Patient Guide
Preparing for Your Tests
If you are having any of the following tests done, please click on the test to read what you should do to prepare for your visit.
Cardiac Catheterization
A cardiac catheterization may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Here’s what will happen before you have the test:
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, before the test.
• The doctor will explain the procedure, including risks and benefits.
• You’ll be asked to sign a consent form.
• Tell the doctor what medications you are current taking as well as any allergies you have (especially to iodine or shellfish).
• Inform the doctor if there is a possibility you may be pregnant.
• Ask any questions you may have regarding the test.
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, before the test.
• The doctor will explain the procedure, including risks and benefits.
• You’ll be asked to sign a consent form.
• Tell the doctor what medications you are current taking as well as any allergies you have (especially to iodine or shellfish).
• Inform the doctor if there is a possibility you may be pregnant.
• Ask any questions you may have regarding the test.
EECP Treatment
• Arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Take all medications as instructed.
• Don’t eat (except medication) or drink within 1.5 hours before treatment.
• Choose clothing that’s easy to change.
- Stretch pants should be worn to reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
- Men and women should wear form-fitting underwear.
- Wear a loose, comfortable top with an open neck and short socks.
• You may bring something to read.
• A friend or relative may stay with you during your treatment.
• Take all medications as instructed.
• Don’t eat (except medication) or drink within 1.5 hours before treatment.
• Choose clothing that’s easy to change.
- Stretch pants should be worn to reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
- Men and women should wear form-fitting underwear.
- Wear a loose, comfortable top with an open neck and short socks.
• You may bring something to read.
• A friend or relative may stay with you during your treatment.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
• Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the test.
• If you have dentures or dental prostheses, tell the health professional before the test. You will need to remove them before the test.
• Before the test, you will be given a sedative. You will not be able to drive for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Make arrangements in advance for someone to pick you up after the test.
• If you have dentures or dental prostheses, tell the health professional before the test. You will need to remove them before the test.
• Before the test, you will be given a sedative. You will not be able to drive for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Make arrangements in advance for someone to pick you up after the test.
Stress Echocardiogram
• Do not eat before the test. This will help to prevent nausea, which can occur while exercising with a full stomach or from the injection if you having a pharmacologic stress test.
• If you are having a treadmill stress test, wear flat, comfortable shoes and loose, lightweight pants, shorts, or sweatpants. Avoid wearing any constrictive clothing other than a bra.
• Do not wear a bra with an underwire. This will affect the quality of the images taken during the test.
• Follow the instructions of the nuclear technologist. Ask any questions that you may have regarding the test.
• If you are having a treadmill stress test, wear flat, comfortable shoes and loose, lightweight pants, shorts, or sweatpants. Avoid wearing any constrictive clothing other than a bra.
• Do not wear a bra with an underwire. This will affect the quality of the images taken during the test.
• Follow the instructions of the nuclear technologist. Ask any questions that you may have regarding the test.
Tilt Table Test
• Take all of your medications as prescribed.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your test. If you must take medications, drink only small sips of water to help you swallow your pills.
• When you come in to take the test, bring a list of all of your current medications, including the dose.
• Wear comfortable clothes to the test.
• Plan to have someone drive you home after the test.
• If you have diabetes, ask for specific instructions on taking medications and eating/drinking before the procedure.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your test. If you must take medications, drink only small sips of water to help you swallow your pills.
• When you come in to take the test, bring a list of all of your current medications, including the dose.
• Wear comfortable clothes to the test.
• Plan to have someone drive you home after the test.
• If you have diabetes, ask for specific instructions on taking medications and eating/drinking before the procedure.
Vascular Ultrasound
• Avoid any products containing nicotine (cigarettes, chewing tobacco) for at least 30 minutes before the test.
T-Wave
Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and comfortable shoes. There are no restrictions regarding eating or drinking prior to testing. You may be instructed regarding necessary changes in your medications as they may make obtaining heart rate difficult.
