Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics & Rehab

Holter Monitor: A small device records the heart rhythm continuously for 24 hours. An exercise physiologist will apply electrodes to the patient’s chest. Wires from the electrodes connect to a battery-operated recording device carried in a pocket or worn on a belt clip. A physician will interpret the test results.

Event Monitor: A small device records abnormal heart rhythm events for up to 30 days. An exercise physiologist will apply electrodes to the patient’s chest. Wires from the electrodes connect to a battery-operated recording device carried in a pocket or worn on a belt clip. A physician will interpret the test results.

A cardiac test that uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of the patient’s heart. During an echocardiogram a sonographer uses a wand (transducer) to create soundwave images of the heart.

A stress test performed using a treadmill to assess how well a patient’s heart handles work and/or to assess functional capacity. Exercise intensity is gradually increased to stress the heart while the patient’s heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and symptoms are monitored. Tests are supervised by a physician.

A stress test performed using a treadmill or supine bicycle to assess how well a patient’s heart handles work and/or to assess functional capacity. A sonographer will use ultrasound imaging to assess heart function before, during, and after exercise. Exercise intensity is gradually increased to stress the heart while the patient’s heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and symptoms are monitored. Tests are supervised by a physician.

A pharmacologic stress test performed using an intravenous medication called Dobutamine to elevate the heart rate which will mimic the effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system. This test is typically used for patients that are unable to perform exercise (due to orthopedic or other concerns) in order to assess how well the heart handles being stressed. A sonographer will use ultrasound imaging to assess heart function before, during, and after infusion. The heart rate is gradually increased to stress the heart while the patient’s heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and symptoms are monitored. Tests are supervised by a physician.

A stress test using a small amount of a nuclear tracer to assess how blood goes to the heart during exercise compared to rest. The tracer is given by an IV and absorbed by the heart muscle to make it more visible in images. An imaging machine is used to evaluate blood flow in and around the heart which helps find areas of poor blood flow or damage.

The stress portion of the test can be done using a treadmill or with a medication called Lexiscan. If on the treadmill, exercise intensity is gradually increased to stress the heart while the patient’s heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and symptoms are monitored. For patients unable to exercise on a treadmill, Lexiscan can be used. Lexiscan is a medication that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart, mimicking peak exercise blood flow.

Inpatient cardiac rehabilitation involves monitored activity to get the patient up and moving immediately after a cardiac event. This takes place while the patient is still in the hospital.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise and education program to help patients improve cardiovascular health and overall quality of life. Heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm (EKG) are monitored each session. Patients are often referred after having a heart attack, valve repair/replacement, stent placement, bypass surgery, stable angina, and/or heart transplant.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise and education program to help patients improve stamina, breathing, and overall quality of life. Heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation are monitored each session. Patients are often referred after being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Pulmonary Hypertension, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and/or Lung Transplant.

PAD (sometimes referred as PVD) rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise program designed to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of leg circulation pain over time. The goal of the program is to improve quality of life by increasing walking distance and preventing/delaying future complications.

A counseling and education program designed for patients that are current or recent cigarette, e-cigarette, snuff, or chew users. The program is based on current addiction research to address the difficulties of quitting nicotine products. An exercise physiologist with additional training by the American Lung Association will guide patients through one-on-one nicotine cessation appointments.

An exercise assessment and education session for patients to help reduce risk factors or for those who are diagnosed with a chronic health condition. The session focuses on exercise safety and prescription to improve overall health and quality of life. An exercise physiologist will assess patient vitals and functional capacity.  Activity recommendations will be provided. Follow-up sessions are scheduled as needed.