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James W
/ Categories: Heart

Cardiac Testing at Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Diagnosing a heart condition often requires a combination of cardiovascular diagnostic and screening tests. These advanced tests can often determine the existence, type and severity of heart disease.

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, our Cardiac Diagnostics Center is equipped with advanced technology and expertly trained staff to conducts these tests. Your test results will be evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist on staff at MoBap and discussed with your physician to tailor a treatment plan for your specific condition.

  • Prompt scheduling
  • Convenient appointment times
    • Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Full suite of diagnostic testing suite

To cancel or reschedule an existing cardiac testing appointment at MoBap, call the BJC Centralized Scheduling Team at 314.273.8870.

Your doctor may refer you for one of these cardiac tests:

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

This noninvasive test records the electrical activity of your heart to monitor changes in heart rhythm and/or detect a heart attack. It is used to determine if your heart rate and rhythm are normal or if there is heart muscle damage.

  • Approximate test time: 15 minutes
  • Preparation required: No preparation is required.

Event monitor

A small, portable device is worn over an extended period to record your heart’s electrical activity. Each time you experience symptoms, you press a button on the device to record the symptom, which is then immediately transmitted to the doctor’s office for evaluation.

  • Approximate test time: The in-office instruction by the Cardiac Testing Center staff is 30 minutes. You will be required to wear the device for 30 days.
  • Preparation required: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.

Holter monitor

A small, wearable device is worn to continuously record the electrical activity of your heart to detect abnormal heartbeats. Data is stored on the device and returned to the doctor at the end of the time period for review and evaluation.  

  • Approximate test time: The in-office instruction by the Cardiac Testing Center staff is 30 minutes. You will be required to wear the device for 24-48 hours. 
  • Preparation required: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.

Echocardiogram (ECHO)

A noninvasive ultrasound using high-frequency sounds waves to produce images of your heart’s size, structure and function.

  • Approximate test time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation time: No preparation is required.

Treadmill stress test or stress test

This test is often ordered if you are experiencing chest pain to help evaluate the presence or significance of coronary artery disease and determine the amount of exercise you can sustain. While walking on a treadmill, you will be connected to an EKG machine that monitors your heart rate, rhythm and response.

  • Approximate test time: 30-60 minutes
  • Preparation required: Wear comfortable clothes and running shoes.

Stress echocardiogram (Stress ECHO)

During this test, we will capture two images to evaluate how well the heart and blood vessels are working before and after exercise. After the first test is completed, you will exercise on a treadmill. Immediately after exercising you will receive a second echocardiogram.  

  • Approximate test time: 60-90 minutes
  • Preparation required:
    • Do not eat or drink 12 hours before the test.
    • Do not apply lotions to your skin.
    • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and running shoes.
    • Bring a list of your medications.

Nuclear stress test

During this test, images are taken before and after exercise to determine how well blood flows through your heart. If you are unable to exercise on a treadmill, you will receive a medication that has the same effect as exercise.  

  • Approximate test time: 3 hours
  • Preparation required:
    • Do not eat or drink 12 hours before the test.
    • Do not consume caffeine, decaffeinated food or chocolate 12 hours before the test. 
    • Do not apply lotions to your skin.
    • Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and running shoes.
    • Bring a list of your medications.

Results

Test results are evaluated by a MoBap cardiologist within 72 hours and shared with your referring physician. To learn the results of your test, please contact the office of the doctor who referred you for the testing.

Directions

Once on the Missouri Baptist Medical Center campus, follow signs to North Entry D and park in Garage D. Valet parking is also available at no charge at the entrance of Building D. Enter the hospital through Building D and Cardiac Testing is conveniently located in suite 220.

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