Our Non-Invasive Cardiology, Vascular, and Neurology Services provide cutting-edge diagnostic and monitoring techniques to assess heart, blood vessel, and neurological health.
Non-Invasive Cardiology/Vascular/Neurology Services
Cardiac Stress Testing
What is a Cardiac Stress Test and what does it do
There are 4 types of Cardiac studies performed at Jackson Hospital:
Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope)
- Basic chest pain evaluation.
- Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with exercise.
- Basic evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.
Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
- Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
- Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with exercise.
- Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.
Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
- Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
- Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with a vasodilator (If you are unable to walk on the treadmill).
- Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.
Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
- Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
- Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with Dobutamine (If you are unable to walk on the treadmill).
- Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.
Who performs the test?
This procedure will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and the ordering physician. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All of the Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.
Where does it take place?
This procedure will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.
How long does it take?
Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour.
Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).
Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).
Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).
What can I do to make it a success?
- Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing.
- Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight, the day before your exam. No products with caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, etc.) for 24 hours before the test.
- Certain medications must not be taken 48 hours prior to your exam, please consult your physicians office for detailed list of medications.
- Bring all of your medications with you to your appointment.
- Bring a copy of your doctor’s order with you to your appointment.
What should I do before the exam?
Make sure you have not had anything to eat or drink 4 hours before the exam.
- Certain medications must not be taken 48 hours prior to your exam, please consult your physicians office for detailed list of medications.
- Bring all of your medications with you to your appointment.
- Bring a copy of your Doctors order with you to your appointment.
What happens during the exam?
Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope)
- When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
- 10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
- The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
- In order for the heart to be exercised, the patient will walk on the treadmill for a varying amount of time based on the physician’s preference. In most cases an adequate test will be achieved when the heart rate reaches 85% of the maximum predicted based on your age.
- To calculate the maximum heart rate for your age, take 220, minus (-) your age. Your target rate will be 85% of this number.
Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
Day 1
- When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
- You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
- After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be performed which takes approximately 20 minutes. (Resting Images).
Day 2
- When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
- 10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
- The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
- In order for the heart to be exercised, the patient will walk on the treadmill for a varying amount of time based on the physician’s preference. In most cases an adequate test will be achieved when the heart rate reaches 85% of the maximum predicted based on your age.
- To calculate the maximum heart rate for your age, take 220, minus (-) your age. Your target rate will be 85% of this number.
When an adequate heart rate is achieved, the radioisotope will be injected through your IV line. - After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).
Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
Day 1
- When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
- You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
- After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be performed which takes approximately 20 minutes. (Resting Images).
Day 2
- When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
- 10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
- The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
- If you are unable to exercise on the treadmill, a Lexiscan™ stress test is performed.
- At the start of the test, Lexiscan™, a type of medication that dilates the blood vessels in your body is injected over a period of 20 seconds. Immediately after, the radioisotope is injected for imaging the heart.
- After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).
Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
Day 1
- When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
- You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
- After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be preformed which takes approximately 20 minutes. Resting Images).
Day 2
- When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
- 10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
- The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
- If you are unable to exercise on the treadmill, a Dobutamine™ stress test is performed.
- At the start of the test, Dobutamine™, a type of medication that slowly increases your heart rate is infused via an IV pump. Once your heart rate has reached the appropriate rate for your age, the radioisotope is injected for imaging the heart.
- After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).
What should I do after the exam?
Your IV line will be removed. Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist/Cardiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when transcription is complete.
Contact Information:
Hospital (main operator): 850-526-2200
Nuclear Medicine Department (at hospital): 850-718-2584
Imaging Services Department (at hospital): 850-718-2580
Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)
What is an Echocardiogram and what does it do?
An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen.
The different types of echocardiograms are:
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with Doppler
This is the most common type. Views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different locations on your chest or abdominal wall. Doppler echocardiogram. This test is used to look at how blood flows through the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. The movement of the blood reflects sound waves to a transducer. The ultrasound computer then measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through your heart and blood vessels. Doppler measurements may be displayed in black and white or in color.
Stress echocardiogram with Doppler
During this test, an echocardiogram is done both before and after your heart is stressed either by having you exercise or by injecting a medicine that makes your heart beat harder and faster. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to find out if you might have decreased blood flow to your heart (coronary artery disease, or CAD). Doppler echocardiogram. This test is used to look at how blood flows through the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. The movement of the blood reflects sound waves to a transducer. The ultrasound computer then measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through your heart and blood vessels. Doppler measurements may be displayed in black and white or in color.
