Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiac Testing In Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Nanuet, New City, Nyack, Rockland County, NY and the Surrounding Areas
When it comes to matters of the heart, knowledge is power, and timely testing is life-saving. Whether you have been referred for EKG testing, routine heart testing, or are experiencing symptoms that require urgent evaluation, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the cardiac diagnostic tests we offer.
Don’t see your question listed? Contact us directly to learn more about EKG testing, cardiac stress tests, cardiac CT scans, coronary angiogram tests, and other types of heart testing in Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Nanuet, New City, Nyack, Rockland County, NY, and beyond.
1. What types of heart testing do you offer?
At Cardiology of Hudson Valley, we offer a wide range of heart testing, including:
- ECG
- ECG Treadmill Stress Test
- Echocardiogram
- Vascular Testing (Carotid Artery & Abdominal Aorta Duplex)
- Nuclear Stress Test (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging)
- Rhythm Monitoring (Live Cardiac Event Monitors)
- Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Invasive Coronary Angiography at affiliated hospitals
- Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) & Calcium Scores at affiliated centers
2. What is EKG (ECG) testing, and why is it important?
EKG, or ECG testing, also known as electrocardiograms, records the electrical signals in your heart. Our EKG testing is quick, painless, and can help to detect:
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Past heart attacks
- Enlargement of heart chambers
- Signs of coronary artery disease
3. What is a cardiac stress test, and when is it needed?
Our cardiac stress tests measure how well your heart performs under physical stress. Testing typically includes walking on a treadmill or receiving medication that simulates exercise.
A cardiac stress test can:
- 1. Reveal hidden heart conditions
- 2. Help determine the severity of heart disease
- 3. Guide treatment decisions after a heart attack
Cardiac stress testing is crucial if you experience chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.
4. What types of cardiac stress testing do you offer?
We offer several types of cardiac stress tests, including:
- 1. Exercise treadmill test (ETT)
- 2. Stress echocardiogram
- 3. Nuclear stress test
5. What is a cardiac CT scan, and how does it work?
A cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive cardiac test that uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed 3D images of your heart and blood vessels. It is often used to detect coronary artery disease, evaluate your heart’s structure, or assess calcium buildup in your arteries.
Unlike other tests, a cardiac CT scan offers high-resolution visuals without needing a catheter. It is a fast, accurate, and highly informative cardiac test particularly used for patients with atypical symptoms or inconclusive test results.
6. What is a coronary angiogram test, and what can it detect?
A coronary angiogram test, also known as cardiac catheterization, is a minimally invasive procedure that gives the most detailed look at your coronary arteries. A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through a blood vessel and guided to the heart, where contrast dye is injected to make arteries visible on X-ray.
Our coronary angiogram tests for
- 1. Pinpoint blockages or narrowing in the arteries
- 2. Guide life-saving procedures like angioplasty or stent placement
- 3. Diagnose heart conditions not visible on other tests
7. How is a coronary angiogram test different from a cardiac CT scan?
While a cardiac CT scan is non-invasive and good for screening, a coronary angiogram is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease in high-risk or symptomatic patients.
8. How do I know which heart testing option is right for me?
Our cardiologist Dr. Peter Sayegh will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to determine which heart test, or combination of tests, is appropriate for you. We personalize each diagnostic approach to provide the clearest answers while minimizing risk and discomfort.
9. Is heart testing covered by insurance?
Most cardiac diagnostic procedures are covered by insurance when medically necessary. We will work with your provider to verify coverage for heart testing and pre-authorize cardiac tests when needed. We also offer flexible payment options to make your care accessible.
10. What should I do if I’m experiencing symptoms now?
Do not wait! If you are experiencing chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue, contact us immediately or call 911 for urgent medical emergencies. Early heart testing could prevent a serious cardiac event!