FAST TRACK CHEST PAIN CLINIC
Patient Information
WHAT IS THE RAPID ACCESS CHEST PAIN CLINIC?
Patients with chest pain who have recently visited the Emergency department may be referred to the fast track chest pain clinic_ They will be seen within 48 to 72 hours following their visit to the Emergency department.
At the fast track chest pain clinic, you will be further assessed to determine if your chest pain was caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). We welcome direct referrals from all health care providers eligible to refer patients.
WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)?
CAD is the narrowing of the coronary arteries, the arteries that provide blood supply to the muscles of the heart, and allow it to function normally. As the arteries become narrow, there is less blood and oxygen that is able to pass through and supply the heart. If CAD remains untreated, it may eventually lead to a heart attack, or the complete blocking of the arteries to the heart.
At the chest pain clinic, you will have a
- Cardiac stress test
- Stress Echocardiogram
- Consultation with Dr. Krishnan or Dr. Kazhila
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE
Before your visit to the clinic you may have visited the emergency department with chest pain. You will be seen in the clinic if the Emergency Department Physician has ruled out your chest pain being caused by a heart attack.
CARDIAC STRESS TEST PREPARATION
For the cardiac stress test, please bring:
- a t-shirt, pair of shorts or comfortable pants to change into
- rubber soled shoes for walking on the treadmill
It is important that you DO NOT CONSUME ANY CAFFEINE PRIOR TO YOUR TEST as it can greatly affect the results. This includes:
- coffee or tea (incl. herbal varieties)
- de-caffeinated coffee or tea
- chocolate or hot chocolate
- soft drinks or energy drinks
ECHOCARIDOGRAM
There is no preparation required for this test.
CONSULTATION
Please bring a list of medications that you take regularly. Be sure to include herbal supplements and other alternative therapies that you may be using.
DURING
The fast track chest pain clinic will provide you with rapid access to professionals specialized in diagnosing the cause of chest pain, along with the necessary equipment to diagnose and treat your condition.
Your appointment will take up to 2 to 3 hours for a complete assessment, so please be mindful when preparing to come to your appointment.
While at the clinic, you may undergo non-invasive cardiac testing to determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD) (please see the section of this pamphlet titled “What is Coronary Artery Disease” for a more in-depth explanation).
You may also be recommended follow-up treatment and diagnostic testing such as:
- medication
- angioplasty
- cardiac rehabilitation
AFTER
You may require a follow-up appointment to the fast track chest pain clinic, and you may also have a follow-up appointment arranged with your family doctor. You will be advised on what steps to take before your appointment is complete.
FAQs
WHAT TESTS WILL I HAVE ON MY FIRST VISIT TO THE CLINIC?
You will have a cardiac stress test and echocardiogram.
WHAT IS A CARDIAC STRESS TEST?
A cardiac stress test can be performed either using a treadmill or medication. The test involves monitoring your heart and blood pressure during moderate exercise, with the goal of reaching a target heart rate based on your age. A physician will be at your side during the test, and will be available to answer questions.
WHAT IS AN STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM?
An echocardiogram involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the heart’s structure. This will be performed before, during, and after your stress test. The test is non-invasive.
WHAT ELSE WILL HAPPEN ON MY VISIT?
A nurse will measure your blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) as a part of you
comprehensive assessment. You will also have a consultation with an internal medicine specialist, who will review your medical history and test results.
WHY AM I BEING SENT TO THE FAST TRACK CHEST PAIN CLINIC?
The rapid access chest pain clinic may help to reduce your risk of a future heart attack, or to diagnose and treat other heart conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD).
Please do not hesitate to ask any additional questions.
LOCATION
The Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic is located on the second floor of the Kent Place Building, at the corner of Kent Street West and Victoria Avenue North.
Dr. N. Krishnan & Dr. D. Kazhila
189 Kent Street West, Suite 215
Lindsay ON K9V 5G6
Telephone: 1-705-320-9998
Fax: 1-705-320-7778