Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to take moving pictures of your heart, showing how the chambers and valves are working. It does not use radiation.
If your test needs any preparation, you will receive instructions from our office.
For Our Patients
What to expect from your tests
A plain-language guide to common heart tests, so you can feel prepared and comfortable. These are summaries. Always follow the written instructions from our office, and call us at (713) 790-0400 with any questions.
Exercise treadmill test
This test evaluates your heart and blood pressure as you walk and run. You exercise on a treadmill to maximum exertion.
Getting ready
- Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.
- Wear comfortable clothes and running shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or heels.
- Bring a towel and a water bottle.
- Do not apply lotion or cream to your chest or abdomen that day.
- Some medications that slow the heart rate, such as beta blockers, must be held beforehand. If you are unsure, call us to review your medications with one of our nurses.
Nuclear stress test (SPECT)
A nuclear stress test takes pictures of blood flow to your heart at rest and after stress, using a small amount of tracer. The stress is either exercise on a treadmill or a medication, depending on your situation.
Getting ready
- Plan on several hours for the visit.
- Limit food and drink beforehand, and avoid all caffeine, including decaffeinated products, for 24 hours.
- Wear comfortable clothing, and running shoes if you will exercise. Bring a small towel, a light snack, and water.
- Some medications must be held, and the list depends on the type of stress. Follow your written instructions.
- Tracer is ordered for each patient. Please give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel.
PET/CT stress test and calcium score
A PET/CT scan creates detailed pictures of blood flow to your heart. A calcium score is a very quick CT scan that needs no preparation.
Getting ready
- Avoid all caffeine, including decaffeinated products and chocolate, for 24 hours before a PET/CT. Caffeine interferes with the results.
- Limit food and drink in the hours before the scan, as described in your instructions.
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit. Skip jewelry, and do not use lotions, oils, powders, or perfumes on your chest.
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card or cards, and your medications.
- This test is not performed at our Scurlock Tower office. Your instructions list the location.
- Let us know if you are pregnant, if you are claustrophobic, or if you have trouble raising your arms over your head for several minutes.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
A TEE uses an ultrasound probe placed in the esophagus to look closely at the upper chambers of your heart and your valves.
Getting ready
- You will have nothing to eat or drink for several hours beforehand.
- You will receive sedation, so you cannot drive yourself home. A responsible adult you know must take you.
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and medication list.
- Take your medications as directed in your instructions, and ask us about diabetes medications or insulin.
Heart catheterization
A heart catheterization is a catheter-based procedure that lets your doctor look at the arteries of your heart and, when needed, treat a blockage. It is performed at the hospital.
Getting ready
- Pre-register with the hospital ahead of time. The hospital will call you with your arrival time.
- Bring your photo ID, insurance cards, all current medications, and the packet from our office.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and leave valuables at home.
- You will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Plan for a driver.
- Check-in location, parking, and food and drink limits are in the instructions for your hospital.
Vascular ultrasound
A vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to look at blood flow in your arteries and veins. It is painless and does not use radiation.
If your test needs any preparation, you will receive instructions from our office.
Rhythm monitoring
A small wearable monitor records your heart rhythm over time, to find out whether symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness are caused by an arrhythmia.
Our team will explain how your monitor works.
Questions before your test?
Call our office during business hours.