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.
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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.
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…
IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR Follow-up Clinic
We offer comprehensive follow-up for patients with IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR'S. This is done at Buffalo Heart Group by registered nurses that specialize in pacemaker and IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR technology. Follow-up visits allow us to check that your IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR is working properly; that it is programmed appropriately; and evaluate the IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR battery.
We will schedule regular IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR checkups: initially approximately 2 weeks after your surgery and periodically thereafter. A typical follow-up visit lasts about 20-30 minutes. A programming device will communicate with the IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR 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 IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR performed since your last visit.
- Adjusting the programmed settings of your IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR, if necessary. As your heart condition may change over time, the programmed settings in your IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR 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 IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILATOR and your heart and to ask any questions that you or your family might have regarding the device. More Information…
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