Cardiovascular Testing Instructions

General Instructions for Cardiovascular Testing

Bring your testing referral form with you.Bring your insurance cards with you.Bring your medications with you in their original containers.Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in. No special instructions for Echocardiogram, Carotid, ABI, EKG, Holter, Event Monitor, Ambulatory BP, Calcium Score or CIMT

Directions:

The Wellness and Prevention Center is located on the 1st floor of New York Downtown Hospital in Lower Manhattan, near City Hall, at 170 William Street and is easily accessible by car and public transportation.

General Instructions for ALL Stress Testing:

THE DAY OF YOUR TEST

• Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours before your test.
• NO water pills (diuretics) until after your test.
• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit. Avoid wearing dresses, under-wire bras, jumpsuits, or clothing with metallic buttons.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Diabetics should check with their doctors as to what, if any, diabetic medications you may take before the test.
• Blood pressure medication(s) with antianginal properties (e.g. beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates) should be held unless otherwise indicated by your referring physician.

Nuclear Stress Testing (Exercise, Dipyridamole / Dobutamine / Lexiscan)

12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST

• NO caffeine: coffee, tea or coke/soda of any kind (including decaf/caffeine free).
• NO chocolate (candy, cakes, pies, cocoa, white chocolate, etc.).
• NO Anacin, Excedrin, or other aspirin products containing caffeine.
• NO Theophylline-type medications.

THE DAY OF YOUR TEST

• Bring a high-fat snack (e.g. cheese or peanut butter sandwich) to eat AFTER the stress portion of the exam.
• Allow at least 4 hours to complete exam.
• Only patients will be allowed in the exam area.
• The radioisotopes for this exam are a special order. Please call us if you are unable to keep your appointment or there may be a charge for the radioisotope

Rev10/2011