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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Region’s first comprehensive stroke center reminds you to ‘BE FAST’May 19, 2025As the region’s first designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, UHS is uniquely equipped to provide the highest level of stroke care — from rapid diagnosis to advanced intervention and rehabilitation. During National Stroke Awareness Month, UHS is proud to join with the National Stroke Association to raise awareness of the modifiable risk factors that contribute to nearly 90% of strokes.
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