Heart & Vascular Diagnosis
UHS offers advanced diagnostic tests to help your physician diagnose your particular heart or vascular condition, such as an EKG, echocardiogram, cardiac imaging, cardiac catheterization and more.
Heart & Vascular Diagnostic Procedures
A variety of imaging and diagnostic procedures can help your UHS doctor evaluate your heart’s function and test for certain cardiovascular conditions. These procedures can also help your cardiologist decide on an effective course of treatment once your condition has been determined.
Heart and vascular diagnostic procedures at UHS include both non-invasive and invasive options:
Non-Invasive
| Echocardiogram | Shows your heart’s movement and indicates how blood flows between the heart and vessels |
| Resting electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) | Records changes in your heart’s electrical activity while you’re at rest to help determine if your heart is beating normally and if it’s safe for you to do an exercise electrocardiogram (stress test) |
| Exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), or stress test | Tests for changes in your heart’s electrical activity while you exercise to help determine if your heart is beating normally |
| Holter and event monitor | A device you wear continuously for 24–48 hours to measure your heart’s activity and rhythm |
| Laboratory blood tests | Evaluate the cholesterol, triglycerides (type of fat) and proteins in your blood to help diagnose heart disease |
| Nuclear heart scan | Evaluates your blood flow, heart muscle, and heart-pumping ability by injecting into your bloodstream a safe dose of radioactive substance that shows up in an imaging scan |
| Cardiac Imaging | Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) and MRI – Produces multiple images of your heart and merges them in cross-sectional views to better examine your heart’s function |
Invasive
| Transesophageal Echocardiogram | Uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make detailed pictures of your heart and the arteries that lead to and from it |
| Cardiac catheterization | Checks for a variety of cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through your blood vessel and up to your heart |
Expert Heart & Vascular Care Close to Home
Find exceptional heart and vascular services throughout the UHS service area in New York’s Southern Tier, including cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram, and chest x-rays. Services and treatments may vary by location. Your doctor will refer you to the location that best suits your care needs.
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Prepare for extreme cold: Know where warming centers are locatedJanuary 23, 2026With the National Weather Service forecasting dangerously cold temperatures for our service area, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Social Services (DSS) have identified the following warming centers and emergency shelter resources available during the colder temperatures.
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When a storm hits, keep virtual healthcare in mindJanuary 22, 2026Your health is important, even when a snowstorm or other inclement weather makes travel difficult. Many UHS practices now provide a Virtual Healthcare option, connecting with your healthcare provider for a visit via your home computer or mobile device.
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Key facts about cervical cancer and its risk factorsJanuary 22, 2026Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, observed each January, is a vital initiative to educate the public about cervical cancer, its prevalence, prevention strategies and the importance of early detection through screening.
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Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermiaJanuary 22, 2026With frigid temperatures in the forecast, we want to remind everyone that serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold.