Heart Health, Testing & Aftercare FAQs
Direct answers to common questions about heart health, diagnostics (EKGs, stress tests, echocardiograms, monitors), and post-procedure care.
Heart Health
When should I see a cardiologist?
See a cardiologist for chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, fainting, new palpitations, leg swelling, uncontrolled blood pressure, abnormal EKG results, or a strong family history of heart disease.
What symptoms should never be ignored?
New or worsening chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath at rest, fainting, sudden weakness/numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or severe dizziness should be treated as urgent—seek emergency care.
What does “heart rhythm problem” mean?
A heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia) means the heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some are harmless; others require evaluation and treatment.
EKG / ECG
What is an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), and what does it show?
An EKG (also called ECG) is a quick, non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It can help identify rhythm problems and other electrical patterns that guide diagnosis.
How long does an EKG take?
The recording typically takes a few minutes. The full visit may take longer for check-in and clinician review.
How should I prepare for an EKG (ECG)?
Usually no special preparation is needed. Avoid chest lotions/oils, wear clothing that is easy to remove, and bring a current medication list.
Can an EKG be “normal” even if I have symptoms?
Yes. Some rhythm issues or heart problems are intermittent and may not appear during a brief EKG. Your clinician may recommend monitoring or additional testing.
Stress Tests
What is a stress test (exercise tolerance test)?
A stress test evaluates how your heart performs with exertion—typically on a treadmill—while your heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored.
Why would my doctor order a treadmill stress test?
It’s commonly ordered to evaluate symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath with activity, assess exercise capacity, and help determine whether further testing is needed.
How do I prepare for a treadmill stress test?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Ask whether to hold any medications beforehand, and avoid a heavy meal right before the test. Follow your office’s instructions.
What is a nuclear stress test, and why is it ordered?
A nuclear stress test combines stress (exercise or medication) with heart imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle and help detect reduced circulation.
What should I avoid before a nuclear stress test?
Follow the instructions you’re given. In many cases, you may be asked to avoid caffeine and certain medications beforehand. If instructions differ, follow your care team’s guidance.
Is stress testing safe?
Stress testing is commonly performed and monitored closely. Your team watches vital signs and symptoms throughout and stops the test if needed.
Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram (echocardiography)?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that helps evaluate heart structure and function, including pumping strength and valve performance.
How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?
Many echocardiograms require no special preparation. If your test has special instructions, your office will provide them in advance.
What can an echocardiogram detect?
It can help evaluate heart pumping function, chamber size, valve problems, and other structural findings that may explain symptoms.
Heart Monitors
What is Holter monitoring and when is it used?
Holter monitoring records your heart rhythm continuously while you go about daily activities. It’s used to detect intermittent rhythm problems that may not appear during a short in-office EKG.
How do I care for my Holter monitor while wearing it?
Keep it dry unless told it’s water-safe, keep electrodes attached, record symptoms and activities as instructed, and return the device on time for analysis.
What is intermittent patient-activated ECG recording?
It’s a monitoring approach where you activate recordings during symptoms to capture rhythm changes at the moment you feel them.
Should I stop normal activities while wearing a heart monitor?
Generally, you should continue typical activities so the monitor can capture real-world rhythm patterns. Follow any specific restrictions your clinician gives you.
Procedures & Interventions
What is cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization uses a thin tube (catheter) guided through a blood vessel—often from the wrist or leg— to evaluate heart and vessel conditions and, when appropriate, guide treatment.
What is coronary angioplasty and stenting?
Angioplasty is performed to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. A stent may be placed to help keep the artery open.
What is electrophysiology (EP)?
Electrophysiology focuses on the heart’s electrical system and includes evaluation and treatment for abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation.
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a device designed to help control your heartbeat through rhythmic electrical impulses, especially when the heart beats too slowly or irregularly.
What is an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator)?
An ICD can detect dangerous heart rhythms and deliver therapy to help restore a safer rhythm. Your cardiologist determines whether it’s appropriate based on risk and diagnosis.
What is TAVI/TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve implantation)?
TAVI/TAVR treats certain forms of aortic valve failure using a catheter-based approach, often without open-chest surgery.
What is MitraClip (TMVR)?
MitraClip is a catheter-based procedure that can treat certain cases of mitral valve leakage by repairing the valve through a thin tube guided through a vein to the heart.
What is external counterpulsation (ECP/EECP)?
External counterpulsation is a non-invasive therapy intended to assist circulation and may be used to help manage certain symptoms when other options are limited or not appropriate.
Post-Procedure Care
What should I expect after cardiac catheterization?
Mild soreness or bruising near the access site is common. Follow discharge instructions for wound care and activity limits. Seek urgent care for severe swelling, bleeding that won’t stop with pressure, worsening pain, numbness/coolness of the limb, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
What should I expect after angioplasty or stenting?
You’ll receive specific activity and medication instructions. Take antiplatelet or blood-thinner medications exactly as prescribed. Call your clinician right away for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or access-site bleeding/swelling that worsens.
How do I care for my incision after a pacemaker or ICD procedure?
Keep the incision clean and dry as instructed. Watch for redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or increasing pain. Limit arm/shoulder motion on the implant side as directed and attend follow-up checks for device function.
When can I resume normal activity after a heart procedure?
Timing depends on the procedure and your medical history. Follow your written discharge instructions and your clinician’s guidance before lifting, driving, strenuous exercise, or returning to work.
What access-site symptoms are normal vs. concerning?
Mild bruising and soreness can be normal. Concerning symptoms include rapidly expanding swelling, active bleeding, severe pain, numbness/tingling, coolness or color change in the limb, or fever—seek medical care promptly.
Blood Thinners & Monitoring
What is a Coumadin (warfarin) clinic?
A Coumadin clinic helps manage warfarin therapy by monitoring INR levels and adjusting dosing to keep you in a safe range and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or dangerous bleeding.
Why does warfarin (Coumadin) require regular INR blood tests?
INR testing confirms the medication is providing enough clot protection without increasing bleeding risk too much. Diet changes, new medications, illness, and missed doses can all affect INR.
When should I call about bleeding while on blood thinners?
Call right away for uncontrolled bleeding, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, sudden weakness, or any major injury/fall. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
Vascular & Vein Care
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
PAD is a circulation problem where arteries to the legs or arms become narrowed or clogged. It can cause leg pain with walking, slow-healing wounds, or changes in skin temperature or color.
What is endovenous ablation?
Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a catheter to treat problematic veins. Your clinician will provide specific recovery steps, which often include walking and compression if prescribed.
What should I do after endovenous ablation?
Follow your aftercare instructions closely. Many patients are encouraged to walk regularly, avoid prolonged inactivity, and wear compression stockings if directed. Report severe pain, increasing swelling, fever, or new shortness of breath promptly.
Medical disclaimer: This FAQ is general educational information and does not replace medical advice. For personalized guidance, contact your cardiology care team. If you think you are having an emergency, call 911.