Cardio-Respiratory Treatment Clinic

An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create a picture of your heart in order to show the shape, texture and movement of your heart valves, as well as the size of your heart chambers and how well they are working.

A bicycle stress echocardiogram is a test performed to evaluate your heart. The test involves an echocardiogram, (ultrasound of your heart), an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a supine bicycle attached to a bed. The supine bike allows the patient to pedal (exercise) while lying flat on the bed. The bicycle stress echocardiogram is performed while the patient is pedaling.

An electrocardiogram is a test that checks how your heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. Ten electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest, arms and legs to record heart rate and rhythm.

Note: Total appointment time is approximately 45 minutes
Preparation

• Come to your appointment with clean hair (no spray, mousse or gel)
• Sleep deprivation either 1 hour or 24 hours (depending on the doctor’s recommendation)
• No restrictions on food intake
• Take medications as usual

EEG
An EEG is a recording of the brain function performed on patients of all ages. The Technologist will measure the patient’s head to establish where to apply the electrodes (small gold-plated cups attached to a long thin wire). Patients relax on a comfortable bed and the wires are attached to the head and chest by a small amount of conductive cream. Each wire covers a specific area of the brain and monitors speed, amplitude and shape of the brain waves. The eye movements and heart rate are also monitored.

Many patients will be asked to breathe deeply at the beginning of the test to change the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This allows the Technologist and Physician to see any changes that occur in the brain with this activation. The Technologist will record a portion of relaxation or sleep to establish any irregularities that occur in this stage. The Technologist usually ends the recording with photic stimulation. A strobe light is placed over the patient’s head and flashes at different frequencies.

When the recording is complete the Technologist will remove the wires and clean off any excess cream. The recording of the brain waves will be analyzed and a report sent to the ordering doctors. This takes approximately three business days.

EEGs are ordered for many reasons. Here is a list of the most common ones:

• An unexplained fall
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Strokes
• Head injuries
• Learning or developmental delay
• Hallucinations
• Time loss or blanking out spells

FAQ
Is this test harmful?
No. This is a test that can be done many times. There is no harm to the patient at any time.

Do I have to take off my wig?
Yes. The door is closed for privacy and no one will see you with your wig off. You can re-apply the wig when the test is over before you leave the room.

What if I can’t keep my child relaxed and quiet?
The Technologists are very experienced. They have toys and other devices to help keep your child happy. Parents can sit on the bed with their child and can help to make their child feel at ease. Occasionally, extra pairs of hands are needed with toddlers. Be assured that the test is not painful and at no time does the child feel anything.

My child has autism, do you sedate patients with special needs?
The Technologists will always want to attempt an EEG without sedation. This is because with sedation only sleep brain waves are seen and no active awake activity is available. Many different symptoms occur in different stages of arousal and with sedation this is limited to sleep only. All pediatric children are sent to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto if they require sedation, however, melatonin as advised by the pediatrician may be used.

​Resources
Epilepsy Ontario
Healthy Ontario
Alzheimers Society of Canada
Health Canada – Autism Information

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. The patient is attached to a monitor while they walk on a treadmill. Their heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are monitored by the cardio technologist. Every 3 minutes the speed and incline increases until a designated maximum is reached. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.

Note: No medications, food or caffeine on the day of your test.

This clinic provides management of medications for treatment of heart failure (congestive heart failure), education about diet, lifestyle, and provides tools for you to manage your heart failure.

A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s electrical activity. The test can be 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days. The only restriction is no bath or shower while wearing the monitor (directions given for temporary removal for longer studies). The monitor is then returned to RVH. Holter Monitor Drop off boxes are located outside of the Cardio Respiratory Treatment Clinic and in the Atrium Entrance (on the right hand side in between the sliding doors when entering the health centre).

This is usually a two day test done in the imaging department, nuclear medicine. The same as a regular exercise test but an IV is inserted so that a radioactive tracer can be injected while walking. Then pictures of your heart are taken to see where the tracer is in the heart. Can also be done without walking on the treadmill using a medication, persantine, that acts the same as exercise.

Note: Each day takes approx. 2 hours. Usually no meds, food, or caffeine day of test.

Various breathing tests to assess lung function. Patient must be able to follow several instructions in order to obtain accurate results. The test takes approx. 40 minutes.
Note: May be some restrictions, ask your doctor.

The services offered include home oxygen therapy, respiratory related products and service such as C.P.A.P. units, allergy abatement products and oxygen delivery accessories.

Royal Pro Resp is a respiratory service company jointly owned by RVH and Professional Respiratory Inc.

For more information you can contact Royal Pro Resp here.

Phone: 705-730-0818
Toll Free: 1-877-731-0818
Fax: 705-730-0820

Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder. Studies completed on the third floor.

View More Sleep Lab Information

Cardiologist based clinic that assesses new onset Angina, Chest Pain, Congestive Heart Failure, Arrhythmias and Syncope. Diagnostic testing completed same day as ordered.

Note: Appointment time can take up to 4 hours.