Cardiology

Call us at
(585) 922-5661

The Sands-Constellation Heart Institute is home to one of New York’s largest cardiology programs. Our team offers the comprehensive clinical and support resources you need for a lifetime of good cardiac health. And, we work closely with referring physicians and other specialists – including our own nationally recognized heart surgeons – to ensure that you receive fast, effective and compassionate care.

Diagnosing Your Heart Disease

Our expert cardiologists use the latest in heart testing to evaluate and diagnose cardiac disorders. Our expert team offers the full range of non-invasive cardiology testing services including:

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Evaluations

During your first visit to a Rochester Regional Health cardiologist, our experts will work with you to develop a personalized treatment strategy. We'll take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform a thorough examination of your heart and vascular system. We will also ask you about any risk factors that may contribute to your medical condition, including background information on family illnesses.

Stress Tests and Echocardiograms

We have state-of-the-art equipment and non-invasive methods to assess your risk for heart disease, including stress tests, echocardiograms (or echos) and dobutamine echos. There is no pain associated with these testing procedures, which help cardiologists learn valuable information about your heart’s rhythm and blood flow.

There are different types of echocardiograms and stress tests and your doctor will choose the one that best suits your needs. An echocardiogram can:

• Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart
• Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
• Detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram)

Learn more about stress testing and echocardiograms at Rochester Regional Health

Heart Monitors and EKGs

Heart monitoring and EKGs are used to evaluate how your heart is functioning and pumping blood through your body. 

• EKG
• Holter: 24 hour and 48 hour monitors available: This is a device that records your heartbeat for either 24 or 48 hours. We will attach patches to your chest, and you will carry a small box on a belt or shoulder strap. You must return the monitor at the end of the monitoring period. Allow about 30 minutes for your appointment. Please bring a list of your medications.
• Event monitors: This is a small device attached to the chest wall by two patches. These can be changed whenever you want and the device is usually worn for 1-4 weeks. When you have a symptom, you activate the monitor and send us your EKG over the telephone. Hookup and instructions require about 45 minutes.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors: This is a combination of clinical assessment by questionnaire and exam, brief ultrasound to assess the thickness of the heart and wearing of a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. Please bring a list of your medications. Allow 60 minutes for the entire evaluation. The device must be returned the next day. 
• Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)

 Other Cardiac Testing Options Available

• Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETT)
• Nuclear Imaging: These studies generally require prior authorization from most insurance, and cancellations must be made 24-hours in advance.
• Exercise Recommendations and Management: The heart is a muscle and, like any other muscle in your body, needs exercise to remain healthy. Our experts can develop a plan for the type of exercise that matches your heart’s needs and your physical ability.
• Pacemaker/Device Management: Patients with devices are scheduled for telephone checks as well as in-office checks, necessary to ensure that your device is working properly. This process will be thoroughly explained to patients who have devices.
• MUGA Scan: A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan takes video images of the lower chambers of the heart.

Treatment for All Types of Heart Conditions

Our non-invasive cardiologists diagnose and treat all types of heart problems, some of the most common of which are:

• Aortic Aneurysms
• Arrhythmia (Heart Palpitations)
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
• Heart Valve Disorders (Heart Murmurs)
• Lipid Disorders (High Cholesterol)
• Vascular Diseases

Find a Cardiologist

The Cardiology network of the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute spans the region. Wherever you call home– throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes – it’s easy to find a highly skilled Rochester Regional Health heart doctor near you. For a more specific search, call (585) 922-5661.

What to Expect

The days leading up to an appointment or procedure at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute can feel overwhelming – many important details contribute to a successful experience. See how to prepare for a general cardiology, catheterization or electrophysiology appointment

Call us at
(585) 922-5661