Who performs the test?
An ultrasonographer specifically trained or certified in Ultrasound imaging.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Imaging Services Department.
How long does it take?
This exam generally takes about 45 minutes to complete.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Bring your doctor’s orders with you when you come for your scheduled exam.
- Wear comfortable, easy to remove clothing.
- Follow all preparation instructions given to you by your physician’s office.
- If you have any questions, please call us for clarification. We want your exam to be as successful as possible.
What should I do before the exam?
No special preparation is needed for this study.
What happens during the exam?
First, the technologist will explain the exam and may ask you historical questions that aid in obtaining a more diagnostic exam. You may be asked to undress above the waist and a drape or towel may be placed over you. You will lie on your back on a padded exam table. Warmed gel will be spread on your chest to improve the quality of the sound waves. A small handheld unit called a transducer is pressed against your skin and moved back and forth over it. A picture of the heart can be seen on a video monitor. You will need to lie very still while the ultrasound scan is being done. You may be asked to take a breath and hold it for several seconds or change positions during the scanning.
Doppler sonography is performed using the same transducer.
What should I do after the exam?
An Internist/Cardiologist will review your image(s) and a final report will go to your ordering physician in 24–48 hours.
Contact Information:
Ultrasound Department (at main hospital): 850-718-2582
Ultrasound Department (at OP Center): 850-526-6702
Imaging Services Department: 850-718-2580
Hospital (main operator): 850-526-2200
EEG (Electroencephalography)
What is an EEG and what does it do?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that detects and records the electrical activity of your brain. Small metal electrodes are attached directly to your scalp. The brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when someone is asleep. An EEG is a main diagnostic test physicians use to help diagnosis epilepsy or other brain disorders. An EEG can also be used to determine brain death in someone in a persistent coma.
Who performs the test?
The test is performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Cardiology Department.
How long does it take?
This test can take 1-2 hours.
What should I do to make it a success?
Please be sure to bring your doctor’s orders with you the day of your test. Allow 15 minutes to register. Carefully follow all preparation guidelines prior to your exam.
What should I do before the exam?
- Please wash hair the night before your test. DO NOT use conditioners, oils, hair creams, sprays, or styling gels. This will affect how well the electrodes will attach to the scalp and will affect the test results.
- Avoid caffeine after midnight the day of your test.
- Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Please remove all hair pieces or braids prior to the arrival for the test. The technician will need to able to access your scalp.
- If the doctor orders a sleep deprived EEG, please try not to sleep more than 4 hours the night before your test.
For a child:
- Try to schedule the test around the child’s normal nap time schedule. If sleep deprived, schedule for early a.m. appointment.
- Feed the child immediately before the EEG. The child will not be able to suck on bottle or pacifier during the EEG.
- Bring familiar items (blanket, toy, etc.).
- The physician may order a mild sedative to be given 30 minutes prior to arrival for the study with a 2nd dose to be given upon arrival to the EEG department.
What happens during the exam?
You will be asked to lie on your back on a bed or sit in a comfortable recliner chair. The technician will measure your head and mark your scalp for electrode placement. After all the electrodes are attached and tested the test will begin. You just need to relax and be prepared to some simple tasks during the test.
What should I do after the exam?
Once all the electrodes have been removed by the technician, you may resume normal activities. Please note if you are given a sedative for the test, you need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home. You will need to stay home and rest until the sedative has worn off.
24 Hour and 48 Hour Holter Monitors
What is a Holter Monitor and what does it do?
A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours depending on the physician’s orders. The monitor is small and lightweight. This monitor comes with few wires and electrodes that are attached in certain areas of the chest.
Who performs the test?
The test is performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Cardiology Department.
How long does it take?
24 Hour Holter Monitor – Cardiac monitor is worn for 24 hours and turned back in to the Cardiology department at Jackson Hospital.
48 Hour Holter Monitor – Cardiac Monitor is worn for 48 hours and turned back in to the Cardiology department at Jackson Hospital.
What you can do to make it a success?
- Please be sure to bring your doctor’s orders with you the day of your test.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to register.
What to do before your exam?
There are no special dietary restrictions for this study. Please do not wear lotions or oils on the skin in the chest area.
What happens during the exam?
- A specially trained technician will attach the Holter monitor and instruct you how to record your symptoms while wearing it.
- The technician first attaches the electrodes to your chest. If you have a hairy chest, he or she may shave some hair off to attach the electrodes firmly.
- Once the electrodes are in place, the technician helps you put the Holter monitor on and explains how to take care of it.
