What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (or “Echo”) is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound off the heart can show the size, shape and movement of the heart’s valves and chambers as well as the flow of blood through the heart. It is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests to assess heart disease as it is extremely safe and no special precautions are required.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

An echo exam usually lasts between 15 – 30 minutes depending on the difficulty of the study. An echosonographer performs the exam and it is then interpreted by an Internist. The final report is sent to the ordering doctor.

How do I get an echocardiogram?

Electrocardiogram exams are only done every week day. A referral from a doctor is required and appointments are made by calling the Cardio Department at 613 623 7962, ext 274. On the day of your appointment, bring your requisition from the doctor with you and register with the clerks at the B entrance.

Thank you to the ARH Auxiliary for funding the cost of the echocardiogram unit.

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An electrocardiogram is a commonly used, non invasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The ECG is a starting point for detecting many cardiac problems. It is routinely used in physical examinations to evaluate causes of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations.

What happens during an ECG?

During an ECG, 10 electrodes are applied to specific areas on the arms, legs and chest. The recording lasts for several beats of the heart and is printed on paper. All electrocardiograms are read by an Internist and the results are then sent out to the ordering doctor.

How do I get an ECG?

To have an ECG done, simply present to the B entrance with your requisition and register with the clerks at the outpatient registration desk. An appointment is not required as the Cardiology Department performs ECGs routinely Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 3pm.

What is Holter monitoring?

A Holter monitor is a portable device that allows doctors to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms missed by a regular ECG.

Five electrodes are adhered to the surface of the skin in specific areas of the patient’s chest. These electrodes are then attached to the portable device, which records the heart’s electrical activity and can easily be carried around by a person during the patient's normal daily activities.

Most people carry the monitor for one or two days as this is usually enough time to detect an abnormality. After 24 to 48 hours, the monitor is removed and the stored data is sent for interpretation by a cardiologist. A final report will be sent to the ordering doctor.

How do I get a Holter monitor?

To have a holter monitor done, a referral from a doctor is required and appointments are made by calling the Cardiology Department at 613-623-7962 ext 274. On the day of your appointment, bring your requisition from the doctor with you and register with the clerks  at Entrance B.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) means that a physician or nurse practitioner provides or administers medication that intentionally brings about a patient’s death, at the request of the patient. Medical Assistance in Dying is also called “assistance in dying”, or “physician-assisted death”.

The decision for medical assistance in dying is a personal one between the individual, their family and their family doctor. Arnprior Regional Health will support the needs of our community. For more information, visit the Health Canada website.

What is spirometry?

Simple spirometry is a test that measures how well the lungs take in and release air by measuring how much air you exhale and how quickly. Spirometry can evaluate and diagnose a variety of lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

This test is also used to find the cause of shortness of breath, assess lung function before surgery, measure whether exposure to chemicals at work affect lung function, assess the effects of medication and measure progress in disease treatment.

What happens during a spirometry test?

To complete a simple spirometry, you will be asked to breathe out forcefully into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a simple spirometer. The spirometer will record the amount and rate of air that you breathe in and out. Sometimes, you will be asked to inhale your medication to see how it changes your test results. All pulmonary function tests are interpreted by an Internist and the results will be sent to your doctor.

How do I get a spirometry test?

A referral from a doctor is required for this test. An appointment for spirometry can be booked by calling the Cardiology Department at 613-623-7962 Ext. 274. On the day of your appointment, report to Entrance B with the requisition from your doctor and register with the clerks at the Outpatient Registration desk.

What is a stress test?

A stress test is primarily used to identify coronary artery disease. It requires patients to exercise on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, ECG and symptoms are monitored.

Exercise Stress Testing remains the best initial non-invasive coronary test. This test is particularly useful for detecting inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscle caused by blocked coronary arteries. It can also be used to determine safe levels of exercise in people with existing coronary artery disease.

What happens during  a stress test?

During stress testing, the nurse applies 10 electrodes to the patient’s chest which will record their ECG during the test. The patient will be asked to walk on a treadmill at increasing intensity until reaching their target heart rate or until they experience fatigue, dizziness or chest pain. The test is interpreted by an internist and the patient will be given their test results before leaving their  appointment. A report is also sent to the referring doctor.

How do I get a stress test?

To have a stress test, a referral from a doctor is required. Stress tests are done on Monday and Wednesday mornings and appointments are booked by calling Diagnostic Imaging 613-623-7962 ext. 214. On the day of your test, register with the clerks at the Outpatient B Entrance with your requisition and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A list of your current medications is also required.

Preparing for a stress test

1. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
2. Bring a list of medications.
3. Bring a bottle of water.
4. Have breakfast, at least a light one.
5. Wear a bra. If you do not, the examination could be cancelled.

The Medical Day Program accommodates the following procedures: blood transfusions, IVIG, Albumim, Iron Infusions, Pamidronate and phlebotomy.

Your family doctor will refer you to this program should it be needed. All patients requiring a blood transfusion are to complete blood work several days prior to receiving a transfusion.  You will told where and when to do this.

When you arrive at the Hospital for any of these procedures, register at the Outpatient B Entrance.