Cardiopulmonary
Cardiopulmonary Services at St. Elizabeth Hospital is accredited and offers respiratory diagnostics and rehabilitation services as well as a number of cardiac rehabilitation services. The Cardiopulmonary Department, under the supervision of a Board Certified Pulmonologist, is committed to providing the best possible care. Respiratory Therapists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cardiopulmonary Services includes:
- Respiratory Therapy including pulmonary function testing, oxygen studies, and respiratory rehabilitation
- Cardiac testing including EKGs, Holter Monitoring, Cardiac Stress Testing, and EEGs.
Cardiac tests and services include:
- EKGs: EKG (also ECG) is an abbreviation for electrocardiogram. EKGs are used to detect possible heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter Monitoring: uses a Holter Monitor, a portable EKG machine, to measure the electrical activity of the heart over a 24 hour period.
- Stress Tests: tests performed to determine the amount of stress that the heart can manage before developing an abnormal rhythm or evidence that the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood flow.
- EEGs: EEG is an abbreviation for electroencephalogram. EEGs record and measure the electrical activity of the brain.
How Should I Prepare?
Most of these services listed above require an appointment. If you are not scheduled, if you have questions, or if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, call Scheduling at (225) 647-5008. You will need a physician’s order to schedule an appointment.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and report to Outpatient Registration located at Entrance 2 of the hospital. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
For EEGs, you may be asked to quit taking certain medications the day before the test. In addition, you should not consume food or drink containing caffeine at least 8 hours before the test. Because electrodes will be attached to your scalp, it is important your hair be clean and free of sprays, oils, creams, and lotions. Shampoo your hair and rinse with clear water the evening before or the morning of the test. Do not put any conditioner or oil on after shampooing.
How are EKGs Performed?
In an EKG, leads are attached to the body while the patient lies flat on a bed or table. Four leads are attached to each extremity and to six specific areas on the chest. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin allowing the electrical impulses of the heart to be easily transmitted to the leads. The leads are attached by small adhesive patches attached to the skin. The test takes about five minutes and is painless.
How is Holter Monitoring Performed?
Patients are asked to wear a portable EKG machine in a pouch worn around the neck or waist. The monitor records heart rhythm over a 24 hour period. During this time, the patient keeps a diary of their activities and any symptoms he or she feels.
How are Stress Tests Performed?
During a stress test, a patient exercises on a treadmill with progressive increases in speed and elevation at set time intervals. During the exercise, the electrical activity of the patient’s heart, as well as heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored through leads placed on the patient’s extremities and chest. In patients who cannot exercise, an alternate form of the stress test is performed through the administration of a drug which makes the heart react as if the patient were exercising.
How are EEGs Performed?
During this neurological exam, electrodes are attached to the patient’s head and hooked by wires to a computer. The computer records the brain's electrical activity on the screen.
Respiratory tests and services include:
- Pulmonary Function Testing- used to assess lung mechanics and gas exchange efficiency and to classify respiratory impairment and help guide therapy options.
- Oxygen Studies- a number of separate tests designed to evaluate oxygen level in the blood, heart rate response to exercise, or a patient’s perceived shortness of breath on exertion. These studies can be used as a quick and simple assessment of patient conditioning.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation- a number of services which include patient education and conditioning for patients experiencing breathing difficulties.
How Should I Prepare?
Most of the services listed above require an appointment. If you are not scheduled, if you have questions, or if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, call Scheduling at (225) 647-5008. You will need a physician’s order to schedule an appointment.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and report to Outpatient Registration located at Entrance 2 of the hospital. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
How are Pulmonary Function Tests Performed?
In a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also called a Spirometry Test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. It records the amount and the rate of air that you breathe in and out over a period of time.
Some PFTs allow you to breathe normally and quietly; others require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep breath. You may experience a short period of light-headedness or shortness of breath.
How are Oxygen Studies Performed?
There are three types of Oxygen Studies performed at St. Elizabeth Hospital. The first is Arterial Blood Gas (ABG). During an ABG blood is drawn from an artery, where the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can be measured before they enter body tissues.
In the Six-Minute Walk Study, patients are placed on a tread mill and asked to walk as much as possible for six minutes. Patients may speed up, slow down or rest as necessary. Because of physical exertion, some patients may temporarily become short of breath. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and resting blood saturation will be measured after the test. Oxygen saturation will be taken during the test.
In the High Altitude Simulation Test the amount of oxygen in the blood at high altitudes is measured by breathing through a mask where the oxygen level simulates an altitude of 8,000 feet. Patients are asked to breathe through the mask for 20 minutes. Blood oxygen level is measured throughout the test through a clip placed on the index finger. If blood oxygen levels decrease to a certain level, a blood sample will be drawn from the arm to determine the oxygen level in the blood. Oxygen is added to the mask until the blood oxygen level is normal.
