Centrally located in San Francisco, St. Mary’s provides a full range of cardiology services in one easily accessible location. You should also know we have one of the most advanced cardiology X-Ray imaging tools in use today. Our center’s services include:
o Cardiac Testing
o Nuclear Cardiology
o Cardiac Catheterization lab (fully digital)
o Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
o Peripheral Vascular Studies
o Cardiac Surgery
Testing Services Include:
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (EKG or Signal Average) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. EKGs are a noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound that provides images of your heart’s valves and muscle without using X-rays or surgery. EKGs take only minutes to complete and are safe and painless. You can resume normal activity after the test.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic ultrasound test that allows a cardiologist to look at the heart from a tube that is passed into the esophagus (the tube that leads to your stomach). Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the exam, and refrain from eating or drinking while your throat is still numb after the exam. A responsible adult must drive you home.
Stress Tests:
There are several types of stress tests available for cardiac diagnosis. Your doctor may request one of the below tests as a way to evaluate your heart. At St. Mary’s all stress tests are performed under the watchful eye of a cardiologist. You can resume normal activity the same day.
Exercise Stress Test
This noninvasive and painless test compares the heart’s electrical activity at rest and under exertion. While you walk on a treadmill, the cardiologist can determine if all areas of the heart muscle are getting enough blood. At St. Mary’s all stress tests are performed under the watchful eye of a cardiologist. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. The test takes approximately 45 minutes, and you can resume normal activity that day.
Stress Echocardiogram
Ultrasound pictures of your heart are taken before and immediately after periods of exercise. The test is noninvasive and painless. Allow about one hour for the test.
Sestamibi Stress Test
This is another type of exercise stress test that uses a very small amount of a radioactive substance called, Sestamibi, to provide images of the heart and information about the blood flow to the heart. Aside from some slight discomfort from starting an IV, this is a painless test. You should refrain from eating or drinking anything for six hours before the test, and wear comfortable clothes/shoes for exercising. After the test, you can return to your usual activities.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
This is a type of chemical stress test that uses a medicine called, Dobutamine, to raise the heart rate in stages. It is commonly used for patients who are unable to walk on a treadmill. While lying on a bed, you will be administered Dobutamine through an IV in your arm. Dress comfortably and refrain from eating or drinking for three hours before the test. You can resume normal activity after the test.
Adenosine Stress Test
This test uses a medication called Adenosine to dilate the coronary arteries. This test is done for patients unable to walk on treadmill. Do not consume caffeine for 24 hours before your test. The test will take about two hours and you can then resume normal activity.
Other Tests & Services Include:
The Tilt Table
This is a diagnostic test to evaluate the causes of fainting. A technician will have you lie down on a table, slowly tilt the table upright and monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. It’s recommended that you refrain from eating six hours before the test. You can resume normal activities following the test.
Holter Monitoring
This is a safe, painless and portable way of producing a 24 hour electrocardiogram (EKG) while you take part in your normal daily activities. You will wear electrodes and a small recording device for 24 hours. Wear a two-piece, loose-fitting outfit to accommodate the monitor.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation offers patients progressive exercise, dietary guidelines, counseling and education to help you safely return to your normal activities. Led by specially trained nurses, this comprehensive program is open to people who have a history of coronary artery disease or who have had angioplasty, heart surgery, heart valve surgery, heart failure or a heart attack. The Cardiac Rehabilitation offices are located on the third floor of the main hospital. For more information, please call 415-750-5617.
Thank you for choosing St. Mary’s. Our caring staff will make your cardiac testing as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about your upcoming tests, please call us at 415-750-5779.
Day of Your Appointment
Please arrive 30 minutes early to park, register and make your way to the Cardiology Department.
Convenient Parking
You can enter our parking lot from Stanyan or Shrader Streets. Disabled parking is available both in the hospital drive and in the patient/visitor garage.
To Register
Outpatient registration is located on Floor A of the hospital. Once you register, take the hospital elevators to Floor C. Follow signs to the Cardiology Reception area.
Be sure to remember to bring your insurance card and a copy of your doctor’s order for cardiology testing with you.
