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Heart Center: Frequently Asked Questions

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is any disorder which prevents the heart from functioning normally. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Other types of heart disease include hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart disease, disorders of the heart valves, heart infections, and heart arrhythmias.

What is a cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization involves passing a catheter, a thin flexible tube, into the right or left side of the heart. This procedure is performed to obtain diagnostic information about the center of the heart or its blood vessels, or to provide treatment in certain types of heart conditions.

How long will catheterization take?
Cardiac catheterization will take about one hour.

Does cardiac catheterization require a stay in the hospital?
The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, in some cases, you may be required to stay overnight.

How do I prepare for cardiac catheterization?
Patients are restricted from eating and drinking 6 to 8 hours before the test.

Are there any restrictions after cardiac catheterization?
Not usually after the first 24 hours (during which the patient is advised to avoid strenuous exercise).

Does someone need to bring me and take me home after cardiac catheterization?
Yes, please make arrangements to have a family member or friend take you home after the procedure.

What is a stress test?
A stress test, sometimes called an exercise test, helps the physician determine how well the heart handles a work load. During the test, the body will work harder requiring more energy and thus causing the heart to pump more blood. The stress test can show if there is enough blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart.

Are there different types of stress tests?
Yes, there are regular and nuclear stress tests.

What is a nuclear stress test?
A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It is performed similarly to a routine exercise stress test but provides images in addition to electrocardiograms (also known as an EKG, which records the electrical activity of the heart to determine if a heart attack has occurred).

During the nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner, which detects the radioactive material in your heart, creates images of your heart muscle.

How do I prepare for a stress test?
To prepare for a stress test, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic/tennis shoes. Patients should not eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the test. Ask your doctor if other restrictions are advisable and whether or not you are to take your usual medications prior to the test.

How long does the stress test take?
The stress test takes about 3 to 4 hours. The actual test itself usually requires 10 minutes of walking on the treadmill. Provisions are made for patients who are unable to walk for this duration of time.

When will I receive the results of my stress test?
It usually takes several days for the tests results to be analyzed and reviewed by your doctor. Patients should expect to be contacted by phone or mail with test results within 7-10 days.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

• Medical records from your referring physician and any other cardiologist you may have seen.
• A current list of medications you are taking (names, doses, frequency taken).
• Insurance cards.
• Cash to utilize parking services.

When should I arrive for my appointment? Office Visits - Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Cardiac Catherization / Tranesophageal Echo or Cardioversion – If you are scheduled for any of these procedures, please plan to arrive 60 minutes before your appointment time. You must first register in the Admitting Office, located just off the main lobby of the hospital.

Do I need a referral for my appointment at The Heart Center?
This depends on your insurance coverage. Please check with your insurance company. If in doubt, you can call The Heart Center and we will assist you.

What forms of payment does The Heart Center accept?
We accept cash, check, Mastercard, and Visa.

How do I get to The Heart Center at Mercy? The Heart Center at Mercy is located in Suite 310 on the third floor of Mercy’s Burk Building. For driving directions and parking information click here.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9752
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)

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