FAQs

What are the signs of a heart attack?
Can I take Viagra?
How do I prepare for a nuclear stress test?
How long will my nuclear stress test take?
How long will it take for me to get my test results?
How do I reach my doctor?
What kinds of test are available in your office?
What insurance plans do you accept?
Who do I call if I have question about my bill?

• What are the signs of a heart attack?

  Everyone has different signs and symptoms with angina (decreased blood flow to the heart). However, the classic signs are chest tightness, pressure or heaviness you may or may not have associated with shortness of breath, diaphoresis, palpitations or lightheaded sensation. Sometimes you may have radiation to the neck, jaw, arm or back but not always. Diabetics are known to have silent heart attacks in that they do not have signs or symptoms. If you are not sure it’s always better to be checked out than to think nothing of your signs or symptoms.

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• Can I take Viagra?

  You absolutely cannot take Viagra, Levitra or Cialis if you are on a daily nitrate such as Imdur, Isosorbide or Mono/Di Nitrate. We also do not recommend you taking these drugs if you have had to use nitroglycerin in the past 24 hours. The reason is because they are both vasodilators (open blood vessels) and this could cause dangerously low blood pressure which could cause you to pass out. When in doubt, don’t take Viagra at all. If you think you would like to start using Viagra with a history of Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension or high cholesterol, you need a stress test with imaging to determine if you are safe for sexual activity.

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• How do I prepare for a nuclear stress test?

  There is not a lot of preparation needed for a nuclear stress test. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes consisting of a shirt that opens in the front so we can place our EKG leads. There are only certain medications you need to hold and that is only if you are walking on the treadmill. These are beta-blockers and certain calcium-channel blockers which slow the heart rate (Atenolol, Coreg, Verapomil). You should not have caffeine 24 hours prior to the test. (I know it’s hard, but we have a cappuccino machine to help). You should not eat 8-12 hours prior to testing secondary to the scans we will be doing. You can bring a snack to eat after the stress section of the test.

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• How long will my nuclear stress test take?

  Nuclear studies usually take about 3 hours consisting of two sections. The stress section is only 4-6 minutes with Adenosine, 12-14 minutes with Dobutamine, and those on the treadmill the time is up to you and based on your heart rate. We do need, though, at least 4 minutes on the treadmill for a good test.

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• How long will it take for me to get my test results?

  The average time is two weeks. If your doctor sent you here they should call you with the results. However, feel free to call us if you are concerned.

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• How do I reach my doctor?

  Call the main line. Our medical assistants and nurses are working hard to return your call on the same day. If you feel your call is an emergency then you should either dial 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

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• What kinds of test are available in your office?

  We have a wide variety of testing available at State of the Heart Cardiology:

  • Echocardiogram- sonogram of the heart which checks heart structure and valves
  • Stress Echocardiogram- this is a good test if you are have palpitations or hypertension.
  • Nuclear Study- this checks blood flow to your heart

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• What insurance plans do you accept?

  Please call the office regarding your specific insurance at 817-310-3070.

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• Whom do I call if I have question about my bill?

  You may call the Heartfirst Business office at 972-395-7138.

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