- You can carry the monitor in a pocket or pouch, slung across your shoulders and neck like a purse or camera, or attach it to your waist.
- Do your usual activities while you wear the monitor with these exceptions:
- Don’t bathe, shower or swim while wearing the monitor.
- Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.
- The technician will show you how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the test. It’s important to keep an accurate diary. If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, note in your diary the time of day they began and what you were doing. Your diary will be compared to the changes in your ECG recorded by the Holter monitor.
What should I do after the exam?
After the 24-hour or 48-hour time period, depending on the physician’s order. You can remove the sticky electrodes from the chest and place the monitor, wires and diary in a bag and return them to the Cardiology department. If you do not feel comfortable removing the monitor, please come to the hospital and the technician will remove the monitor for you. You may resume normal routine with no restrictions.
30 Day Event Monitor
What is a 30 Day Event Monitor and what does it do?
A 30-Day Event Monitor is a small portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart for 30 days. This monitor is very helpful to the physician in diagnosing various abnormal heart rhythms and medical conditions. An event monitor does not record continuously. Instead, you activate the monitor by tapping it when you are having symptoms. The event monitor will also record if your heart goes into an abnormal rhythm.
Who performs the test?
The test is performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Cardiology Department.
How long does it take?
Cardiac monitor worn for 30 days. This monitor will need to be removed at least once a day for 1 hour to recharge the battery. Please replace the sticky electrode pad once a day. There will be extra electrodes given. Please remove the monitor when showering, bathing or swimming. The patient will activate the recording when they feel a symptom.
What can I do to make it a success?
Please be sure to bring your doctor’s orders with you the day of your test. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to register.
What should I do before the exam?
There are no special dietary restrictions for this study. Please do not wear lotions or oils on the skin in the chest area while wearing this monitor.
What happens during the exam?
- A specially trained technician will attach the Event monitor and instruct you how to record your symptoms while wearing it.
- The technician first attaches the electrodes to your chest. If you have a hairy chest, he or she may shave some hair off to attach the electrodes firmly.
- Once the electrodes are in place, the technician helps you put the Event monitor on and explains how to take care of it. You can carry the monitor in a pocket or pouch, slung across your shoulders and neck like a purse or camera, or attach it to your waist.
- Do your usual activities while you wear the monitor with these exceptions:
- Don’t bathe, shower or swim while wearing the monitor.
- Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.
- The technician will show you how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the test. It’s important to keep an accurate diary. If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, note in your diary the time of day they began and what you were doing. Your diary will be compared to the changes in your ECG recorded by the Event monitor.
What should I do after the exam?
- 30 Day Event Monitor – The technician will provide you a bag and pre-paid shipping label and explain how to mail the event monitor back directly to the company. You may call the Toll free number that comes with the event monitor or contact the Cardiology department at the hospital if you have any problems.
- You may resume normal activity after your study. Your test will be reviewed and interpreted by a physician. Your physician should have the results of your study in 3-7 business days.
Segmental Arterial Pressures
What is a Segmental Arterial Pressure Study and what does it do?
People who experience leg pain or numbness when walking or exercising, the physician may order a Segmental Arterial Pressure Study. This test measures the blood flow in various areas of the upper and lower extremities. It can reveal possible issues with blood flow within the lower extremities. Reduced blood flow in the lower extremities can be cause by plaque buildup in the blood vessels in those extremities. This study will help the physician determine if reduce blood flow is the reason a person is experiencing various symptoms when walking or exercising.
Who performs the test?
The test is performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Cardiology Department.
How long does it take?
This test can take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Please be sure to bring your doctor’s orders with you the day of your test. Allow 15 minutes to register.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can be removed easily (we must be able to place blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs).
- Please do not use lotions or oils on the legs and arms prior to the test.
What should I do before the exam?
- There are no special dietary restrictions for this study.
- You should not smoke or participate in strenuous activities for 24 hours before the test.
- You should take any medications as you normally would.
What happens during the exam?
- You will be asked to remove your pants, socks and shoes and put on a hospital gown.
- You will be lying flat during the test. The technologist will place a series of blood pressure cuffs on your thigh and leg.
- The cuffs are inflated and with the use of a Doppler your blood pressure will measured at different areas of the thigh and leg. During this time, you may feel some slight discomfort for a brief moment. There should not be any pain. Please let the technologist know if you start experiencing and significant amount pain.
