At Abbeville Area Medical Center, we want to help find cardiac problems before they cause damage or a heart attack. Testing is available on Wednesdays and Fridays and is done under the supervision of a physician and an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified nurse. A physician’s referral is necessary to have this test performed.
Our Stress Testing Lab offers two types of tests that can help get to the “heart” of your problem:
(click on each test’s name to learn more)
For more information about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and how stress testing can help diagnose
CAD before it becomes a problem, click here.
Exercise Stress Test
If you are having a “graded” exercise stress test, please allow at least sixty to ninety minutes. The walking phase of the test, including the resting and recovery phases, usually lasts 30-45 minutes and preparation takes from 15-30 minutes. You are not given any medications. During this test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill. The incline and speeds begin at a level that is easy for you and will slowly increase. A physician and staff personnel will be with you at all times to monitor you during the test.
If you are having a Stress Test, please follow the instructions below:
Registration
Check in at the registration desk at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. If you must cancel your test, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance at 366-3319.
DO NOT SMOKE AFTER MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST!
Medications
Continue to take your medicines as prescribed unless your physician tells you not to. Medicines given for your heart, blood pressure, diabetes or breathing may interfere with the test—consult with your physician.
Food & Drink
You may have a light breakfast (dry toast and juice) no later than two hours before test time. Do not eat or drink any other food or beverage until after the study and you are told to do so. AVOID caffeine that may be found in food or drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, or chocolate.
Attire
Wear comfortable shoes that have good traction (tennis shoes) and comfortable clothes that will allow you to walk at a moderately fast pace easily. One piece outfits, dresses, and skirts are discouraged.
Results
Your physician will receive a preliminary report within 24 hours of your test. You can obtain the information from him/her at that time. If the information is of an urgent nature, your physician will be contacted immediately and you will be notified by your physician.
Nuclear Medicine Stress Test
Appointments are available on Monday and Wednesday. The nuclear medicine stress test usually takes four to five hours. Prior to the test, medicines will be injected into a vein and an image, similar to an x-ray, will be taken of your heart. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill. The incline and speed begin at a level that is easy for you and will slowly increase. A physician and staff personnel will be with you at all times to monitor you during the test. After walking on the treadmill, another image will be taken. If you are unable to walk on a treadmill the test can be performed using medications.
If you are having a nuclear medicine stress test, please follow the following instructions:
Registration
Check in at the registration desk at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. If you must cancel your test, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance at 366-3319.
Medications
Continue to take your medicines as prescribed unless your physician tells you not to. Medicines given for your heart, blood pressure, diabetes or breathing may interfere with the test—consult with your physician.
Food & Drink
You may have a light breakfast (dry toast and juice) if it is 2 hours before test time, otherwise have only a few sips of water. Do not eat or drink any other food or beverage until after the study and you are told to do so.
AVOID caffeine that may be found in food or drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, or chocolate.
DO NOT SMOKE AFTER MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST!
Attire
Wear comfortable shoes that have good traction (tennis shoes) and comfortable clothes that will allow you to walk at a moderately fast pace easily. One piece outfits, resses, and skirts are discouraged.
Results
Your physician will receive a preliminary report within 24 hours of your test. You can obtain the information from him/her at that time. If the information is of an urgent nature, your physician will be contacted immediately and you will be notified by your physician.