Thousands of people die from heart attacks every year because they don’t receive medical treatment in a timely manner. Since warning signs vary from person to person, the best cure is prevention. Unlike a heart attack, a stroke originates in the brain, causing a sudden loss of brain function. A stroke can leave you without the ability to reason, speak, see, move, read or write. Similar factors contribute to both heart attacks and strokes. It is important to recognize what variables put you at risk, and work towards minimizing them.

At Cardio Health, we strive to provide diagnostic services ahead of the industry times. We use state of the art equipment. The tests are performed by skilled and experienced technologists and reviewed and interpreted by Royal College certified cardiologists. We welcome your inquiries and comments, however for questions related to your personal health, please contact your family doctor. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1

Cardiac Consultation

A cardiology consultation is usually requested by your family doctor when it is needed to find, treat and prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

2D-Echocardiogram​

ECHO is an ultrasound of your heart and it is performed in a Non Invasive, painless manner.
What is it?
An ECHO uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create a picture of your heart.
The recorded waves show the shape, texture and movement of your heart valves, as well as the size of your heart chambers and how well they are working.
Why is it done?
An ECHO may be done to assess a variety of heart conditions, such as heart murmurs, damage to heart muscle in those who have had a heart attack, and infections in the heart. It may also be recommended if you are experiencing abnormal heart sounds, shortness of breath, palpitations, angina (chest pain) or have a history of stroke. It is very useful in diagnosing heart valve problems.
How long does it take?
30-45 minutes
How to prepare:
No special preparations are necessary for a standard echocardiogram.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG (or EKG) is a quick test where you are hooked up to some wires for a few seconds. It checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart.
What is it?
An ECG (or EKG) is a test that checks how your heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. Which each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through your heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. A doctor can determine if this electrical activity is normal or irregular. An ECG may be recommended if you are experiencing arrhythmia, chest pain, or palpitations. An abnormal ECG result can be a warning sign for a number of different heart conditions.
Why is it done?
To detect abnormal heart rhythms that may have caused blood clots to form. To detect heart problems, including a recent or ongoing heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), coronary artery blockage, areas of damaged heart muscle (from prior heart attack), enlargement of the heart, and inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). To detect non-heart conditions such as electrolyte imbalances and lung diseases. To monitor recovery from heart attack, progression of heart disease, or effectiveness of certain heart medications. To rule out hidden heart disease in patients about to undergo surgery.
How long does it take?
5-15 minutes
How to prepare:
No special preparations are necessary. However, avoid exercising immediately before an electrocardiogram.

Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a small device and a few wires hooked up to you for a period of time requested by your doctor to monitor the electrical activity of your heart.
What is it?
Holter monitoring is usually used to diagnose heart rhythm disturbances, specifically to find the cause of palpitations or dizziness. You wear a small recording device, called a Holter monitor, which is connected to small disks (called electrodes) that are placed on your chest to get a reading of your heart rate and rhythm over a 24, 48, or 72 hour period. Your heart rhythm is transmitted and recorded then played back on a computer to be analyzed and determine the cause of your arrhythmia.
What is Event monitoring? Like a Holter monitor, an event monitor also uses a recording device to monitor your heart. Unlike the Holter, it does not continuously monitor your heart. If does not record until you feel symptoms and trigger the monitor. When you feel symptoms of an arrhythmia, you can telephone a monitoring station, where a record can be made. If you cannot get to a phone, you can save the information in the event monitor, which can later be sent to a monitoring station.
Why is it done?
To determine how the heart responds to normal activity. It may also be used after a heart attack, to diagnose heart rhythm problems and when starting a new heart medicine.
How long does it take?
24, 48 or 72 hours
How to prepare:
You should bathe before your appointment because once your monitoring begins you cannot get the monitor wet or remove it to bathe. A technician will place electrodes that sense your heartbeat on your chest. For men, a small amount of hair may be shaved to make sure the electrodes stick. Once your monitor is fitted and you’ve received instructions on how to wear it, you can leave your doctor’s office and resume your normal activities.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure

Ambulatory Blood Pressure is your blood pressure being taken by a monitor at regular intervals over 24 hour period as you move around in your daily normal life.
This test is not covered by OHIP.
What is it?
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a portable blood pressure recording device. It is used to record blood pressure readings at specified times during a 24-hour period. The monitor consists of an arm cuff attached by a flexible rubber tube to a lightweight monitor. The monitor sits in a pouch secured to a waist belt or shoulder strap.
Why is it done?
To assess patients whose blood pressure tends to increase in the doctor’s office (white coat syndrome). To evaluate extent of hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). To monitor the effectiveness of blood pressure medication..
How long does it take?
24 hours
How to prepare:
Wear loose clothing and a short-sleeved shirt, if possible, so that the blood pressure cuff and monitor can be worn easily. It is a good idea to take a bath or shower before coming to your appointment as you will not be able to do so while wearing the blood pressure monitor. Do not apply any body lotion or oil to your arms before the appointment, as this makes it difficult to place the blood pressure cuff.

Stress Echo

A stress Echocardiogram is a combination of treadmill and 2D Echocardiogram tests. Its purpose is to detect any electrical and or wall motion abnormality of your heart.
What is it?
A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. Electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record the heart’s activity. The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated every few minutes, producing a squeezing sensation what may feel tight. The test is performed to see whether your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and oxygen when it is working hard (under stress).
Why is it done?
Your doctor may order this test if you: Have new symptoms of angina or chest pain. Have angina that is getting worse. Have recently had a heart attack. Are going to have surgery or begin an exercise program. Have heart valve problems
How long does it take?
1 hour – Echo Doppler is performed before and after the stress test
How to prepare:
Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test. Ask your doctor which heart medications you should omit taking on the day of your test. If you use an inhaler for your breathing, bring it to the test. On the day of your stress test, wear soft-soled shoes suitable for walking and comfortable clothes.

Exercise Stress Test

Exercise Stress test is a test where you walk or run on a treadmill to get your heart to a required rate. Its purpose is to detect any abnormality while your heart is being stressed.
What is it?
Stress tests determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). It usually involves walking on a treadmill at increasing levels, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.
Why is it done?
The test is used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. Determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity Evaluate the effectiveness of your heart medications to control angina and ischemia Determine the likelihood of having coronary heart disease and the need for further evaluation Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve blood flow within the heart vessels in people with coronary heart disease Identify abnormal heart rhythms Assess the function of heart valves if they are not functioning properly Help you develop a safe exercise program.
How long does it take?
1 hour
How to prepare:
Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test. Ask your doctor which heart medications you should omit taking on the day of your test. If you use an inhaler for your breathing, bring it to the test. On the day of your stress test, wear soft-soled shoes suitable for walking and comfortable clothes.