Cardiovascular Specialists
413-534-2870
Advanced CHF Clinic
This is an educational program for people living with Chronic Heart Disease. The four week series will consist of:
- Understanding heart disease
- Nutrition for your heart
- Medications for your heart
- Physical therapy and your heart.
The series will be repeated monthly and participants are welcome to join at any point.
Ambulatory Electrocardiography
This procedure requires an appointment and takes about 30 minutes. Ambulatory electrocardiography is a recording that monitors the electrical activity of your heart while you go about your usual activities. There are two types of ambulatory electrocardiographs.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization is a medical procedure that allows the doctor to check the blood flow and pressure in the heart chambers and insert a catheter if necessary. This procedure would be completed by Holyoke Medical Center physicians at another local medical facility.
Cardiac-Event-Monitor
This exam is used when symptoms of irregular heartbeats occur infrequently. This small device is attached to the chest with electrodes and is about the size of a pager. It constantly records heartbeats. When symptoms occur you press a button and a permanent recording is made. The recording is sent wirelessly and analyzed by your cardiologist. You can keep the monitor up to 30 days.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
The cardiac rehabilitation program is a physician referred exercise program for patients with heart disease. The program is facilitated and monitored by the cardiac rehabilitation coordinator and registered nurse.
The program consists of three phases:
Inpatient Services
Patients will work with the cardiac rehabilitation staff while they are still in the hospital after a heart event.
Exercise Therapy Program
Up to 36 exercise sessions after a cardiac event with educational components of diet, stress reduction, smoking secession, etc.– requires a physician referral and is covered by most insurance providers
Maintenance Phase
Ongoing continued exercise program with a cardiac rehabilitation staff offered at Holyoke Medical Center and Holyoke Community College for a fee of $40 per month
Holyoke Medical Center
M, W, F: 7 – 11 a.m., 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Holyoke Community College
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 – 9:30 a.m., 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Cardiac Stress Testing
Requires an appointment you must fast for three hours prior to the exam. Certain medications must be discontinued prior to the test. Check with your physician to see if you need to stop your medications.
Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and trained technician to determine how your heart responds to exertion. This test is done to detect evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. The many different types of stress tests are listed separately.
Exercise Stress Test
This procedure takes about one hour. It involves walking on a treadmill at increasing levels of difficulty while your electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.
Stress Echocardiogram
This procedure takes about one to two hours. The procedure is both with and without exercise. An echocardiogram (echo) is performed in addition to the electrocardiograph.
Nuclear Stress Test
This test takes about three hours. The procedure is performed both with and without exercise and is associated with Nuclear Medicine Department. A small amount of radioactive substance called a tracer is injected into the patient near the end of the test and a set of scans or pictures are performed about 30 minutes after the test is completed. (Click here for more information) (Person who clicks will be brought back to the Nuclear Medicine part of the procedure, as previously outlined)
Pharmacologic Stress Tests
This procedure takes about three hours. This test is used in people who are unable to exercise. A drug is given to make the heart respond as if the person were exercising. It is performed in combination with either a Stress Echo or Nuclear Stress.
Echocardiogram
This procedure requires an appointment and takes about one hour.
An Echocardiogram (Echo) is an ultrasound of the heart. It is use to assess the overall function of your heart. A trained sonographer performs this procedure. High frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off the heart structures producing images and sounds that can be used by the doctor to detect heart disease.
Electrocardiograph (EKG, ECG)
Electrocardiograph is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This procedure does not require an appointment and takes about ten minutes.
Holter Monitoring
Holter Monitoring: provides a continuous 24 hour recording of the heart. This exam is useful in detecting irregular heartbeats. The recording device is worn on a strap at your waist or over your shoulder. The electrical signal is picked up by four small pads (electrodes) attached to your chest and these are connected to the recorder by wires. While you are wearing the Holter Monitor you will be asked to perform you daily activities and keep a diary of all your activities and symptoms.
Implantable Cardiac Device Management
Patients living with implantable cardiac devices, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, have many options at HMC Cardiovascular Specialists in managing their device:
- Remote monitoring is available
- Our Doctors can check your device during regularly scheduled appointments
- Once a month a clinic is offered to have your device checked
Pacemaker Placement
This surgical operation is performed at Holyoke Medical Center by Dr. Laki Rousou.
