Last updated 3 months ago
Some patients who complain of chest pain or are in cardiac rehabilitation will need to undergo tests that examine the heart under specific conditions such as the cardiac stress test. During this test, electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor the heart’s activity during and after exercise. This test is necessary in some cases because some heart conditions will not be evident when an individual is resting. Here is what you can expect from this kind of test if your cardiologist has recommended it for you.
Preparation
You need to start preparing for your stress test about one day ahead of time, because you will not be able to consume caffeine or smoke cigarettes for about 24 hours. Four hours prior to the test, you should not eat or drink anything besides water. Wear comfortable clothing to the procedure along with athletic shoes. Inform the physician if you are taking any medications or have preexisting conditions such as diabetes.
During the test
The test is monitored through electrodes, which are sticky patches that are applied to the chest. Once these have been put on, you will start moving on a treadmill or exercise bike. You will start slowly and be asked to speed up at regular intervals. The exercise aspect of the test will last about 15 minutes unless you show signs of exhaustion or have chest pain.
Results
Results are generally delivered to your cardiologist within 24 hours so he or she can review them with you. There are many factors that could lead to a positive test result, which often indicates the presence of coronary heart disease.
Learn about all the cardiac tests available at the Cardiac & Vascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital by visiting our website or calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362. We provide comprehensive heart care for patients in the San Jose community through our accredited Chest Pain Center and centers for cardiac specialties.
Last updated 4 months ago
When people are overweight or obese in childhood, they are likely to struggle with their weight for life. Additionally, these individuals are at a much higher risk for conditions such as heart disease and adult diabetes.
In this video, you can see some efforts being made to reduce rates of childhood obesity including yoga in classrooms and nutritional education through community gardens.
Learn more about combating obesity with programs in the San Jose community with Good Samaritan Hospital. Contact us on our website or through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362.
Last updated 4 months ago
If you want to get in tune with your heart health or find help recovering from a cardiac episode, the Cardiac & Vascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital can be your destination for complete cardiovascular care. Below is an overview of the services and procedures we offer in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Patients who have been treated for heart attack in our emergency room can find comprehensive follow-up care with guidance for nutrition, stress relief, and fitness. Our rehab programs are customized for each patient so that recovery is substantial and self-manageable.
Cardiac Catheterization
The cardiac catheterization lab at Good Samaritan is nationally recognized as one of the top 10 in the 180-hospital HCA network. This recognition for our superior diagnostic center is attributed to the advanced digital technology we utilize for over 3,000 procedures each year.
Cardiac and Vascular Surgery
With state-of-the-art surgical technologies and a team of skilled cardiac surgeons, our surgical departments offer a wide range of procedures for heart and vascular health including varicose vein treatment, valve repair and replacement, and on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafts.
Chest Pain Center
When patients visit the ER with chest pain, our Chest Pain Center is immediately available to provide an accurate and prompt diagnosis when every moment matters for treatment. We are accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, and we always have cardiologists and heart surgeons on-call to ensure fast-response diagnoses and care. Other hospitals are not equipped with this kind of specialized care for patients in emergency situations.
Find more information on the Cardiac & Vascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose by visiting our website or calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362. You can get tips to improve your heart health every day by joining our hospital’s H2U program.
Last updated 4 months ago
If you are seeking healthcare in San Jose, head to the nationally recognized facilities at Good Samaritan Hospital. Explore our medical specialties and advanced treatment technologies on our website or call us at (888) 724-2362.
FamilyDoctor.org can help you understand the effects of high cholesterol.
See how a healthy heart functions with this article from HRSOnline.org.
Check out the American Diabetes Association for a look at the link between diabetes and stroke.
Stroke.org takes a look at recurrent stroke and ways to reduce your risk for this condition.
Visit the NHLBI for a closer look at the process of coronary stress testing and why it’s done.
Last updated 4 months ago
Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made in the United States, but it is one that can be hard to stick with through the whole year. If you are ready to commit to serious weight loss in the New Year and finally get healthy for good, weight loss surgery may be the answer for you. Here is a look at some of the reasons that bariatric surgery can help you succeed in weight loss where other methods have failed.
Long-term weight loss
Because all types of weight loss surgery alter the digestive system, you are more likely to sustain the weight loss you see than you would be with more conservative weight loss methods. Your body will be permanently tuned to a new way of eating and using energy, so your resolution for a single year can turn into a life-long achievement.
Changed lifestyle
When you choose to have weight loss surgery, you will need to make a lifelong commitment to a healthy diet and active lifestyle. You will only be able to eat a limited amount of food, so you will have to always make the most of what you are eating. Physical activity is also an important part of treatment with weight loss surgery, and you should be ready to incorporate it into your regular routine.
Extreme weight loss
It is important to note that weight loss surgery is only fit for people who are considered morbidly obese. This means that you have a BMI of 40 or higher or are at least 100 pounds overweight. When you do have this much weight to lose, many weight loss programs may fall short for your needs.
To get more details on the types of bariatric surgery available to you and start planning your procedure, sign up for a Weight Loss Surgery Seminar or Support Group at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. See our upcoming schedule of bariatric surgery events on our website or call us on our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (888) 724-2362.
