Cardio-Respiratory

Preparation will vary depending on the type of exam being performed. Please select the appropriate exam below for more information.

Patients requiring a translator or caregiver are asked to bring this person with them to the appointment. Please wear any prescribed hearing aids to your appointment.

Depending on the type of exam your healthcare provider has ordered, either a respiratory therapist or cardiovascular technologist will be involved in performing the study.

Respiratory therapists (RTs) assess and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Working alongside physicians, they use therapies like oxygen, respiratory medications, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation to improve respiratory function. They also assist with airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, high risk deliveries, disease prevention and rehabilitation. They are a regulated health care professionals who work under the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. Click here to learn more about RTs!

Cadiovascular technologists (CVTs) assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions. By using specialized equipment, CVT's capture images and perform tests, which support the care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular concerns.

Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a broad range of diseases and conditions affecting adults. Physicians specializing in this field, known as internists, are trained to manage complex and multi-system illnesses, providing comprehensive care that encompasses both acute and chronic health issues. Internists will review and report most cardio-respiratory studies. Some exams may require multiple types of imaging, and in such cases, a cardiologist or radiologist may be involved in reviewing and interpreting your results.

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive test that measures how well your lungs are working. It evaluates lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange, helping your healthcare provider diagnose lung conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment.

What to expect:

During this test, a respiratory therapist will guide you through a series of breathing exercises. This is an effort-dependent test and your full participation is important for accurate results. Appointment length is approximately 45 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing.

• Bring inhaler medications and aero chamber/spacer.

• Hold bronchodilator medications if tolerated at least 4 hours before test.

• Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test.

• Avoid caffeine and smoking at least 1 hour before the test.

• Avoid heavy meals and strenuous exercise at least 2 hours before the test.

Test should not be performed if:

• You have had surgery less than 4 weeks prior.
• Have flu-like symptoms.
• Cannot follow verbal instructions.
  

Spirometry with pre- and post-bronchodilator flow volume loops is a test that measures how well your lungs are functioning. It evaluates lung volume and airflow rates, helping your healthcare provider diagnose lung conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment.

What to expect:

During this test, a respiratory therapist will guide you through a series of breathing exercises. This is an effort-dependent test, and your full participation is important for accurate results. Appointment length is approximately 20 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing.

• Bring inhaler medications and aero chamber/spacer.

• Hold bronchodilator medications if tolerated at least 4 hours before test.

• Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test.

• Avoid caffeine and smoking at least 1 hour before the test.

• Avoid heavy meals and strenuous exercise at least 2 hours before the test.
  

Test should not be performed if:

• You have had surgery less than 4 weeks prior.

• Have flu-like symptoms.

• Cannot follow verbal instructions.

A walk study is a simple, non-invasive test that evaluates your need for supplemental oxygen at rest and during exercise.

What to expect:

During this test your resting oxygen levels will be measured first, followed by additional measurements taken while you complete several walks in a hallway. In some cases, blood work may also be required. Appointment length is approximately 1 hour.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for walking.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test.
• Avoid heavy meals and strenuous exercise at least 2 hours before the test.

Test should not be performed if:

• You have had surgery less than 4 weeks prior.
• Have flu-like symptoms.
• Cannot follow verbal instructions.

Home oxygen assessment is a test used to determine your need for supplemental oxygen at home to support breathing.

What to expect:

For this test, your resting oxygen levels will be measured, and in some cases, blood work may be required. If needed, your oxygen levels will be monitored while you walk several lengths of the hallway. Appointment length is approximately 1 hour.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for walking.

• Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test.

• Avoid heavy meals and strenuous exercise at least 2 hours before the test.

Test should not be performed if:

• You have had surgery less than 4 weeks prior.

• Have flu-like symptoms.

• Cannot follow verbal instructions.

Arterial blood gas testing is a diagnostic procedure that measures the levels of oxygenation and acid-base in your blood. It provides important information about how effectively your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood, remove carbon dioxide, and helps to assess your body's acid-base balance.

What to expect:

A small sample of blood is collected from an artery in your wrist. Appointment length is approximately 20 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing.

