Preparing for a Electrocardiogram

Care Management Services

When You Come to Take the Test Please check in at the Outpatient Registration desk at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson on: Day: ______Date: ______Time: ______

Do you have other questions? You may direct any other questions or Hours: concerns you may have regarding your Monday - Friday upcoming cardiac stress test to the staff: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cardiac Management 515-386-0469 (515) 386-0469 FAX: (515) 386-2017

Greene County Medical Center 1000 West Lincolnway Jefferson, IA 50129

gcmchealth.com

PS-GCMC-016 11-2014 What is a stress What happens during the test? Preparing for the Test electrocardiogram (ECG)? The exercise ECG test will be performed in If you take a or any other An exercise ECG test allows doctors to the Cardiac Management department of the medication listed here, DO NOT take them the learn how well the functions when medical center. A trained technician will place night before or the morning of the test. It is a it is made to work harder. This test can several electrodes on your chest to allow good idea to check with your doctor first if you help detect heart problems that may recording of the ECG during exercise. The are on a heart medication not listed here. He not be apparent at rest. The exercise electrodes are connected by wires to an ECG or she may want you to hold that medication ECG test is done while you walk on machine. A cuff will be applied to your arm to prior to your test. a treadmill. During the test, an ECG monitor your pressure. • Acebutolol-Sectal • Pindolol-Visken records the electrical activity of your • Metroprolol-Lopressor • Diltiazem-Cardizem/Dilacor Your will be checked every • Nadolol-Corgard • -Inderal heart and blood pressure will be taken few minutes, and the ECG will be carefully • Timolol-Blocadren • Atenolol-Tenormin intermittently. • Verpamil-Isptin/calan • Labetalol-Trandate/Normodyne watched for abnormal changes. You will be • Coreg-Carvedilol • Bystolic It is normal to feel tired and short of instructed to report any symptoms such as breath during strenuous exercise. chest pain, shortness of breath, leg fatigue or DO NOT EAT OR DRINK THREE HOURS However, if you develop chest pain or dizziness. PRIOR TO THE TEST. This will prevent the become extremely short of breath, this possibility of nausea, which may accompany may indicate a heart problem. The heart How long does it take? vigorous exercise after eating. If you are rate and blood pressure normally rise diabetic and take medications for diabetes, The test may end when you become too tired during exercise. An abnormal you will need special instructions from your to continue or when you experience significant or a fall in blood pressure may indicate doctor. symptoms. Other times the test may be heart disease. stopped when you reach your peak heart rate WEAR LOOSE, COMFORTABLE CLOTHING based on your age. THAT IS SUITABLE FOR EXERCISE. Men What does it show? usually don’t wear a shirt during the test and women generally wear a lightweight cape that Certain changes in the ECG tracing Is it safe? is provided. You should also wear comfortable may indicate that the heart muscle is The exercise test is generally safe. A small walking shoes or sneakers. not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. amount of risk does exist, however, because it Sometimes the ECG during exercise stresses the heart rhythms and a heart attack shows abnormal heart rhythms. Information to Bring with You could occur. Experienced personnel are This test is especially useful in available to handle any emergency. On the day of your cardiac stress test, you will diagnosing blockages in the coronary be asked to supply the following information: arteries. When the coronary arteries are The Results • Your height blocked or narrowed, the heart muscle • Your weight may not be getting enough oxygen A complete interpretation may take one to two • Previous cardiac history (dates of any heart during exercises. This often results in days. The results will be sent to your doctor, attacks, heart surgeries, angiograms, etc.) symptoms of chest pain and abnormal who will then contact you. The information • Your recent symptoms changes on the ECG. gained from the exercise test helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and • A complete list of your medications develop a treatment plan that’s best for you. It may be helpful for you to have this If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, your information in written form. doctor may order additional tests.