The Polyclinic Cardiology Department, located within the Polyclinic Family and Specialty Medicine Facility, performs state-of-the-art screening and imaging services in order to identify patients’ level of risk for cardiovascular diseases. Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Canadians, early detection and prompt treatment are of the utmost importance to reduce morbidity and mortality. Many of our cardiologists are affiliated with the University Health Network, which allows us to streamline patient referrals for invasive cardiac testing. Polyclinic currently has 8 cardiologists as part of our team, many whom have been with our facility for more than 10 years.
With a growing demand for our services and for patients’ convenience, we are happy to announce that Polyclinic Cardiology Department is now open extended hours during weekday and weekends as well.
Appointment Instructions:
- Must bring a VALID HEALTH CARD and ALL MEDICATIONS currently taking.
- If Health Card is not valid or expired, uninsured visit charges will apply.
- Must bring a translator if patient does not speak English.
- Patients who wish to RESCHEDULE or CANCEL their appointment must do so at least 48 business hours in advance to avoid a NO-SHOW fee of $113.
For more information about the services provided at Polyclinic Cardiology Department or for referral information please contact us at 416-222-6160 EXT. 243.
Polyclinic Cardiology Department provides the following Non-Invasive Cardiac Testing:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Description of Test:
An Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor is used to measure blood pressure over a 24 hour period. This is used to get further information on how patient’s blood pressure varies throughout the day. The Monitor is attached to a belt that is to be worn around the patient’s waist. The Monitor is connected to a cuff around patient’s arm which inflates at various times throughout the day and while sleeping. The two reasons for this test are to see how daily life affects blood pressure, and to eliminate the ‘white coat effect’ which causes people’s blood pressure to rise when going to the doctors’ office. Patient must ensure the tube is not tangled and the strap is positioned properly on the top of their arm. Keep a journal throughout the day keeping track of what has been done and what was happening during each reading interval.
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Cardiology Consultation
A consultation with a cardiologist is strongly recommended prior to any diagnostic testing procedure in the Cardiology Department. A consultation is usually requested by a family physician or sometimes another specialist to evaluate a patient’s cardiac conditions and symptoms. Consultations are available on referral basis only and the letter of referral can be faxed to 416-645-1979. At your appointment you will be informed of what to expect during your diagnostic procedure as well as discuss your medical history. All patients should come prepared for their cardiology consultation with knowledge of their medical history as well as a written list of the medication(s) the patient is currently taking/been prescribed.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (416) 222-6160 EXT. 243 and fax us at 416-645-1979.
Echocardiography
Appointments for echocardiography testing (echocardiogram) are available on referral basis only and are fully covered by OHIP. Please take all daily medication as usual. The test typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
Description of Test:
Echocardiography or cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive, highly accurate test, which provides a clear visual moving image of your heart for the cardiologist to examine.
The sonographer will spread a gel on patient’s chest and then place the transducer firmly on the chest. The transducer picks up the sound waves coming from the heart which gets transferred to a computer that creates an image of the heart to search for any possible problem. The sound waves help to make a moving picture of the heart which is extremely helpful in seeing the heart beating as well as how blood flows in it and all the heart valves. The test is used to check any structural abnormalities, enlarged hearts, or dysfunctional valves.
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Exercise Stress Testing
Appointments for Exercise Stress Testing are available on referral basis only and are fully covered by OHIP. The test typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Description of Test:
A Stress Test is performed to determine how a patient’s heart is functioning during physical activity. The aim of this test is to rule out Coronary Heart Disease. Signs and symptoms for this disease are less prevalent when your heart is at rest, so the Stress Test is often the first test in cardiac diagnostics. The test also finds abnormal shortness of breath, changes in heart rates and blood pressure while under stress, and abnormal changes to patient heart’s rhythm.
Electrodes will be attached to patient’s chest and arms which are attached to an electrocardiogram in order to measure the heartbeats. The patient will be asked to walk on the treadmill and the speed or resistance will be increased in 3 minute increments. The technician will continue to increase speed and resistance until the target heart rate is reached or patient is too exhausted to continue or in rare instances starts feeling dizziness, nausea or chest pains.
Instructions:
1. Consult your physician on any medication you are taking as some may cause inaccurate result of the test. Also remember to bring any inhalers you may have.
2. Do not eat, drink, consume alcohol or smoke 2 hours before the test, as well as refrain from any caffeine (including chocolate, tea and cola) 24 hours prior to the test.
3. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for physical activity.
4. Patient will be asked to read and sign the consent form prior to starting the test.
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Note:
Please note that the technicians performing these procedures will not discuss results with you, please schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss your results.
Holter Monitoring
Description of Test:
A Holter Monitor Test measures the heart’s rhythm throughout the day. Physicians will prescribe the monitor for a specific duration. The patient must keep the monitor on the entire time, even while sleeping. Five electrodes will be attached to patient’s chest and monitor the electric activity coming from the heart. This information is transferred to the recording device attached to a belt or another carrying container given by physician. The monitor will continuously measure the heart’s electric activity so the physician may check for any abnormalities that may happen throughout the day. The patient should continue their normal daily routine but keep a detailed journal of everything done. Be sure to specify if any physical activity is being done, especially if heart rate increases or decreases, or any skipped heart beats are noticed. Patients should also specify if there are times of major anxiety or stress as this will affect the heart rate and possibly alter the test results.
Instructions:
1. Refrain from showering or swimming for the duration of the test. Holter Monitors are not water proof and must be on you at all times. We recommend showering before you arrive and put your Holter Monitor on.
2. While wearing the device keep away from magnets, metal detectors, high voltage areas, electric razors and toothbrushes and keep phones, iPads, iPods and other similar devices at least 6 inches away from your chest. These can cause interruptions to the signals and skew the results.
3. Do not worry if skin feels irritation where the electrodes are placed on the body. This should go away quickly.
4. Go about normal day-to-day activity. Do not be afraid to exercise just ensure it is recorded in the journal.
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Stress Echocardiography
Description of Test:
The purpose of Stress Echo Testing is to measure a patient’s heart functions during physical activity. First an echocardiogram will be done while patient is still in a resting state to see how the heart functions before getting stressed. The patient will then be asked to walk on the treadmill and the speed or resistance will be increased in 3 minute increments. Immediately after getting off the treadmill a second echocardiogram will be done for the cardiologist to examine how a patient’s heart functions under stress. The images will show if any part of the heart does not work under increased stress or if any part of the heart is blocking blood or oxygen flow.
Instructions:
1. Consult your physician on any medication you are taking as some may cause inaccurate result of the test. Also remember to bring any inhalers you may have.
2. Do not eat, drink, consume alcohol or smoke 2 hours before the test, as well as refrain from any caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.
3. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for physical activity.
4. Patient will be asked to read and sign the consent form prior to starting the test.
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Note:
Please note that the technicians performing these procedures will not discuss results with you, please schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss your results.
