Patient information
Frequently asked questions.
Information about appointments, testing, results, and Holter monitoring.
General questions
Frequently asked questions about appointments and testing.
01What if I experience chest pain or severe symptoms before my appointment?＋
If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or other symptoms that may be a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment.
02Do I need a referral for cardiac testing?＋
Yes. Most cardiac diagnostic tests require a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner.
03How should I prepare for my appointment?＋
Preparation varies depending on the test you are having. Our team will provide you with specific instructions when your appointment is booked. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
04Should I take my medications before my test?＋
Continue taking your medications as prescribed unless your physician or our clinic has instructed you otherwise. If your test requires changes to your medication schedule, you will be notified in advance.
05What should I bring to my appointment?＋
Please bring:
- Your health card and any applicable insurance information
- A list of your current medications
- Your referral information, if requested
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes if you are scheduled for a stress test
06How early should I arrive?＋
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and any necessary paperwork.
07Are the tests painful?＋
Most non-invasive cardiac tests are painless. Some procedures involve placing electrodes or a blood pressure cuff on your body, while others may require brief physical exercise or the use of ultrasound. Our staff will explain what to expect before your test begins.
08How long will my appointment take?＋
Appointment times vary depending on the type of test. Most visits last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Our team will let you know the expected duration when your appointment is scheduled.
09Can I drive myself home afterward?＋
Most people can resume their usual activities after these tests, but follow your booking instructions and do not drive if your care team advises against it or if you feel unwell.
10When will I receive my results?＋
Your test will be reviewed by one of our specialists, and the results will be sent directly to your referring healthcare provider. Your physician will discuss the findings and any recommended next steps with you.
If your referral includes a consultation, or if one is recommended based on your test results, our office will contact you to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to review your results and discuss any further evaluation or treatment that may be needed.
11What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?＋
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can reschedule and offer your appointment time to another patient.
12What happens if I'm running late?＋
Please contact our office if you expect to be late. Depending on the timing and clinic schedule, we will do our best to accommodate you, although your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
13What if I feel unwell before my appointment?＋
If you are feeling ill or have symptoms of a contagious illness, please contact our office before coming to the clinic. We will advise you on the best course of action.
Holter monitoring
Frequently asked questions about Holter monitoring.
01Will the monitor alert me if there is a problem?＋
No. A Holter monitor records your heart rhythm but does not provide real-time monitoring or emergency alerts. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or any other medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
02What is a Holter monitor?＋
A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) while you go about your normal daily routine. It helps your physician detect irregular heart rhythms that may not appear during a standard ECG performed in the clinic.
03Why has my doctor ordered a Holter monitor?＋
Your physician may recommend a Holter monitor if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Suspected irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
It may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of certain heart medications or monitor an existing heart condition.
04How long will I wear the monitor?＋
The monitoring period depends on your physician's request and may range from 72 hours to several days or longer, depending on your symptoms and clinical needs.
05Is the test painful?＋
No. The test is completely non-invasive and painless. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to the monitor.
06Can I continue my normal daily activities?＋
Yes. You should continue your usual daily routine, as this helps capture your heart's activity under normal conditions. However, you should avoid activities that may get the monitor wet or damage the equipment.
07Can I shower or swim while wearing the monitor?＋
No. The monitor and electrodes must remain dry. Please do not shower, bathe, swim, or use a hot tub while wearing the device.
08What if an electrode comes loose?＋
If an electrode becomes loose, reattach it if possible using the extra supplies provided. If you are unable to reattach it, follow the instructions given by our staff or contact our clinic for assistance.
09Should I record my symptoms?＋
Yes. If you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, record the time, your symptoms, and what you were doing in the Holter diary that has been provided to you. This information helps the cardiologist correlate your symptoms with your heart rhythm. If symptoms are severe or may be an emergency, call 911; do not rely on the monitor or diary.
10When will my physician receive the results?＋
Once you return the monitor, the recording is analyzed by our cardiac technicians and reviewed by a specialist. A report is then sent to your referring physician, who will discuss the results and any recommended next steps with you.
11How do I return the monitor?＋
Please return the monitor at the scheduled date and time provided by our clinic. There will be a Holter return box at the clinic where you can place the monitor. Prompt return helps avoid delays in processing your results.