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OUR SERVICES

Chest Pain Clinic

What is the Chest Pain Clinic?

The Windsor Chest Pain Program (WCPC) was developed to improve emergency room patient outcomes while reducing the stress on our local hospitals.

Introduced in May 2006, in partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital (MET & Ouellette Campuses), the WCPC has provided over 8000 ER patients with urgent, non-invasive cardiac testing available within 24 hours of their ER visit.

WCC: Chest Pain Clinic

Benefits:

This immediate assessment by a cardiology specialist ensures each ER patient receives the necessary care to avoid cardiac complications. Benefits of this outpatient testing include:

  • Immediate, non-invasive testing
  • Reduced costs on the health care system
  • Reduced length of stay at the hospital
  • Reduced load on the health care system
  • Decreased risk for infection
  • Reduced wait times at the ER
  • A proven standard of cardiac care: WCC is accredited through Accreditation Canada and has an Accredited Echo Lab though the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)

Advanced Cardiology Testing:

The WCPC’s goal is to provide ER patients with a specialist assessment of their chest pain symptoms as quickly as possible to ensure they are at optimal health upon leaving the ER. We achieve this through the following advanced cardiology testing:

Stress Echocardiogram (stress echo)

  • A stress echocardiogram is an exercise test that evaluates the heart using both ECG and an ultrasound technology. A patient undergoing a stress echocardiogram is generally walking on a treadmill while being observed Learn more here

Stress Test (treadmill stress test)

  • A stress test can be used to test for heart disease by providing information about how the heart responds to exertion. It involves walking on a treadmill with increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored Learn more here

*Atlas report: emergency department services in Ontario, 1993-2000. Toronto (ON): Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; 2001, Circulation 1999 April 6;99(13):1671-7”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I being sent to the Chest Pain Clinic?

Your Chest Pain Clinic visit is arranged by an Emergency Department physician at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH). Because you’ve presented for chest pain, your test results will help determine your risk for cardiac events and heart disease.

Why can't I do these tests at the hospital?

Our local hospitals are under constant pressure due to the recent pandemic, a growing population and staffing shortages. In order to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes we’ve partnered together to provide chest pain patients with urgent, follow-up care with a specialist.

What tests will I have during my visit?​

You will have a stress echocardiogram or a stress test (on a treadmill) during your visit. If you are not able to exercise, you’ll receive a drug through an IV that mimics the effect of exercise on your heart.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Urgent, non-invasive cardiac testing is available within 24 hours of your ER visit. Booking are made through the hospital by the ER physician.

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