CHI Memorial Cardiac Imaging - Cleveland

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your appointment. You may take medication with a small amount of water. The procedure is painless, and there are no known risks. Your physician will discuss your test results  with you at your next appointment.

This test uses sound waves to evaluate your arteries and detect blockages. To prepare for the test, you will be asked to wear a patient gown, and cuffs will be placed on your arms and legs.. Wear tennis or walking shoes, as you may be asked to walk on a treadmill for up to 5 minutes as part of your test. You will be asked to lie on your back so pressures can be taken off the artery. The test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Your physician will discuss your test results  with you at your next appointment. However, if an abnormality that requires immediate follow-up is found, your physician will be contacted immediately.

Both of these tests use machines to monitor the rhythm of electrical currents that move from one part of the heart to another. Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs to monitor your heart’s rhythm for 24-48 hours (Holter) or up to 30 days (event monitoring). You’ll record symptoms and activities using a telephone receiver.

A carotid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of your carotid arteries. You will be asked to lie flat on your back so that images of the carotid arteries can be captured. The test is performed on the neck region and should take approximately 50 minutes. There are no known hazards associated with the ultrasound procedure.

There is no preparation for this test or reason to discontinue food or medications. You should wear an open-neck top as the technologist will examine you from just below your shoulders to the top of your neck, at ear level.

Your carotid ultrasound test will be reviewed, and the results will be sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you at your next appointment.

This test uses sound waves to take moving pictures of the heart, helping doctors assess heart function and diagnose diseases. It’s painless and noninvasive.

An EKG is a noninvasive test that measures the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heart. During an electrocardiogram, you will rest on a bed or chair. Small metal discs called electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. Sometimes, the areas where the electrodes are placed will need to be shaved by the technician to provide a clean, smooth surface to attach the electrodes. The electrodes are connected to a machine that translates the electrical activity onto paper. A physician then reviews this report.

Tell your health professional if you are taking any medications, as certain medications can affect the results of the EKG. Remove all jewelry from your neck, arms and wrists. You will need to unbutton and possibly remove your clothing above the waist. You will be given a cloth or paper covering during the test if needed. For best results, lie very still during the test and breathe normally. An EKG usually takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete. There is no risk associated with an EKG.

A nuclear stress test checks how well blood flows to your heart during exercise or rest. It can detect blockages in your coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.

How it works:

• IV & medication: An IV will be placed, and you'll receive a small amount of radiopharmaceutical. After 30-45 minutes, you’ll lie on an exam table for a 20-minute scan.

• Exercise stress test: You’ll walk on a treadmill while connected to an EKG machine. Afterward, you’ll get a second dose of medication and a follow-up scan.

• Medicine stress test: If you're unable to exercise, you'll receive a medication that opens up your arteries, increasing blood flow. After waiting 30-60 minutes, you'll have a second scan.

The test helps identify areas of your heart that may not be getting enough blood due to blockages. It may cause brief symptoms like increased heart rate, shortness of breath or headaches, which should resolve quickly.

Preparation:

• Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything except water for 6 hours before your test.

• Avoid caffeine: Refrain from coffee, tea, chocolate or other caffeine for 24 hours before the test.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on the treadmill. You’ll need to undress from the waist up and wear a hospital gown for the EKG.

Important medication instructions

• Some medications should not be taken the day before and day of the test. Please read these instructions to ensure your test can be performed satisfactorily.

• For all patients: Nitroglycerin patches should be removed the night before the test.

• Reminder: Bring your medications with you the day of the test.

Your test will be reviewed and the results sent to your physician, who will then discuss them with you at your next appointment. The technologist cannot give out results.

The test will take around 3 hours. A cardiologist will be present for your safety. If you're insulin-dependent, please call us for special instructions.

For more information or questions, contact the Cardiac Imaging Department at (423) 697-2187.

This ultrasound test checks the renal arteries that lead to the kidneys for narrowing or blockages, which could spike your blood pressure. It is also used to check the arteries after surgery, angioplasty or stenting.

This is a safe, painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your arteries. These sound waves cannot harm you and are not felt. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound tests.

What to expect:

The test will be done while you lie on your back. You may need to roll to one side during the procedure.

A gel will be applied to your abdomen to help the ultrasound probe glide smoothly as it follows the path of your arteries.

How to prepare:

• Do not eat or drink after midnight before your appointment.

• You may take any necessary medications with a small sip of water.

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.

After the test:

Your results will be reviewed and sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you at your next appointment. Technologists are not permitted to provide test results directly.

A stress echocardiogram uses sound waves to capture images of your heart at rest and after it has been stressed, typically through exercise on a treadmill. This test evaluates how well your heart receives blood and oxygen during activity, helping doctors detect blockages or other conditions that might lead to serious issues if untreated.

If you are unable to exercise, medication can be used to safely elevate your heart rate and simulate the effects of physical activity. Stress echocardiograms are valuable in diagnosing and managing heart conditions before they become life-threatening.

CHI Memorial now offers an online patient record request tool, which is easy to use and free. You'll need to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your driver's license, which you can take with your phone or computer. For 

Learn more

MyChart is a secure online tool for patients that lets you easily access your health information, test results and care plans from the comfort of your home.

How to create a MyChart account

• Go to mychart.memorial.org.

• Click “Sign up now” and enter your activation code and date of birth to confirm your identity. 

• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.

• Log in with your username and password. 

You can also download the MyChart app from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Log in to MyChart

Call (423) 495-6000 or 1-833-596-0805 to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

We accept most major insurance plans. If you have specific questions, give us a call—we’re happy to help.