Heart Station

Additional Information about Cardiac Diagnostic Procedures

 

ECG 
  • The test is typically performed with the patient relaxed and in supine position in an examination room, and takes only about five minutes.
  • A technologist applies distilled water, then attaches small metal and rubber bulb detector known as electrodes on your exposed chest, arms and legs, which are connected to the EEG machine.
  • You will be asked not to move for a few minutes to maintain the quality of the EEG tracing.
 
Treadmill Exercise Stress Test
  • Preparation
    • Arrive at the Heart Station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled examination.
    • You may have a light snack not less than 1 hour before your test (2 hours for a heavy meal).
    • Wear appropriate exercise outfit (comfortable closed shoes with rubber sole), shorts or jogging pants, loose shirt. If you are a female, use a bra and blouse with snap/buttons in front.
    • Bring a face towel as you may sweat during the test. You may bring extra clothes for change after the test.
    • Avoid any strenuous physical exercise or sports before or after the test.
    • Avoid stimulants like coffee, tea, cigarettes ,and alcoholic beverages before the procedure.
    • Allow yourself 60 minutes for the entire procedure.
    • Have adequate rest the night before the test.
    • If you have asthma, please bring your usual medications (inhalers).
    • You will be asked to sign an informed consent before the test.
  • The Procedure
    • During the exercise, a physician monitors and regularly records your blood pressure and heart activity during each exercise stage.
    • Depending on the selected test protocol, the treadmill speed/and incline gradually increase every 2-3 minutes.
    • The test is stopped when you develop:
      • ECG changes
      • Irregular heart beats
      • Exaggerated rise or fall of blood pressure
      • Predicted maximum heart rate is reached
      • Symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath or leg cramps and other unusual problems
    • Inform the supervising physician if you are already tired or experience any abnormal changes during the test, like chest heaviness and dizziness.
 
24-Hour Ambulatory ECG (Holter) Monitoring
  • A technologist will attach adhesive strips on five different locations on the chest. The wires connect to a small portable recorder worn in a pouch like a belt or a shoulder bag.
  • Note down your activities and any symptoms on a diary.
  • Do not bathe or wet the attached electrodes to maintain the integrity of the results and to avoid damage to the device.
  • Since you will be wearing the device for 24 hours, occasionally check the connection of the wires to the recorder and the stickers (electrodes) on your chest.
  • For any inquiries or problems, call the Heart Station immediately at +63 2 8888 933 or +63 2 8888 999 local 3320/3322.
  • After 24 hours, return the portable recorder to the Heart Station for analysis.
 
2D Echo
  • The test does not require any special patient preparation before the exam and lasts between 30-60 minutes depending on the case.
  • You will be asked to lie down inside a dark room.
  • The medical technologist then applies the probe and moves the transducer head around your chest area and record picture images of the heart.
  • You may experience very mild discomfort from the force applied to the transducer head.
 
Pharmacological (Dobutamine) Stress ECG
  • The Procedure
    • A qualified physician slowly injects Dobutamine via an arm vein, which increases the heart rate and pumping strength
    • If there is no response, the cardiologist may inject another medicine called Atrophine.
    • A technologist immediately records an echocardiogram in the usual manner when the heart reaches the target rate.
    • The test may last 1-2 hours depending on the requirements of the procedure.
  • Side Effects
    • During and after Dobutamine infusion, you may briefly experience any of the following:
      • Faster heart rate, skip beats, sensation of strong heart beats (palpitations), chest heaviness or pain, difficulty breathing
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Tingling sensation, headache, leg cramps
      • Hot, flushed skin
    • With Atrophine, you may experience the following:
      • Dryness of the mouth
      • Thirst
      • Constipation
      • Difficulty in urination
 
 
Contact Us
Phone: +632.8888.999 locals 3320-3322, Fax: +632.5565.896
Clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The ECG is available 24 hours. Please proceed to Emergency Department for ECG between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
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