If you’re a first-time patient at Capital Health Cardiology Specialists – Hamilton, you should arrive 30 minutes before your first scheduled appointment time to complete paperwork and undergo an electrocardiogram and assessment by our medical assistant or nurse.
If you’re a returning patient, you should arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We take your schedule very seriously. Your punctuality will help us keep your visit with us as short and convenient for you and your family as possible.
The following information will help you better prepare for your visit. Please read the instructions under the testing that you’re having done to be ready for your visit.
Electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG)
- Be sure to bring a list of any prescription and nonprescription medications that you take. Certain medicines can change the test results. Also, your doctor will give you special instructions before your visit if you take certain heart medicines.
- Please do not apply lotions to your skin as this will make it difficult to place the leads.
- Remove all jewelry from your neck, arm and wrists.
- All patients undergoing an electrocardiogram are usually asked to remove their shirt during the test. Full chest exposure allows us to obtain the highest quality electrocardiogram readings.
Echocardiograms
- There are no special instructions to prepare for transthoracic, 3-D or definity contrast enhanced echocardiograms.
- If you are having a stress echocardiogram, do not eat heavily for three hours prior to testing (this will help prevent potential nausea). Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no slippers or sandals) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants if you are coming for an exercise stress test. Also, please do not apply lotions to your skin as this will make it difficult to place the leads. Be sure to ask your doctor if you should stop taking any medications prior to the test.
Stress tests
- 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. Caffeine can interfere with the results of your test.
- Wear soft-soled shoes suitable for walking and comfortable clothes. Do not bring valuables.
- If you are taking heart medications, please check with your doctor to see if you should be taking them on the day of your test. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain heart medications just for your test, but do not discontinue taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor.
- If you use an inhaler for your breathing, bring it with you to the test.
- If you have diabetes and are scheduled for a stress test, talk to your doctor about how best to manage your blood sugar on the day of your test.
Holter monitoring
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any adhesives.
- Make sure you shower or bathe before starting your test. You will not be able to do so while wearing the monitor.
Event recording
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any adhesives.