Overview

An important component of Day Kimball’s cardiac services is diagnostic testing provided by Non-Invasive Cardiology Services. This service provides computerized heart monitoring tests which assist in evaluating heart disease and detecting abnormal heart rhythms.

Day Kimball offers state-of-the-art testing on a level and variety usually found only at major medical centers, a further indication of its commitment to the heart health of the northeastern Connecticut community. The Cardiology Department provides Cardiologists and other physicians with various protocols of exercise stress testing as well as chemical induced (Persantine and Dobutamine) stress testing. Nuclear imagery and Echocardiography components help to further enhance the validity of the cardiac diagnosis to meet the unique needs of the individual patient.

Cardiology Tests, Procedures and Services:

• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• EKGs
• Event monitors Holter monitors
• Loop monitors
• Nuclear Imaging
• Pacemaker Insertions
• Pacemaker follow-up
• Stress tests; both exercised and chemically induced

What To Expect

EKGs are relatively simple, 15-20 minutes procedures that require the placement of electrodes on the chest to record the electrical impulses created by the heart.

24-hour Holter monitors require the placement of a number of leads on the chest connected to a box that is carried around the waist or over the shoulder that records electrical impulses of the heart over a 24-hour period. Hook up and instruction times are usually less than 20 minutes.

Stress Tests

* All stress tests are conducted by a stress testing physician and a cardiology technician.

Stress tests are usually done in two manners: first by exercising, and second by using medications. The most common of these, the exercise stress test, requires the individual to be hooked up to multiple EKG leads while exercising on a treadmill in order to record electrical activity of the heart during exercise. This test is usually completed in 60-90 minutes. A variety of exercise protocols are available to met the exercise needs of the individual patient.

Chemically induced tests are conducted by a stress testing physician, a non-invasive cardiology technician and a registered nurse. The test requires the starting of an intravenous line, and is usually completed in 60-90 minutes.

Patients undergoing Dobutamine stress tests are required to have a ride home.

Loop monitors and event monitors are done on an outpatient basis for those who have sporadic symptoms occurring within a month’s time. These patients are instructed on how to use and/or apply these monitors at their discretion in order to catch the symptom as it occurs. The patient will keep the monitor for one month to utilize when they feel it necessary. Enrollment and instruction time for these monitors is usually 20-30 minutes

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is for the patient who has high blood pressure or is suspected of having it. The patient will wear an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours with the flexibility of removing the monitor and reapplying it at their leisure during this time. Instructing the patient to use the ambulatory blood pressure monitor usually takes about 20 minutes. 

Important Things to Remember

Bring all current insurance cards. 

Legal guardians need to be in attendance of any patients under the age of 18.

If a patient needs an interpreter or is hearing impaired, please let us know in advance and the department will make appropriate arrangements prior to the study.

Read all preparations carefully. They are important to the completion and diagnostic quality of the study. Failure to do so could result in a poor quality study or a rescheduling of the test.

For stress testing, loose clothing, such as sweat pants and sweatshirts, as well as casual walking shoes with soft soles are recommended.

For stress testing, please bring a list of all medications that are presently being taken, and include the dosage if possible.

Bring all requisitions or paperwork that the ordering physician has given you to the test.

Plan to arrive at the facility or registration area 15 minutes prior to the test.

Most results will be reported to the ordering physician within three to four working days. STAT or positive exams will be immediately called or faxed.

All examinations will only be performed with the written request of a physician.

Locations, Hours and Contact Information

Day Kimball Hospital
320 Pomfret Street
Putnam, CT 

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Contact Information

For scheduling of procedures:
(860) 928-6541 or
(860) 774-3366 ext. 2317 or ext. 2337

Exam specific questions:
(860) 928-6541, ext. 2231