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Diagnostic Tests |
Treatment |
Medication |
Procedures |
Cardiovascular Surgery |
FAQs
Tests to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease
Several tests are available at Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute to diagnose possible coronary artery disease. The choice of which and how many tests to perform depends on factors such as the patient's risk factors, history of heart problems, current symptoms and the physician's assessment of these factors.
An individual being evaluated for possible coronary artery disease may begin with the simplest tests such as an EKG or exercise stress test and may progress to more complicated tests such as heart catheterization or angiogram. Specific tests depend on the patient's particular symptoms and the physician's assessment. Some of these tests are non-invasive - that is, they don't involve inserting needles, instruments or fluids into the body. Those that do are called invasive tests.
How many diagnostic tests are performed at Hoag Hospital each year?
- 36,400 Resting electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- 2,100 Exercise stress tests
- 3,614 Echocardiograms
- 1,860 Diagnostic heart catheterizations
Additional Information:
What About My Mediations?
- DO take your heart, blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson’s or seizure medications with a sip on water the morning of your procedure – unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- DO NOT take any oral diabetic medication or insulin, unless instructed by the nurse or physician.
- Please bring a list of all medications (including herbal and over the counter medications) with you the day or your procedure.
- Use your asthma or other lung inhalers in the morning and be sure to bring them with you.
- If you are on oxygen at home, bring it with you.
- If you use CPAP at home, bring it with you.
- Contact your physician for instructions if you are taking aspirin, aspirin products, MAO inhibitors, or have taken diet pills (phen/fen or redux). Some medications need to be stopped a few days before the procedure.
- Heart cath patients: STOP coumadin 2-4 days prior to the procedure as directed by your physician.
- Cardioversion patients: CONTINUE coumadin as director by your physician.
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS) patients: STOP antiarrythmic medications as directed by your physician.
Registration:
- Arrange insurance authorization. Pre-register by calling Outpatient Registration at Hoag Hospital 1 to 2 days prior to your procedure date. The phone number is 949/764-8361
Pre-test Instructions:
- If you do not have diabetes: Do not eat for two hours prior to the test.
- If you have diabetes: Eat something two hours prior to the test.
- Do not drink caffeine the day of the test.
- If you are having an adenosine test, no caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas) , or decaffeinated beverages for 24 hours prior to the test. Some aspirin products contain caffeine, check with your physician for instructions.
- Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, take your routine medications.
- Do not drink alcohol beverages for 48 hours prior to your test.
- Do not smoke cigarettes prior to the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Wear tennis shoes or non-skid shoes.
- Do not apply lotions or creams to the chest area on the day of your test.
Check-in:
- If you are not pre-registered, check in at Outpatient Registration 30 minutes before your test to register.
- If you have pre-registered, check in at Outpatient Registration 15 minutes before your test to pick up the paperwork.
- Once you have your paperwork, proceed to the Department of Cardiology.
Registration:
- Arrange insurance authorization. Pre-register by calling the Admitting Department at Hoag Hospital 1 to 2 days prior to your procedure date. The phone number is 949/764-2275
Pre-admission Instructions:
- Obtain blood work as ordered by your physician before your procedure.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
- Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, take routine medications with small sips of water. Do not take anti-coagulation medications, i.e. Coumadin. Bring a list of the medications you are currently taking.
- Please leave all jewelry and other valuables at home. Bring your eyeglasses.
- Please plan to have someone drive you home.
Admission:
- The Admitting Department opens at 6 a.m.
- Please check in at the Admitting Department 3 hours prior to the scheduled time of your procedure. However, if your procedure is scheduled at 7 a.m., your physician will instruct you on alternate arrangements.
- Once admitted to the Same Day Services Unit, you will be prepared for the procedure. This will include paperwork, consents and an intravenous line (IV).
- Your family is welcome to accompany you as far as the waiting room near the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
- If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask your physician or the nursing staff.
Registration:
- Arrange insurance authorization.
- Pre-register by calling Outpatient Registration at Hoag Hospital 1 to 2 days prior to your procedure date. The phone number is 949/764-8361.
Check-in:
- If you are not pre-registered, check in at Outpatient Registration 30 minutes before your test to register.
- If you have pre-registered, check in at Outpatient Registration 15 minutes before your test to pick up the paperwork.
- Once you have your paperwork, proceed to the Department of Cardiology.
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