We are a general diagnostic cardiology clinic and offer our services to everyone regardless of your exercise habits! Athletes have special needs and require special attention when it comes to cardiac testing. Our expertise in this regard differentiates us as the premiere sports cardiology clinic for the San Francisco Bay Area. However, we welcome and treat all comers with a concern for heart health.

We test individuals age 15 and over. There is no upper age limit.

What test or tests you should have depends on whether you are undergoing a routine screening evaluation or whether you have specific symptoms that need to be addressed. The tests used as part of a screening evaluation may vary depending on your age and other factors. As a general rule, youth and young adults are well served with a 12-lead ECG and echocardiogram. For individuals who have reached an age at which vascular disease is more prevalent, we have designed a standard package (the vascular health screen) that fits most of our patients’ needs. Testing may be more selective or more exhaustive depending on your needs, and the testing procedure can easily be individualized. If you have symptoms that concern you, then the evaluation will begin with a history and physical and tests will be ordered and performed accordingly. For example, heart palpitations are often evaluated with an ECG and with one form or another of a heart rhythm monitor. Concerns about high blood pressure can be evaluated with different tests, including an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, an echocardiogram, and even a treadmill test, depending on the situation. A brief phone call with Dr. Accad can help plan the consultation and testing strategy.

Individual tests (e.g., ECG, echocardiogram, CIMT, stress test, etc.) can be obtained as standalone services with a referral or order from a licensed practitioner. If you do not have a referral, cardiac testing can only be obtained in the context of a consultation provided by our physician. Note that bundle (discount) pricing will apply if tests are performed in the context of a screening or diagnostic evaluation. Please call if you have additional questions.

Apart from the treadmill stress test, most of our tests do not require any special preparation. Out of respect for those scheduled after you, we ask you to arrive promptly on-time. If you are delayed more than 10 minutes, we reserve the right to re-schedule your session. If you are scheduled for a stress test, we recommend that: Your last full meal be at least 3 hours before your scheduled appointment. You may have a light snack one hour before your visit. Beverages, including tea and coffee, are OK anytime before your visit. Bring comfortable clothing and shoes to walk or run on the treadmill. If possible, avoid using cream or lotion on the chest on the morning of your test. For men, we may use a gentle disposable razor to remove chest hair in the specific spots where the ECG leads are placed.

The cardiovascular testing we offer is non-invasive and extremely safe. Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to obtain images of the heart and blood vessels and has no known appreciable risks. Stress testing is also extremely safe. In non-selective retrospective surveys of medical practices (where testing is done primarily on patients with established or suspected active cardiac disease), the risk of a serious complication is less than 1 in 10,000. We believe the risk in our setting to be much lower, especially as we begin the session with a thorough cardiac history, physical, ECG, and echocardiogram, and our cardiologist is on site conducting the test. In many aspects, we surpass the recommendations for safe stress testing established by the American Heart Association. ​ Furthermore, if one is to have a cardiac complication during exercise, it stands to reason that a medical office is a better setting for such an occurrence, as compared to the park or the trail!

Yes, you can rest assured that all the information obtained during your evaluation remains confidential and is not released to anyone without your expressed consent.

We kindly request full payment on the day of testing. We accept all major credit cards. Payments may also be drawn from HSA accounts. Our cancellation fees are:​ $65 for cancellations within 12 to 48 hours prior to the scheduled time of your visit. $95 for cancellations less than 12 hours prior to the scheduled time of your visit.

We are "out of network" with all insurance plans but will gladly provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please be advised that the amount you can expect to be reimbursed, if any, depends on the specific terms of your plan. Medicare beneficiaries should not expect any reimbursement from Medicare or supplemental plans.

Metered-parking is fairly easily found around the neighborhood. Either bring sufficient coins with you or pay by credit card via the toll-free number marked on the meter or the mobile app shown on the parking meter. You may also find free street parking West of Franklin Street and East of Larkin Street, about 2-3 blocks from Van Ness Avenue. If you prefer to park at a parking garage, below are suggested neighborhood parking garages as well as Google Maps walking directions to our office. 1965 Polk St Garage Parking 1965 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (between Pacific & Jackson)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Directions to Athletic Heart SF from 1965 Polk St parking lot Old First Garage 1725 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (between Polk & Van Ness)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Directions to Athletic Heart SF from Old First Garage parking lot 1727 Sacramento St Parking 1727 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (between Polk & Van Ness). Directions to Athletic Heart SF from 1727 Sacramento St parking lot