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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS
 

Question:. What hospitals do your physicians go to?

Answer: Heartland Cardiology is associated with Wesley Medical Center, Via Christi-St.Francis, Via Christi-St. Joseph, Kansas Heart Hospital, VA Hospital and Newton Medical Center.

Question:. What do I need to bring to my first visit?

Answer: Bring all medications you are currently taking. The medications should be in their original bottles so your doctor will know what has been prescribed for you and the dosage of each medication you are taking. Also please bring your insurance card and information. If you have any records from other providers, please bring them with you as well.

 

CONDITION & TREATMENT QUESTIONS
  Question:. What is a Stress Echocardiogram and how do I prepare?

Answer: Stress echocardiography, or stress echo, is a treadmill exercise test (the "stress" part) combined with ultrasound imaging (the "echo" part). This allows a cardiologist to learn how your heart functions when made to work harder. By comparing your pre-exercise ultrasound images with your post-execise images, your doctor can see how your heart muscles contract. This infomation suggests whether or not your heart is getting enough blood supply to meet the increased demand for oxygen with exercise.

The treadmill test starts at a 10% grade and 1.7 mph, and increases every 3 minutes. You must be able to walk unassisted for this test. If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, please notify our office before the day of the test.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM:
1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
2. You may eat a small meal up to 2 hours prior to testing.
3. You may drink your normal intake of fluids.
4. Please DO take your medications as usual the day of the test.
5. Testing time MAY take up to 3 hours, so please plan accordingly.

Your doctor will discuss the results of your test with you when finished. A report of these findings will also be sent directly to your primary care physician.


Question: What is a Holter Monitor?

Answer: A Holter monitor is a portable EKG that monitors the electrical activity of a freely moving person's heart, generally for one to two days, 24 hours a day. It is most often used when the doctor suspects an abnormal heart rhythm or ischemia, which means not enough blood flowing to the heart muscle.

It is a painless test - electrodes from the monitor are taped to the skin. Once the monitor is in place, you can go home and perform all of your normal activities, except showering. You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities, any symptoms you experience and when they occur.

Question: What is a King of Hearts Event Monitor?

Answer: If your symptoms are infrequent, your doctor may suggest an event monitor. This is a device that, when you push a button, will record and store the heart's electrical activity for a few minutes. Each time you develop symptoms you should try to get a reading on the monitor. They are used for weeks to months, typically one month. This information can later be transmitted by telephone to the doctor for interpretation.

 

   
   

 


551 North Hillside, Suite 410 Wichita, Kansas 67214           316-686-5300       1-888-HEART33