleepiness. When the patient is asleep, a shock will be given through the patches to restore a normal heart rhythm. A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) may be performed immediately before this procedure. The patient will need a driver to and from the procedure. A designated person should stay with the patient after the procedure to help with medication(s) and meals for the rest of the day. A Cardiac Diagnostic nurse will call the day before the procedure to review instructions. Plan to be at the hospital for approximately 3 hours.
Tilt Table Testing – A tilt table test is commonly used on patients with a history of syncope or fainting. For this test, a special bed is used to tilt a patient up to a standing position. The nurse will monitor heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen level during the test. Patients may not have anything to eat or drink after midnight (the night before the test). The patient will need a designated driver to and from the test. Plan to be at the hospital for approximately 2 hours.
