Q: Can I schedule my own appointment, or must I be referred by another physician?                              A: We are currently accepting new patients. Referrals from other physicians or self referrals are acceptable.

Q: Do I need to fast before stress testing?               A: This will depend on the type of stress test you have. If you do eat prior to testing it should be a light meal. It is best to avoid caffeine and tobacco prior to testing. Before you have a stress test contact your doctor for specific instructions.

Q: How long does it take to get test results?
A: We provide same day testing when possible, although it can take up to 48 hrs for results.

Q: What is coronary artery disease?                                                                       A: Coronary heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States today. It is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries
that supply blood to the heart and can result in a heart attack.

Q: What is a cardiac catheterization?                                                                        A: Cardiac catheterization is a common non-surgical procedure. A long, thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. X-ray dye is injected into the arteries through the catheter and pictures are taken of the arteries in your heart. From these pictures the doctor will be able to determine if there are any blockages to your coronary arteries.

Q: What is balloon angioplasty?                                                                                   A: Balloon angioplasty is a procedure when the catheter used to perform the cardiac catheterization is used to insert a balloon into the artery. The balloon is inflated and deflated several times to open a blocked artery.

Q: What is stenting?                                                                                                     A: A wire mesh tube (stent) is inserted into the artery to hold it
open. It is left in the artery permanently.

Q: What are the symptoms of a heart attack?                                                           A: Signs of a heart attack include: 1. Chest discomfort - most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and returns. The discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain;
2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. It can include discomfort of
both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach;
3. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be associated with chest pain or may precede chest pain;
4. Other symptoms may include nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness.

If you are having symptoms of heart attack CALL 911.

Even if you are not sure if you are having a heart attack, have yourself
checked out. The quicker care is provided during a heart attack the better
the chance of survival.

Q: What can you do to reduce your risk of a heart attack?                                   A: 1. Stop smoking. Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart attack. It is never too late to quit. Your risk for a heart attack drops significantly one year after quitting;
2. Lower high blood pressure - high blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke; a normal blood pressure reading is less than 130/85. A consistent blood pressure of 140/90 or greater is considered high blood pressure or hypertension;
3. Reduce high blood cholesterol - high cholesterol can greatly increase your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack. Too much cholesterol in the blood causes build up in the arteries. Over time this can lead to a narrowing or blockage in the arteries;
4. Aim for a healthy weight - being overweight increases your risk of a heart attack. It also increases your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes;
5. Be physically active every day - being physically active reduces the risk of heart related problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes;
• If you have been inactive slowly start increasing your activity
• If you have heart disease check with your physician before starting
an exercise program.
6. Manage diabetes - diabetes greatly increases the risk for heart and blood vessel diseases. Good control of diabetes along with other risk factors will help to prevent or control heart disease.

Q: What foods constitute a heart healthy diet?                                                        A: A diet low in saturated fats. Saturated fats are found in foods from animals such as meat, cheese, milk, and butter. Heart healthy goods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid added sugar, eat lean cuts of meat such as pork loin, chicken, and fish, and broil, boil, or bake foods instead of frying. Finally, limit your consumption of alcohol.