• Bring medication list.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma education is a scheduled appointment where a respiratory therapist will review your diagnosis and help you understand how to manage your condition effectively.

What to expect:

The respiratory therapist will explain the purpose and proper use of your medications, as well as provide strategies to manage your COPD or asthma. Appointment length is approximately 20 minutes.

Preparation:

• Bring inhaler medications and aero chamber/spacer.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps doctors detect irregular heart rhythms and can aid in diagnosing various heart conditions.

What to expect:

During the test, electrodes will be placed on the surface of your skin to record your heart’s electrical activity. ECG's are performed on a walk-in basis and take approximately 15 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access in order to place leads on your chest. 

A stress study is a cardiology test that evaluates how your heart responds to physical activity (exercise) in a controlled environment. It helps your healthcare provider to assess your heart’s function and identify any potential issue during exertion.

What to expect:

You will walk on a treadmill while your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels are closely monitored. Appointment length is approximately 30 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for walking.

A stress echocardiogram is a type of heart test that combines an ultrasound of the heart with a stress test to evaluate how well your heart muscle is working during physical activity.

What to expect:

This test is done in two stages. First, you will have an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, at rest. Then, you’ll walk on a treadmill to raise your heart rate. After your heart rate increases, another echocardiogram is done to compare how your heart functions before and after stress. Appointment length is approximately 60 minutes.

Preparation:

• Wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for walking.

• Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 4 hours before your test.

• Do not consume caffeine – including coffee, tea, chocolate, or caffeine-containing medications – for 24 hours prior.

• Do not smoke on the day of the test.

• Consult with your physician prior to your stress echocardiogram about which medications may need to be on hold, as some can affect the accuracy of the test. For example, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may make it harder for your heart rate to rise during exercise, which can impact the results. Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your health and current medications.

A nuclear medicine stress test, also known as myocardial perfusion imaging, is a specialized test that is used to assess how well the blood flows to the heart muscle both at rest and during exercise. A small, safe amount of radioactive tracer is used in order to perform this exam. See Nuclear Medicine services for more information regarding radioactive tracers.

What to expect:

This test is done in two parts: imaging is completed while you are at rest and again while your heart is under stress. You’ll exercise on a treadmill during the stress portion. If you’re unable to walk on a treadmill, you may be given a medication called a vasodilator, which helps expand the arteries in your heart to mimic the effects of exercise.

The test takes up to 6 hours in total. There will be a 1–2 hour break halfway through, during which you may eat one piece of fruit (such as a banana or apple) and drink water or juice.

Preparation:

• Wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for walking.

• Do not consume caffeine for 48 hours prior, including coffee, tea, chocolate, or caffeine-containing medications.

• Nothing to eat 6 hours prior to the appointment (sips of water as acceptable).

• Diabetics: please call 705-444-8670 for modified diet instrctions.

• Bring a list of your medication.

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records your heart’s electrical activity over the course of an assigned time. This time can range from 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days or 14 days. Appointment length is approximately 15 minutes.

What to expect:

To monitor your heart's electrical activity, an electrocardiogram (ECG) will be performed by placing electrodes on the body's surface. These electrodes are then connected to a cell phone sized, lightweight recording device. You will take the device home and continuously wear it for the prescribed time.

While wearing the Holter monitor, you will be asked to keep a diary and return the device to the front entrance of the hospital when the monitoring period is complete.

Preparation:

• Shower prior to your test and do not apply any lotion.

To minimize recording interruptions, patients should avoid the following while wearing the monitor:

• Electric blankets
• Electric razors and toothbrushes
• Magnets
• Metal detectors
• Microwave ovens
• High voltage electrical wires

Note: Cell phones should be kept at least 6 inches away from the monitor box.

A blood pressure monitor is a device that will record your blood pressure at pre-set intervals over a 24-hour period.

What to expect:

You will wear the monitor continuously. You will be asked to keep a diary and return the device to the front entrance of the hospital when the monitoring period is complete. You will not be able to shower while wearing the monitor. Appointment length is approximately 15 minutes.

Note: This test is not covered under OHIP. Payment is required at the time of your scheduled appointment.