We are an Accredited Echocardiography Laboratory, certified by Corhealth Ontario, a support system to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that is dedicated to improving quality in the delivery of adult cardiac services in Ontario. Our lab team provides heart diagnostic testing to find out how the heart functions at rest and under stress.

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The services include: ECG (electrocardiogram), Echocardiogram, Treadmill exercise stress testing, Stress Echocardiogram, 24hrs / 48hrs / 72hrs / 7 or 14 days Holter monitoring, and 24hrs Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring.  These non-invasive tests use images and data to diagnose heart diseases, see the effects caused by a heart attack, and monitor how chronic heart patients are doing. It helps determine if you need further cardiac treatments or interventions.

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Echocardiography

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In this test, sound waves are used to create moving pictures of your heart. With this image, we can get a closer look at the shape and structure of your heart, as well as the blood flow.  The test takes 45 to 60 minutes.

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Stress Echocardiogram

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A stress echocardiogram (stress echo) is an imaging test that uses ultrasound to show how well your heart works during the stress of exercise. This test is used to diagnose the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.

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Please wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes

suitable for walking. Please do not bring valuables. 

The test takes 60 to 75 minutes.  

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Preparing for a Stress Echo:

Ask your provider if you should skip any of your

routine medicines on the day of the test. Some

medicines may interfere with test results. Never

stop taking any medicine without first talking to your

doctor. 

 

DO NOT eat or drink for at least 3 hours before the test.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to

sign a consent form before the test.

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Stress Tests

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Sometimes it’s easier for us see how your heart is doing

when it is working hard and beating fast. This is called

stress testing. During these tests, we monitor electrical

signals in your heart while you are performing physical

activity, such as walking or running on a treadmill.

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Echocardiogram/Stress Echo with Contrast

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Your doctor may also want to use contrast with the echocardiogram. Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle better.

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Saline (sterile salt water) and Definity are contrast solutions which may be used. Each can show the flow of blood through the heart and enhance the pictures of the heart.

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When saline is used, the saline is shaken to create very small harmless bubbles of air that are injected into the veins (IV). When Definity is used this is also injected into the veins (IV) during the echocardiogram. The agitated saline or Definity can be seen flowing through the heart during the echocardiogram.

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The echocardiogram and echocardiogram with contrast can help your doctor determine a diagnosis. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

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24hrs / 48hrs and 72 hrs Holter Monitoring

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The Holter monitor is small, slightly larger than a deck of playing cards. Several leads, or wires, are attached to the monitor. The leads connect to electrodes that are placed on the skin of your chest with a glue-like gel. The metal electrodes conduct your heart’s electrical activity through the wires and into the Holter monitor, where it’s recorded.

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You wear a small pouch around your neck that holds the monitor itself. It’s important to keep the monitor close to your body during the testing period to make sure the readings are accurate. Your doctor will show you how to reattach electrodes if they become loose or fall off during the testing period.

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You’ll get instructions that explain how to take care of your monitor and what not to do while you’re wearing it. It’s important to avoid bathing, showering, and swimming while you’re wearing the monitor.

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Wearing the Holter monitor itself has no risks involved. A 24hrs / 48hrs / 72hrs Holter monitor test is painless. However, be sure to record any chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or other cardiac symptoms on the diary.

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Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

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This important test helps to get a better idea of what your

blood pressure is like throughout the day when you are

doing normal activities. You are given a small portable device

known as an ambulatory blood pressure monitor to wear 

over a 24-hour period, and we use the readings from the

monitor to determine if there are times when your blood

pressure is very low or very high.

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Cardiology Consults and Follow-up

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We have a cardiologist on-site to provide assessments to patients coming from the community, who are experiencing chest pain or other serious cardiac-related symptoms. Patients needing an urgent consultation can even be seen on the same day. After the consultation and tests, the cardiologist will notify your family physician about any abnormalities and/or risk factors and work with you, your doctor and your family to develop the right treatment plan.

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Our Health Care Team

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When it comes to performing cardiac diagnostic services, our team has the expertise and experience like no other. Our cardiologists are some of the best in the region, and our technologists have been specially-trained for each diagnostic test. We are here to provide you with the care you require to put you on the road to better heart health.

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Making a Referral

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Physician referral is required for all procedures and a signed requisition must be available prior to testing.

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