Respiratory Therapy

Benewah Community Hospital offers three procedures to help capture an accurate picture of your heart’s performance, the electrocardiogram (EKG), a 24-hour heart monitor, and a cardiac stress test. Each of these procedures gives us a glimpse into your heart and vascular system, giving you and your physician or specialist more insight on treatment options.Each of these tests requires an order written by either your primary physician or cardiologist.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a very simple and painless procedure that usually takes about five minutes. The test itself monitors a ten-second window of the electrical pathways of your heart. This window shows how the muscles are performing and checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. Be sure to wear a top that is easy to open to allow placement of the monitor patches that will be placed on your chest.

A 24-hour heart monitor is a device that you will wear for a 24-hour period. The monitor provides video of the electric impulses of your heart and monitors the heart rhythm. You will keep a journal throughout the 24 hours, where you will mark down symptoms and what you were doing at the onset of those symptoms. This will help give the technicians an indication of how your heart responds to certain activities. On the day of your initial appointment, be sure to wear clothes that are easy to put over your monitor once the monitor has been placed.

The cardiac treadmill is another procedure offered that is a benefit for our patients suffering from chest pain or those with a family history of heart disease. Cardiac stress tests can help identify potential cardiac issues. You will be hooked up to heart monitors while you exert effort on your body. A doctor is always present during these tests. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothing.

Regardless of which procedure you are having performed, you’ll want to talk with your physician or cardiologist about what medications you should or should not take before these procedures. It is recommended that you not eat a large meal prior to performing the cardiac treadmill test.

Your Appointment

  • Referrals are required.
  • Once your referral has been written, an appointment will be made.
  • On the day of your visit, check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time at hospital admitting desk, located just inside the main doors at 8th Street and College Avenue (229 S. 8th Street)
  • Be sure to bring all insurance information, a list of medications you are currently taking and records from another provider and specialist, if applicable. (Remember your physician will go over which medications you should and should not take before and during these tests).
  • Your co-pay is due at the time of your visit.
  • Parking is available either along Seventh Street (229 S. 7th Street) or in our west parking lot, accessible on College Avenue and Eighth Street (229 S. 8th Street). Our 8th Street entrance is handicap accessible.
  • For any information, please call (208) 245-5551.