Heart diseases are notorious for being 'silent' all too often. A third of heart attacks are detected incidentally, at a later time, and half of all heart attacks are not preceded by any warning symptoms. Fortunately, technologic and diagnostic advances have furthered health in this area. Screening starts from clinical evaluation, exam, and may involve blood and other diagnostic testing. Screening may offer opportunities to greatly lower the risk of future heart problems and stroke. We specialize in nutritional, lifestyle and medication preventative approaches.

There are various disorders, some common and others rare which can produce various symptoms. We strive to get to the right diagnoses promptly and proceed from there. State of the art diagnostic equipment is available in our office, and for hospital based tests or hospitalization, the facility of St John's Regional Medical Center is utilized.

This is an ultrasound exam of the heart and provides a very clear look at the structure and function of the heart, the dimension of its various chambers, the valves and various other parameters. It is extremely useful and commonly utilized diagnostic test. It is completely non-invasive (no needles) and involves no radiation.

A form of stress test involving exercise either on a treadmill or on a stationary bicycle, monitoring of the heart with EKG and ultrasound of the heart. This test is primarily used to check for blockages in the arteries of the heart, but also very useful for several other classes of heart condition. This is completely non-invasive (no-needles) and involves no radiation.

In this test, the EKG is continuously monitored while exercise is performed. This test is primarily used to check for blockages in the arteries of the heart, but also very useful for several other classes of heart conditions.

This test allows the doctor to visualize the blood flow patterns of your heart and check for any blockages in the arteries of the heart. This involves use of radioisotopes and a special nuclear camera to take pictures of your heart both at rest and following the treadmill portion. This test can also be done without exercising on a treadmill or bicycle, by using medications called Lexiscan or Dobutamine.

Cardiac PET scans have emerged as a powerful and sensitive tests for coronary artery disease, plaque formation and cardiac function.

Usually inserted when the heart rate becomes very slow, fainting spells start to occur and when electricity is no longer flowing well within the heart. Insertion is performed at the hospital and requires overnight stay. Pacemaker and defibrillator care and monitoring : These devices are typically checked every 3-6 months in our office, to diagnose any problems occurring with them, continue to obtain information recorded in the device about your heart, and to 'fine tune' the settings on the device so as to optimize the device function and make the battery last as long as possible.

A basic and inexpensive test to diagnose various heart conditions, which although has several limitations, is supported by decades of medical literature.

This is a 24 hours heart monitor, the size of a pager which is connected to the patient by 5 electrodes. The patient wears it for 24 hours during which the heart rhythm is continuously recorded. This is used to diagnose rhythm problems of the heart and symptoms of palpitations or fainting.

This is longer term heart monitor (see above) usually worn by patients from 3-4 weeks, and is very useful to diagnose symptoms which are not very frequent. Especially useful for diagnosis of infrequent palpitations, fainting spells or dizziness.

These blood thinners are very useful in specific conditions, but require very close physician monitoring. We have a machine in our office for this purpose. Patients visit us every 2-4 weeks, and undergo a finger stick style test. Depending upon the results, they are given further instructions. These visit take about 15 minutes.

Non-invasive and without any harmful radiation, these ultrasound tests are very useful in diagnosing blockages in various arteries of the body including arteries in the neck, arms, legs, kidneys, aorta and the digestive system.

Done in the hospital, involves introducing a fine and long tube (catheter) under X ray guidance to inject radiographic dye into the arteries to check and treat for blockages. This could be done for artery at any location.

This involves sedating the patient and giving an electric shock to the heart to restore the normal heart rhythm. This is very useful and effective therapy, usually done in the hospital, with the help of an anesthesiologist.

High blood pressure has become a very common diagnosis. Its diagnosis, severity, cause and treatment varies from person to person. We specialize in managing hypertension, especially the 'difficult to control' cases, or patients who are intolerant to the usual blood pressure medications. The goal is to control BP with minimal medication side effects.

High levels of this class of fats in the bloodstream increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and blockages in various other arteries of the body. Fortunately very effective medications are available that have allowed for robust lowering of cholesterol and effective preventative care.

This is the number one reason for admission to a hospital in US these days. The number of patients with heart failure continues to increase as the population ages. It is a chronic condition, which waxes and wanes, and requires continued physician support and care. We specialize in managing patients with heart failure.

This is also an ultrasound test of the heart carried out by introducing a probe into the esophagus and stomach area, to get very clear pictures of the heart, especially the back side and the valves. Usually done in the hospital. Also used to diagnose birth cardiac defects.

Useful in the diagnosis of the cause of fainting spells. This is carried out in the hospital.