Heart tests explained simply
FCCI runs accredited labs for echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests and vascular ultrasound. Call 904.644.0092 to ask which tests are done at the Orange Park office.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It shows how well your heart pumps and how blood flows across the valves. A sonographer places small stickers on your chest, has you lie on your left side, and moves a wand with cool gel over your chest.
According to FCCI, the test takes about 40 minutes, there is no preparation, and you should feel no major discomfort.
You can usually eat, drink and take your medicines as normal before an echo unless told otherwise. Wear a top that is easy to remove from the waist up. Results go to your FCCI provider, who will go over them with you.
Nuclear stress test
A nuclear stress test shows how well blood reaches your heart muscle at rest and under stress. A small amount of tracer is given through an IV, and stress comes from a treadmill or a medicine that acts like exercise. A special camera takes pictures of your heart.
FCCI says the test takes about 2 hours, and its lab performs over 3,000 stress tests a year. You will get written prep instructions before your test, so follow them closely.
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Ask whether you should hold any medicines before the test, and do not stop a medicine on your own. Bring a snack for after if you were asked to fast.
Vascular ultrasound
FCCI's accredited Non-Invasive Vascular Lab checks blood flow with ultrasound, no needles or dye. Common tests include:
- Carotid artery duplex: checks the neck arteries linked to stroke risk, about 30 minutes
- Venous duplex: looks for blood clots in the legs, about 30 minutes
- Venous insufficiency exam: checks leg vein valves
- Renal artery duplex: checks kidney arteries, 1 to 2 hours, with no food, drinks, tobacco or caffeine for at least 7 hours before
FCCI's vascular testing is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission and done by registered vascular technologists. Your doctor will follow up with you about your results and next steps.
PET and CT heart imaging
FCCI also offers cardiac PET scans, which show how well blood flows through the coronary arteries in real time, and CCTA, a CT scan of the heart arteries. Each test has its own instruction sheet.
Not every test is done at every office. When your doctor orders a test, the team will tell you where to go. To ask what is done in Orange Park, call 904.644.0092.
Test prep sheets are posted on FCCI's patient resources page, including nuclear stress test, treadmill stress test, PET and CCTA instructions. Read yours a few days ahead so there are no surprises the morning of your test.
Talk with a specialist.
New patients are welcome. Call 904.644.0092, Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm, or request a visit online.
Which tests are done at the Orange Park office?
It depends on the test. Call 904.644.0092 and the team will tell you where your test will be done.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
About 40 minutes, with no preparation, according to FCCI.
How long is a nuclear stress test?
About 2 hours. Follow the prep sheet FCCI gives you.
Do vascular ultrasounds hurt?
They use ultrasound with no needles or dye. Most people feel only light pressure from the wand.