Phelps Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory
The following tests are available:
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.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms: Complete echocardiogram of the heart together with the IV administration of the medication dobutamine to increase the heart rate as if in response to exercise for people who are unable to exercise on a treadmill. These are frequently performed before major orthopedic or vascular surgery.
Persantine Stress Echocardiograms: A complete echocardiogram of the heart with the administration of IV persantine in place of physical exercise — used when other forms of stress testing is impractical or impossible.
Nuclear Stress Tests
Spect MIBI: The 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.
Persantine MIBI: The persantine MIBI is similar to the spect MIBI test with the addition of persantine IV to enable the heart to react as it would to exercise for those who are unable to exercise.
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.
Miscellaneous
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.
Sleep Studies: Specially trained staff use the most modern diagnostic techniques to detect sleep disorders and evaluate treatment options.
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.
Signal Average EKG: A signal average EKG is a study that averages many (hundreds) individual EKG readings to give a more detailed study of the heart’s electrical conduction.
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.
Cardiac Rehab: Professionally supervised exercise programs are offered for people who have heart disease, as well as those who are at risk for developing coronary artery disease.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): A graphed recording of the electrical activity of the brain.
Wellness Center: The Wellness Center is a preventative fitness program supervised by a registered nurse.
For more information please call (914) 366-3740.
Related Information:
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
CardioVascular Risk Assessment Center