Cardiovascular Laboratory

Overview

The Cardiovascular Laboratory offers a wide range of non-invasive diagnostic tests that helps to diagnose various types of heart disease.

Back to Top

Cardio Stress Tests

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG):
A graphic recording of the electrical activity of the heart. (Each EKG wave form represents a single electrical impulse as it travels through the heart.)

Exercise Stress Test:
An exercise stress test records heart rate and rhythm while walking on a treadmill, tracking the heart’s response to exercise. The level of exercise is gradually adjusted to achieve an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Echocardiograms (TTE):
A complete ultrasound of the heart muscle that measures chamber size (thickness and volume) and evaluates valves and blood flow. This is performed with an ultrasound probe placed on the chest wall.

Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE):
A cardiac exam utilizing ultrasound images obtained through placement of a small device called a transducer mounted on the tip of a gastroscope and maneuvered through the esophagus to the level of the heart to visualize the heart and valves. These are done when the usual transthoracic (TTE) images are inadequate.

Stress Echocardiograms:
A treadmill stress test together with a complete echocardiogram (prior to exercise) followed by another echocardiogram to assess wall motion after exercise is completed. For patients who cannot walk on a treadmill, a medication can be given in place of physical exercise — used when other forms of stress testing is impractical or impossible.

Back to Top

Nuclear Stress Tests

Spect MIBI:
Employs a scanning camera to visualize the amount of isotope the heart absorbs before and during a treadmill stress test, which indicates how much oxygen is delivered to the heart at rest and with exercise. If a patient cannot walk on a treadmill, a medication can be given to mimic the change in heart rate that occurs during exercise.

Back to Top

Vascular Studies

Venous Doppler (Upper & Lower Extremity):
Ultrasound technology is used to rule out blood clots and/or leaking venous valves.

Arterial Doppler (Upper & Lower Extremity):
Ultrasound tests assess blood delivery to legs and arms and are used to diagnose peripheral vascular problems.

Carotid Doppler:
A carotid doppler is an ultrasound of the neck and carotid arteries to evaluate the delivery of blood flow to the brain.

Visceral Vascular:
A visceral vascular test is an abdominal ultrasound used to check the size of the aorta, superior mesenteric, celiac, renal and iliac arteries.

Back to Top

Advanced Cardiovascular Studies

Tilt Studies:
The tilt table test is designed to induce symptoms of syncope (fainting) under controlled conditions. It will assist the doctor in determining the cause of fainting.

Pacemaker Clinic:
Pacemakers require routine checkups. This can be done over the phone and is called transtelephonic monitoring. Each new pacemaker recipient is enrolled with the pacemaker clinic which will supply a programmer kit to establish telephone checkups.

Holter Monitor:
The expert evaluation of heart rate and rhythm as recorded on a portable monitor and coordinated with a patient diary of events over 24 hours.

Event Recorders:
This device records heart rhythm for patients who have palpitations that have not been found on a 24-hour holter monitor. This device can be used for up to 30 days.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Video EEG:
A graphed recording of the electrical activity of the brain. Sometimes these recordings are accompanied by a video, which may help the physician determine the cause of certain neurological conditions.

Back to Top

Contact

Phelps Memorial Hospital Center
701 North Broadway
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
(914) 366-3740

Back to Top