If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might prescribe a type of medication called Beta blockers. These medications block the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), causing your heart to beat more slowly and with less force. Beta blockers help lower blood pressure and widen veins and arteries to improve blood flow.
Your doctor might also send you for a type of cardiac imaging called stress testing to see how your heart functions while under stress – such as watching how it performs during exercise. During an exercise stress test, your heart’s electrical activity and your blood pressure are measured while you exercise on a treadmill. This can help measure your fitness level and show how well your blood flows through the arteries that supply the heart.
It’s important to note that if you are on beta blockers and have been booked for exercise stress testing, you will need to stop certain medications 48 hours before your exam, and during the day of your exam. This applies to both types of stress testing – an exercise stress test and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
Your doctor will advise you about which heart drugs will need to be stopped prior to exercise stress testing. You will also need to let your medical imaging provider know what medications you are on.
As your body works harder, it requires more oxygen which causes the heart to pump more blood and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. By monitoring and recording these changes this stress testing can indicate if parts of the heart have inadequate blood supply, which could indicate the presence of coronary artery disease.
There are two main types of stress testing performed at Mayfair Diagnostics. An exercise stress test, and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). An MPI is an exercise stress test that involves an injection of a radioactive isotope, which travels to the heart muscle. The radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) is injected intravenously at rest and at stress (during exercise) and imaged with a gamma camera. For more information about this exam, read What is Myocardial Perfusion Imaging?
An exercise stress test is commonly used to analyze heart rhythms and check blood flow. Issues with heart rhythms and blood flow can be the cause of chest pain, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise capacity, as well multiple other symptoms. This test can help diagnose:
An exercise stress test can also check your heart before surgery.
To prepare for your exam, you will need to stop beta and calcium channel blockers 48 hours before your exam and avoid caffeine 24 hours before your exam. Four hours prior to your appointment, do not take anything by mouth – no smoking/vaping or use of Nitro spray, and don’t eat/drink/chew gum or tobacco.
During stress testing, a technologist and an internal medicine physician will be monitoring you. A technologist will place 10 electrodes (adhesive patches) on your chest – they are attached to the electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test. The sites where the electrodes are placed will be cleaned with alcohol and shaved if necessary. A mild abrasive material may also be rubbed on the area prior to placing the electrodes. This helps ensure a good quality ECG recording.
Before you start exercising, the technologist will perform a resting ECG, measure your resting heart rate, and take your blood pressure. You will then be asked to begin walking slowly in place on the treadmill. The speed and incline of the treadmill is gradually increased during 5-15 minutes of exercise. Most of the test occurs at a walking pace, with some light jogging.
At regular intervals, the technologist will ask you how you are feeling, particularly if you feel chest, arm, or jaw pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, or if you have any other unusual symptoms. We will stop the test if you become too tired, experience chest pain, or when we have gathered enough information.
After the exercise portion is over, you will need to sit and relax. We will continue to monitor your ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure as they return to normal. You are then free to leave.
Your results will be reviewed by the internal medicine physician and your health care practitioner will receive a comprehensive report within a few days of your exam. Your doctor will then be able to review your results with you, along with the results of any other tests, and determine the next steps in your health care treatment plan.
There are several possible outcomes of a stress test:
To determine what type of imaging is appropriate for you, you will need to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your health care practitioner, who would then provide you with a requisition for cardiac imaging, if recommended. Your requisition, and any lab work and resting ECG, are sent to Mayfair for triaging. Our cardiac team will then be in touch to coordinate booking and explain how to prepare for your exam.
Please visit cardiac imaging services, for more information about what happens during these exams and how to prepare. All cardiac exams are performed at our Mayfair Place clinic.
REFERENCES
Cleveland Clinic Staff (2022) “Exercise Stress Test.” my.clevelandclinic.org. Accessed January 23, 2024.
Healthwise Staff (2022) “Beta-Blockers.” Myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed January 23, 2024.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2023) “Beta blockers.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed January 23, 2024.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2022) “Stress test.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed January 23, 2024.
Penn Medicine (2022) “What is a stress test?” www.pennmedicine.org. Accessed January 23, 2024.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute (2023) “Treadmill Exercise Stress Test.” www.ottawaheart.ca. Accessed January 23, 2024.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
