Patient Resources
Test Prep Hub
Use this guide to prepare for common heart and vascular tests. Your specific instructions may vary, so follow any directions provided by TCA staff for your appointment.
Check your appointment time, office location, and whether your test requires special instructions before you arrive.
Bring a photo ID, insurance card, current medication list, and any referral or prior records requested by the office.
Do not stop or hold medication unless TCA staff or your physician specifically tells you to do so.
Wear comfortable clothing. For walking stress tests, bring walking shoes and clothing that allows easy movement.
This page is general preparation guidance, not medical advice. If your printed or verbal instructions are different, follow the instructions given for your appointment.
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, fainting, or a true emergency, call 911.
Call (813) 975-2800An ultrasound of the heart used to review pumping function, valves, chamber size, and blood flow.
Most routine echocardiograms do not require special preparation unless staff gives you specific instructions.
Wear clothing that makes it easy to access the chest area for ultrasound imaging.
Avoid lotions or oils on the chest on the day of the test if possible.
A heart ultrasound paired with exercise or medication stress to evaluate how the heart performs under demand.
Wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing if your test includes treadmill exercise.
Ask the office whether you should avoid caffeine, food, or certain medications before the test.
Tell staff if you cannot walk on a treadmill or have mobility concerns.
A perfusion imaging test that compares blood flow to the heart at rest and under stress.
This test often has food, caffeine, and medication instructions. Follow the instructions given by TCA staff.
Wear comfortable clothing and avoid metal accessories when possible.
Plan for the visit to take longer than a routine office appointment.
Advanced imaging used to evaluate blood flow and complex coronary disease questions.
Follow the office's food, caffeine, and medication instructions carefully.
Let staff know if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or trouble lying flat.
Bring a full medication list, including insulin or diabetes medications if applicable.
Ultrasound testing used to evaluate veins, arteries, blood flow, clots, reflux, and circulation concerns.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being scanned.
For abdominal or renal ultrasound, ask whether fasting is required before the exam.
Avoid lotion on the area being scanned on the day of the test if possible.
A neck artery ultrasound used to evaluate plaque, narrowing, and stroke-related vascular risk.
Wear a shirt with an open or loose collar so the neck area is easy to access.
Avoid necklaces or high collars for the visit.
Take medications as usual unless the office gives different instructions.
Some tests require fasting or avoiding caffeine, while others do not. If you are unsure, call the office before your appointment.
Call the office if you are not sure which test you are having, whether you should fast, or whether medication instructions apply to you.