CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY SERVICES
Cardiology Consultation
Your primary doctor may refer you to one of our cardiologists for
a consultation.
If you are seen by one of our cardiologists in consultation, he
will ask you many questions in regards to your past medical history
and current symptoms. He will also require a complete list of your
current medications.
Once the doctor has obtained your history, he will perform a full
physical examination with specific attention to your heart and lungs.
He will then discuss with you his findings and any recommendations
he may have.
The doctor’s recommendations may include specific cardiac
testing to assist him in his evaluation of your problem. Also, he
may recommend and prescribe medication if he deems it necessary.
Once the doctor’s evaluation is complete, he will forward
a letter to your primary MD. If necessary he will arrange for you
to return for a follow-up appointment. Physician summarizing his
finding and recommendations.
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Cholesterol Management
Managing a patient’s cholesterol is one of the many services
provided by our team of cardiologists.
A patient’s cholesterol profile affects his
risk for developing coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart
arteries).Additionally, if a patient is knownto have coronary artery
disease,research has shown that significantly improving that patient’s
cholesterol profile can sometimes result in a regression of those
blockages over time.
Cholesterol levels are monitored with regular laboratory surveillance.
Laboratory testing can be performed at any lab of your choice. Once
your cardiologist obtains your bloodwork results, he or she will
discuss with you dietary measures and/or medications that may benefit
you. Also, our office provides educational pamphlets to assist you
in choosing heart-healthy dietary, and life-style changes.
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BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
How Is Blood Pressure Checked?
Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy, and painless.
Your blood pressure is measured with an instrument called a sphygmomanometer
(sfig-mo-ma-nom-e-ter).
It works like this: A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your
upper arm and inflated to stop the blood flow in your artery for
a few seconds. A valve is opened and air is then released from the
cuff and the sounds of your blood rushing through an artery are
heard through a stethoscope. The first sound heard and registered
on the gauge or mercury column is called the systolic blood pressure.
It represents the maximum pressure in the artery produced as the
heart contracts and the blood begins to flow. The last sound heard
as more air is released from the cuff is the diastolic blood pressure.
It represents the lowest pressure that remains within the artery
when the heart is at rest
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure is always expressed in two numbers that represent
the systolic and diastolic pressures. These numbers are measurements
of millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg). The measurement is written
one above or before the other, with the systolic number on the top
and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example, a blood pressure
measurement of 120/80 mm Hg is expressed verbally as "120 over
80." See the table below which shows categories for blood pressure
levels in adults.
If your blood pressure is less than 140/90 mm Hg, it is considered
normal. However, a blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is even better
for your heart and blood vessels. People use to think that low blood
pressure (for example, 105/65 mm Hg in an adult) was unhealthy.
Except for rare cases, this is not true. High blood pressure or
"hypertension" is classified by stages and is more serious
as the numbers get higher.
CATEGORIES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN ADULTS*
(Age 18 Years and Older)
- Blood Pressure Level (mm Hg)
Category Systolic Diastolic
Normal <130 <85
High Normal 130-139 85-89
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 160-179 100-109
Stage 3 >180 >110
*For those not taking medicine for high blood pressure and not
having a short term serious illness. These categories are from
the National High Blood Pressure Education Program.
(< means less than > means greater than or equal to)
© Copyright 1999 Dialog Medical, Inc. All rights reserved.
Coumadin (anticoagulation)
Clinic
For patients who have a condition requiring anticoagulation (for
example, some types of artifical heart valves or certain types of
heart rhythms), Buffalo Heart Group has a dedicated professional
team comprised of physicians, registered nurses, and medical technicians
to monitor and adjust your dosage of Coumadin®.
If you are on this medication, periodic blood work (PT/INR tests)
will be ordered to monitor your level of anticoagulation. These
may be done at any blood-testing laboratory that is convenient to
you and approved by your health insurance.
The Coumadin Clinic team will monitor these results and make any
adjustments of your dosage necessary to maintain the appropriate
level of anticoagulation for your particular needs. We also provide
education regarding this medication, both via printed form and also
accessible via this Web site.
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Pacemaker Follow-up Clinic
For patients with pacemakers, Buffalo Heart Group offers comprehensive
follow-up performed by Registered Nurses that specialize in pacemaker
and ICD technology. The purpose of this follow-up is to check that
the pacemaker is functioning properly; to make sure that the device
is programmed appropriately for your changing needs; and to monitor
the battery status.
In a typical pacemaker evaluation, we will attach ECG electrodes
and record and analyze the ECG. We will then use a programming device
to evaluate your pacemaker and gather information stored by the
pacemaker, which allows us to check its function. We also use a
programmer and/or a magnet to evaluate the battery status of your
pacemaker. Finally, we check the final settings of your pacemaker
and make any changes that would be beneficial to meet your particular
lifestyle or medical condition.
A pacemaker office evaluation generally lasts approximately 15-30
minutes. There is no discomfort involved, and you and your family
member will be able to learn more about your pacemaker and have
an opportunity to ask questions. We will generally see you approximately
2 weeks after your implant surgery and then every 3-4 months thereafter.
More Information…
ICD Follow-up Clinic
We offer comprehensive follow-up for patients with implantable
cardio-defibrillators (ICD'S). This is done at Buffalo Heart Group
by registered nurses that specialize in pacemaker and ICD technology.
Follow-up visits allow us to check that your ICD system is working
properly; that it is programmed appropriately; and evaluate the
ICD battery.
We will schedule regular ICD system checkups: initially approximately
2 weeks after your surgery and every three to four months thereafter.
A typical follow-up visit lasts about 20-30 minutes. A programming
device will communicate with the ICD pulse generator in your body.
You will not feel these tests while they are occurring. During these
sessions, several tests may be done, including:
- Printing out information on how your ICD system performed since
your last visit.
- Adjusting the programmed settings of your ICD system, if necessary.
As your heart condition may change over time, the programmed settings
in your ICD system may need to occasionally be adjusted. This
is easily done with the programming device (painlessly).
- Checking the battery to see how much energy remains. If the
battery energy is low, plans to replace the pulse generator will
be made.
You will also be given the opportunity to learn more about your
ICD and your heart and to ask any questions that you or your family
might have regarding the device. More
Information…
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