Cardiology

We put our heart into protecting yours.

Our cardiac services are rooted in the expertise of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, which is nationally ranked for its expertise and care.

Who will benefit from this service?

This service is ideal for individuals who have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Episodes of chest pain which may require cholesterol and/or arrhythmia management.

On-Site Testing

Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG is a device used to record on graph paper the electrical activity of the heart. ECG abnormalities may signal potentially serious heart problems that are treatable when detected early.

This test is used to:

• Assess your heart rhythm.
• Diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia).
• Diagnose a heart attack.
• Diagnose abnormalities of your heart, such as heart chamber enlargement and abnormal electrical conduction.

Cardiac stress test

The cardiac stress test involves exercising on a treadmill while you are closely monitored. This test is used to screen for unrecognized coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

The test is used to:

• Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease.
• Identify abnormal heart rhythms.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.
• Help you develop a safe exercise program.

Echocardiogram

This test is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart's valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and colour Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves.

The test is used to:

• Assess the overall function of your heart.
• Determine the presence of many types of heart disease, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses and congenital heart disease.
• Follow the progress of valve disease over time.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical or surgical treatments.

Stress echocardiogram (stress echo)

This is similar to the echo mentioned above though the exercise stress echo test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary cycle while you are closely monitored.

The test is used to:

• Determine how well your heart tolerates activity.
• Evaluate the function of your heart and valves.
• Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.

Am I Covered?

Under the direction of Syed Samir Najib, MD, FRCPC, Medical Director for Cardiology Lab services, the team uses preventive therapy and comprehensive testing to assess a patient’s risk of developing cardiac disease. All testing and assessments are administered by a board certified cardiologist and if additional testing is required, we will provide a referral.

This service is covered by OHIP, requires a physician referral and is only available for adults.