Why is my cholesterol level important?
Your cholesterol level can provide useful information about your heart disease risk. High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increased risk of blockages of the arteries (arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis) which can lead to dangerous consequences including heart attack and stroke.
Who do I contact regarding billing questions?
Please contact our billing office at (214) 361-3300. The billing office is located at:
8440 Walnut Hill Lane
Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75231
Who do I call after clinic hours?
Please call the main line at your clinic location and the physician on-call will address your situation.
What kinds of tests are available in office?
- Nuclear Perfusion Studies
- Carotid Ultrasound
- Peripheral Artery Doppler
- Peripheral Venous Doppler
- Holter Monitoring
- Event Monitoring
- Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry
- Pacemaker and ICD Interrogation
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At North Texas Heart Center, we believe in treating the whole person. At your initial consultation you and your physician will discuss your health history, social history, current treatment regimen and any questions regarding your cardiac care. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact a member of our friendly staff today. We look forward to meeting you.
Signs of a heart attack
A heart attack may come on as a sudden and intense event, or it may start slowly with symptoms of mild pain and discomfort. These symptoms may be constant, or they may come and go. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. The warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest Discomfort: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain under the sternum which may be constant for several minutes, or may come and go.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: This symptom often comes along with chest discomfort, but it can also occur before chest discomfort.
- Other symptoms: Additional symptoms to watch out for are a change in pulse rate, changes in skin appearance, lowered blood pressure, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
How long will it take to get my test results?
We strive to have test results back to the patient or their referring physician within 72 hours. In some instances, this may take longer and our office will contact you as soon as your result is available.
How do I reach my doctor?
Please call the main line at your clinic location. When possible, our medical assistants and nurses will return your call on the same day. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room for immediate treatment.
How do I prepare for stress testing?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes. No dresses or one piece outfits. Medications should be taken as prescribed. Do not to eat or drink anything except water for three (3) hours before the test. A large meal shortly before the test could cause nausea or make exercising uncomfortable. Diabetics should continue usual diet and medications. Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 24 hours before the test due to interference with test results. These include tea, coffee, sodas, chocolates and certain pain relievers that contain caffeine. No body lotions or oils on the day of the test.
How can I find out more about the medicine’s I’ve been prescribed?
The Internet has several websites to further research your prescribed medications:
RxList.com
Drugs.com
WebMD.com