General Cardiology

The cardiology program at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute is one of the largest and most comprehensive cardiology programs in New York State. Our team offers the clinical and support resources you need for a lifetime of good cardiac health, and we stay at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of heart health. We work closely with referring physicians and other specialists—including our own nationally recognized heart surgeons—to ensure you receive safe, effective, and compassionate cardiac care.

Schedule a Cardiac Evaluation

Diagnosing Heart Disease

Our heart team diagnoses and treats heart disease, heart failure, coronary heart disease, and complex, chronic conditions. We also help address cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Our cardiologists use the latest in heart-testing technology to evaluate and diagnose cardiac disorders and offer a full range of non-invasive cardiology testing services.

Your First Visit

No two cardiovascular treatment strategies are the same. During your first visit to the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute, our heart care team will help you develop a personalized strategy that best fits your lifestyle. We will thoroughly:

• Examine your heart and vascular symptoms
• Ask for a detailed history of your symptoms
• Learn about your risk factors that may contribute to your medical condition

• Discuss any family history of illness

Stress Tests and Echocardiograms

Stress tests, echocardiograms (echos), and dobutamine echos are non-invasive techniques that safely and quickly assess your risk for heart disease. There is no pain associated with these testing procedures, and they help cardiologists learn valuable information about your heart’s rhythm and blood flow. Our heart care team performs these effective techniques using advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. 

Benefits of an echocardiogram

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

Learn More About Stress Testing and Echocardiograms

Heart Monitors and EKGs

Heart monitoring and EKGs (electrocardiograms) evaluate how your heart is functioning and how well it’s pumping blood through your body.

Types of EKGs include:

• EKG - records the electrical signal from your heart by using electrodes placed on your chest.
• Holter - a device that records your heartbeat for either 24 or 48 hours. Patches are attached to your chest while you hold a small box on a belt or shoulder strap.
• Event Monitor - a small device attached to the wall of your chest by two patches that can be changed regularly. The device is usually worn for between one to four weeks. When you experience a symptom, you activate the monitor and then send us your EKG over the phone.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors – a combination of a clinical assessment questionnaire and exam, a brief ultrasound to assess the thickness of the heart, and a blood pressure monitor worn for 24 hours.
• Enhanced External Counter Pulsation - a non-invasive treatment that has been clinically proven to significantly relieve symptoms for up to three years in 80% of patients. Rochester Regional Health is the exclusive provider of enhanced external counterpulsation in the Rochester area.

Additional Cardiac Testing Options

The Sands-Constellation Heart Institute also provides the following cardiac testing options:

• Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETT) - an Electrocardiogram (ECG) that is recorded while you exercise. The ETT will assess how well your heart works when you’re active and your heart is working harder.
• Nuclear Imaging - a study of your heart health by running on a treadmill or by medication. Learn more
• Exercise Recommendations and Management - Our experts develop an exercise 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, which are necessary to ensure that your device is working properly.
• MUGA Scan - a multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan takes video images of the lower chambers of the heart.

Call (585) 922-5661 to schedule a cardiac evaluation