Cardio-Respiratory Therapy
The Cardio-Respiratory Department is located on level 1. Patients should present themselves to room 1456 for all out-patient appointments and bring their health card.
Our department is staffed with Registered Respiratory Therapists. We offer breathing tests, heart tests, blood tests to measure the oxygen level and asthma tests.
Services that our department offers:
Additionally, Registered Respiratory Therapists are staffed on-site 24/7 at Cornwall Hospital.
What is a Pulmonary Function Test?
Pulmonary function testing, also called breathing tests, may involve one or several tests of your lungs including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion testing, and oxygen saturation measurement by oximetry or blood gas sampling. These are tests which determine how well your lungs are functioning and most involve blowing into a tube with your nose plugged. These tests are performed by a Registered Therapist and interpreted by an internist. We measure the volume, flow and oxygen transfer capabilities of your lungs. Pulmonary function testing is very safe and a needle is only required if your doctor has required blood gases to be drawn. This test DOES involve a lot of effort on your part.
What is a Methacholine Challenge Test?
Your doctor has ordered this test to help him determine if you have asthma and if so how severe. Methacholine is similar to a normal body substance that causes narrowing of the airways, if you have asthma. Prior to this test you will have to performed a full Pulmonary function test.
What is Arterial Blood Gas?
An arterial blood gas test measures the acidity (pH) and the levels of oxygen in the blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood
What is an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, the size and position of the heart chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the Heart (such as a pacemaker).
What is a Cardiac Stress Test?
A cardiac stress test may also be called a treadmill test or exercise test which helps your doctor determine if you have heart disease present. It also helps determine how severe the disease may be. As your body works harder while you walk on the treadmill, it requires more oxygen and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if blood supply to the heart is reduced by blocked arteries.
What is a Heart Blood Flow/ Perfusion Study Test?
This test is used to study the blood circulation in your heart. There are two different tests that can be done. Your doctor has already decided which one you will be doing, either and exercise perfusion study or a persantine cardiolite perfusion study.
What is Spirometry?
If your doctor has ordered a spirometry test it is to determine your lung function and possibly the response to inhalers. This test is performed by a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact information:
613-938-4240, ext. 5388
Fax # 613-938-5389