Breast Screening Center
Of Western New York
Cardiac Exams
About Cardiac Exams:
At BSC we offer three different Cardiac Exams:
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Echocardiogram
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EKG
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Holter Monitor
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Uses an ultrasound machine to get an outline of the heart and monitor is movement. This procedure produces pictures of the heart's valves and chambers so the technician can see if the heart is pumping correctly.
EKG
Is used to test the hearts electrical activity. This procedure uses electrodes to measure heartbeat. This allows technicians to get results of how much blood is pumping to and from the heart.
HOLTER MONITOR
Is a portable battery-operated device that measures and records your heart's activity. It measures heart activity through electrodes. It can be worn for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring needed. The device is small about the size of a walkie-talkie.
What to expect at your appointment:
While you wait to be seen you'll be able to relax in our calming waiting room.
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
This test only takes a few minutes to perform and is painless. This test can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. It's best if you wear two separate pieces of clothing with bottoms as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.
After you change you led to an exam room which will be darkened to perform your test.
The technologist will place several patches around your chest. After the patches are placed your technician will use gel and a wand-like device to examine your heart.
EKG
This test only takes a few minutes to perform and is painless. In order to prepare for this test to avoid lotions, oils, and powders on or around your chest, this will allow technicians to get the best results.
It's best if you wear two separate pieces of clothing with bottoms as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.
After dressing in a gown you will have several patches placed on your body such as your chest, along with arms and legs. This allows technicians to check the electrical activity in your heart.
You will then be given instructions which will include lying still breathing normally, and trying to relax.
HOLTER MONITOR
For this procedure, it's best if you wear two separate pieces of clothing with bottoms as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.
Once you have changed into a gown, a technician will walk through the steps of attaching the monitor.
This monitor is attached with electrodes or sticky patches. They will attach to the skin using a sticky gel, if an area is too hairy for the gel to be effective light shaving may have to be done.
This can be done without any inconvenience and is quick.
You may be asked to refrain from getting wet for the duration of the test (24-48 hours), as it will detach the electrodes.
Other than avoiding water, patients leave with the monitor and are asked to go about a normal day.