- The doctor may order this exam with exercise. Be prepared to walk for a short amount of time on a treadmill. Blood pressures will be taken again after exercising on the treadmill. This will give the doctor measurements before and after exercise.
What should I do after the exam?
You may resume normal activity after your study. Your physician should have your test results in 3 to 5 business days.
ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index)
What is an ABI and what does it do?
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a measurement that is useful to your physician in evaluating the adequacy of the circulation in your legs. It can also be used to follow the improvement or worsening of leg circulation over time. To obtain the ABI, your physician measures your blood pressure in your ankle and in your arm. Your physician will compare the two numbers by forming a ratio to determine your ABI.
Normally, the blood pressures in your ankle and arm should be about equal. If your ankle pressures are lower than your arm pressures, your leg arteries are probably narrowed.
Who performs the test?
The test is performed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Cardiology Department.
How long does it take?
About 30–45 minutes.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Please be sure to bring your doctor’s orders with you the day of your test. Allow 15 minutes to register.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can be removed easily (we must be able to place blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs).
- Please do not use lotions or oils on the legs and arms prior to the test.
What should I do before the exam?
- There are no special dietary restrictions for this study.
- You should take any medications as you normally would.
What happens during the exam?
- You will be asked to remove your pants, socks and shoes and put on a hospital gown.
- You will be lying flat during the test. A series of blood pressure cuffs will be placed on the arms and legs and inflated.
What should I do after the exam?
You may resume normal activity after the test. Your physician should have the results of your test in 3 to 5 business days.
CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring
What is a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT and what does it do?
A Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT is a noninvasive CT scan performed to detect and measure the severity of cardiac calcifications and coronary artery disease.
Who performs the test?
The exam itself is performed by a Radiologic Technologist RT (R). These technologists are nationally registered with the A.R.R.T. (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and licensed through the state of Florida in the use of diagnostic equipment and procedures. Also, the technologist performing your CT scan has additional CT-specific training and registration.
Where does it take place?
CT scans are performed in the hospital Imaging Services department.
How long does it take?
Average person 10 –15 minutes.
What you can do to make it a success?
Be sure to follow any preparatory instructions you were given.
You can help ensure a successful, comfortable procedure by carefully following the instructions of your physician, the radiologist, and the radiologic technologist. Be sure to answer any questions they may ask about your general health. For example, tell them if you are pregnant, diabetic, and/or have an allergy to foods or medications.
What to do before your exam?
It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing for the exam. To reduce the risk of valuables being lost, it is recommended that jewelry and pins be removed prior to entering the exam room or simply left at home.
No caffeine or strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to your exam.
What happens during your exam?
- You will be asked to lie down on a table attached to the CT scanner. The scanner itself is a large doughnut shaped machine with a large hole in the middle that the table will slide through. You will lie on your back with your head on a cushion, with your feet pointing toward the scanner. The technologist will apply electrodes (sticky patches) to several areas on your chest that connect to a monitor for measuring your heartrate during the scan.
- Once these are in place, the technologist will then take preliminary scans of the area in question. These are called scout images and are used to map the area for testing. During this, you will feel the table move, but you will not be touched. The scanner will, with recorded messages, ask you to take a breath before each scan, and hold it for the duration of the scan. For some patients, the amount of time for the breath hold is extremely difficult and we will not ask more than you are capable of.
- Once the technologist completes the scout images, he or she will proceed with the primary exam. Images will then be obtained. The table will again move, with the only difference being a slightly longer scan time. It is important that during this scanning you remain as still as possible so that the scanner may get the best possible images. This will help to insure the most accurate diagnosis possible.
- When the scans are complete, the table will be positioned out of the scanner and you will be allowed to sit up.
What to do after your exam?
- The Radiologist will review your exam and relay his findings to your physician. This usually takes 1-2 days.
Location
Jackson Hospital
Cardiology Department
(adjacent to Respiratory):
- EEG
- 24 and 48 Hour Holter Monitors
- 30 Day Event Monitors
- Segmental Arterial Pressures
- Ankle/Brachial Index
- Pulmonary Function Testing
Jackson Hospital
Nuclear Medicine Department:
- Cardiac Stress Testing
- Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing
Jackson Hospital
Ultrasound Department:
- Echocardiograms
Appointments
Scheduling Department 850-718-2552
Contact Information
Non-Invasive Cardiology: 850-718-2559
Respiratory: 850-718-2545
Nuclear Medicine: 850-718-2584
Ultrasound: 850-718-2582/850-526-6702
Hospital (main operator): 850-526-2200