Cardiac Testing Offers Answers [De' Wiskur]

This video highlights De’ Wiskur’s experience with cardiac testing at Brookings Health System. Routine monitoring identified an irregular heartbeat, and follow-up testing provided clarity, reassurance, and guidance for ongoing heart health.

  • Early Detection: Regular checkups can reveal heart irregularities before they cause symptoms or complications.
  • ECG/Heart Monitoring: An electrocardiogram (ECG) captures the heart’s electrical activity, showing contractions, valve function, and abnormal rhythms like PACs.
  • Stress Testing Options: Cardiac stress tests can be performed on a treadmill or with medication, providing flexibility for patients with physical limitations.
  • Patient-Centered Care: The medical and imaging staff explained procedures clearly, monitored closely, and ensured patient comfort throughout testing.
  • Peace of Mind: Comprehensive diagnostic testing provides reassurance and guidance, even when immediate treatment is not needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac testing includes diagnostic procedures like electrocardiograms (ECG) and stress tests that evaluate heart function, detect irregular rhythms, and assess overall cardiac health.

An ECG is a test that takes a “picture” of your heart’s electrical activity, showing how the heart contracts, how the valves work, and how blood flows through the heart. It can detect abnormal heartbeats such as PACs (premature atrial contractions) and PVCs (premature ventricular contractions).

A stress test evaluates how the heart functions under physical or chemical stress. Patients may walk on a treadmill or receive medication to simulate exercise, helping detect areas of the heart that may not receive adequate blood flow.

Medication-based stress tests are generally safe but may cause temporary side effects like changes in heart rate, palpitations, or mild discomfort. Staff monitor patients closely and provide instructions on what to expect.

Access to nearby cardiac testing reduces travel time, allows for timely diagnosis, and provides reassurance for ongoing heart care. Local providers can manage initial findings and refer patients to specialized care if needed.

Video Transcript

I am De' Wiskur. I live just north of Elkton. I am a retired nurse of 32 years. I worked at the Brookings Hospital all those years. Now in my retirement, I sew, I quilt.

When was the irregularity in your heartbeat discovered?

It was on my regular yearly checkup. I didn't go in for anything special. There was no problems. And as she was listening to my heart, she noticed an irregularity.

What tests did Dr. Johnston request?

The first EKG was over at the clinic because it was done right away that day. And she got the results. I had PACs, which is premature atrial contractions. We need to figure out what's going on and we need further studies. So I made appointments here. It didn't take that long to get an appointment.

Can you describe an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

It basically takes a picture of your heart so they can see how it's contracting, how the little valves are working, if they're opening and shutting properly, how the blood flows in and flows around in the heart. It had a picture of what's going on when my heart is throwing the PACs or PVCs.

What were your options for the stress test?

The stress test, we could either else do it, I'm going to say physically, walking on a treadmill. And I thought, oh, I don't know. I had had hip replacement a few years ago. It's still giving me some problem. I didn't know if I could walk as long as they wanted me to. So she explained what we were going to do. She says we can either do it the physically way, walking on the treadmill, or use medication. And she says, I will order the medication so I have it on hand.

How was the day of your stress test?

So the morning that I came in for the stress test, she told Dr. Jerstad, I do have the medication on hand. She isn't sure if she can walk on the treadmill as long. And he says, well, let's just do the medication because we get a better picture with that anyway. And they told me the possible side effects, what I might feel using the medication and what to expect. And there were at least two people in there, if not three, monitoring me. And they said, if you feel anything or if anything, you have problems, let us know right away. It all went like it was supposed to. After it was all done, of course, I couldn't have anything really to eat or drink. I could have drank water, but I couldn't have coffee. And I love my coffee.

How were you treated by the staff?

They introduced themselves, let me know what's going on, what to expect. If I had any questions, if I understood everything, they wanted to make sure that I knew what was going on and what to expect. I don't know, I just, I trusted them.

What were the results?

Nothing that needs medical attention. So it's just kind of a, okay, we're going to watch this. Treatment as far as what kind of medications I'm on, what might cause more of them. And coffee is one of them. Just, you know, if I notice anything, you know, if I can feel my heart pounding or if I really notice irregularity in my heart rate, if it's bothering me, let her know. Otherwise, we're just going to wait on it and see how it goes from there.

Did the diagnostic testing give you peace of mind?

Oh yes, because otherwise I would have known, well, I have an irregularity in my heart. What's going on? Is this going to happen? Is it going to, you know, is my heart going to keep working the way it's supposed to? You know, if you catch it early enough, it's easier to treat instead of letting it go.

Why do you recommend Brookings Health System?

It's close, it's trustworthy. If there is something beyond their capabilities, they are not afraid to say, hey, we need to send you to Sioux Falls.

Are you one of Brookings Health System's grateful patients who would like to give back to us? Learn more about how you can give back at brookingshealth.org/MyThanks.

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