Western Baptist Hospital offers testing to help your physician diagnose heart problems, including Electrocardiograms, Ultrasound Echocardiograms, Holter Monitoring, Stress Testing, Tilt Table Tests, Nuclear Medicine and CT.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

An electrocardiogram is a recording of the heart's electrical activity on a strip of moving paper. It is one of the first tests used to diagnose heart disease, although a normal EKG doesn't guarantee that the heart and coronary arteries are normal. Many patients receive EKGs prior to having surgery to make sure the heart is functioning normally. Patients having preoperative EKGs are seen in Western Baptist Hospital's Outpatient Center.

Cardiac CT

Ultrasound Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce pictures of the heart in motion. It is used to diagnose abnormalities of the heart valves, the heart muscle and the fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart. Echocardiograms are performed in the hospital's Radiology department.

Cariac ultrasound is also performed in the Radiology department.

Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous recording of your heart's electrical activity for 24 hours while you go about your normal activities. It is very useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms and in determining whether recurring symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and palpitations are caused by abnormal rhythms. Holter monitoring is offered in the hospital's Cardiology department.

Stress Testing

Stress testing helps your doctor evaluate your heart at rest, while your heart rate is increasing as you exercise on a treadmill or as a result of medication, and after your heart rate reaches its peak. The test can show how well the heart muscle is contracting and if portions of the heart muscle are deprived of blood. Your doctor may also order a stress test to determine the safety of an exercise program, such as cardiac rehabilitation. Stress tests are performed in the hospital's Cardiology department.

Tilt Table Tests

A tilt table test can help your doctor evaluate why you feel lightheaded, dizzy, sweaty or faint (a condition called syncope). Before the test, you will receive an IV and be connected to monitors which measure your heart rate, blood pressure. During the test, you will lie on a table that has a pillow and a safety strap. It will be raised from a flat position to a standing position for a period of time. The test can tell your doctor whether the receptors in the heart that help control blood pressure and heart rate are working properly. Tilt table tests are performed in the hospital's Cardiology department.

 

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine tests are performed in the Diagnostic Imaging department.

Nuclear medicine tests are performed in the hospital's Diagnostic Imaging department, in conjunction with stress testing. Nuclear scans of the heart involve injection of a radioactive isotope followed by one or two 30-minute scans under a gamma camera. Cardiac scans can be used to:

• detect heart attacks, by showing if part of the heart muscle has been damaged;
• measure the heart's pumping action; and
• study the heart's ability to expand and contract.

Insertable Loop Recorder

The insertable loop recorder can help your doctor diagnose what is causing episodes or events such as unexpected fainting. Other types of monitors, which are worn externally, require a person to activate the monitor when they begin feeling symptoms of an episode coming on. The loop recorder is inserted under the skin in your chest. Once it is activated, it will continuously monitor your heart activity for about 14 months and capture all events. The implantable loop recorder is particularly useful in diagnosing heart problems in patients who don't have episodes frequently.

Other diagnostic tests are performed in Western Baptist Hospital's three Cardiac Catheterization Labs.

Registering for Your Heart Test

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules you for tests, call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. Be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • your medical record number, if you are familiar with it and you have registered at Western Baptist before;
   • your date of birth;
   • your social security number;
   • your home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • your insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to the Cardiology or Diagnostic Imaging department.

You may also pre-register online by clicking here.

If you do not take advantage of the Express Check program, plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete the registration process.

For More Information

For more information about Diagnostic Cardiology Services, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.