What to Expect
Usually, patients first see their cardiologist or primary care doctor for symptoms that might be related to heart disease. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations feeling faint, weakness and more. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and any risk factors, like family history, high cholesterol levels or abnormal blood pressure. Depending on your unique case, your doctor may recommend heart imaging services at our lab. You’ll find the lab on the fourth floor of the medical center.
Your doctor’s office will contact us to schedule your appointment. Most patients don’t need to do anything special to prepare for their appointment. However, if you’re getting a nuclear heart test you will need to avoid caffeine for 24 hours beforehand.
Diagnosis & Treatment
At your appointment, we’ll help you understand how your heart test will be performed and what to expect afterward. Depending on the tests you need, you may see different members of our team (including cardiologists, cardiac radiologists and sonographers). After the test, you’ll be able to go home the same day — most procedures can be completed in about an hour.
Our team will carefully evaluate the results of your testing to make an accurate diagnosis. We’ll share the results with your doctor and make sure you’re on the best path to treatment. Your doctor will let you know your next steps, including further procedures for diagnosis or treatment.
Follow-Up
Many patients won’t need a follow-up appointment at our lab. In some cases, your physician may recommend regular follow-up imaging services to monitor your condition.
If your heart condition requires ongoing care, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check up on your heart health. No matter what comes next, we’ll be here to work with your care team and guide you to the best possible outcome.
Take the Next Step
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. If you’re concerned about your heart health or have symptoms, talk to your primary care physician or cardiologist today. Detecting heart disease early can improve your treatment options, help you live healthier and even save your life.