General Cardiology FAQs

Where is your office?

1107 West Lexington Avenue. Right at the Clark Regional Medical Center

What are your office hours?

Our office hours our by appointment, Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, please visit our contact page.

What types of services are performed in the office?

Visit our services page for a detailed list of our services.

What is the role of the physician's assistants in your practice?

Our physicians assistants are professionals with extensive experience in cardiology. They have specialized training and advanced degrees and are skilled in the diagnosis and management of heart disease They assist Dr. DiNardo in the office and hospital by providing education and counseling, diagnostic testing and direct patient care, working closely under Dr. DiNardo's supervision at all times.

How do I prepare for my office visit or test?

For a routine office visit, no special preparation is required. Please remember to bring any referrals or information your doctor may have given you. A list of your medications (with dosages) and the telephone number of your pharmacy would be helpful. Please bring your insurance card. You should take your normal medications.

Fasting helps if precise determination of your blood sugar or cholesterol is required, but it isn't essential for a routine visit.

For echocardograms, carotid or other vascular testing, no special preparation is needed. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing is helpful. For sonography of the abdomen, including the abdominal aorta, a 6 hour fast is needed.

For stress tests, wear loose, comfortable clothing and rubber soled shoes or sneakers if you're going to walk on the treadmill. A four hour fast is requested. You should avoid caffeinated beverages (including soda) for 12 hours, and decaffeinated beverages if you're going to have a non-exercise stress test (also called a pharmacologic stress test, adenosine stress test or Persantine stress test). Certain medications are best avoided - check with your doctor or call us. If you use an inhaler, you should use it prior to the test or bring it with you. Any medications not taken prior to testing may be taken shortly thereafter, and you may wish to bring them with you. If you are diabetic, you should have some juice prior to coming. If you are on insulin, take only ½ your normal dose. Unless your doctor advises to the contrary, avoid oral diabetic medications prior to stress testing. We routinely call 24-48 hours prior to testing to provide instructions and answer questions about your test.

I have trouble walking. How can I take a stress test?

There are a variety of ways to evaluate the heart's function and circulation, even for people who can't exercise. If you can walk slowly, it helps to do so for the stress test. Even if you can't, medications such as adenosine, dipyridamole (Persantine) or dobutamine can substitute for the treadmill and provide accurate and reliable information about your heart.

What is a heart murmur? I've been told I have one. Does it need treatment?

A murmur is a sound made by blood travelling through the heart, and may be a very benign or even normal condition. It can also be the sign of a problem. An experienced cardiologist can tell. Echocardiography (a painless ultrasound examination of the heart) is often helpful.

How do I know if I need cholesterol medication? What about the side effects?

Cholesterol lowering medication has saved countless lives. But it's not for everyone. There are several different types and more than a dozen brands on the market. We look at each person as an individual to determine the need for treatment and to monitor the results as well as to avoid any potential side effects. Despite all the press, less than 1 person in 100 who takes a statin type medication (such as Lipitor or Zocor) has to stop it because of side effects.

Where can I get diet information?

There are many resources. We provide informational literature, individual counseling and nutritional counseling and work with professional nutritionists when needed. There are many professional organizations that provide help as well, such as The American Heart Association.

I can't afford my medication. What can I do?

Sometimes there are less expensive alternatives, and many pharmaceutical companies provice free medication to people with limited incomes. We can assist with this and you should feel free to discuss it with us.

What about Viagra and heart disease?

The only definite "no" is people who take nitroglycerine containing medication. It's safe for pretty much everyone else. But like any physical activity, sex can be a problem for people with heart conditions, especially if you've been sedentary for a long time. You should check with your cardiologist.

What about homeopathic products and vitamins?

Many are helpful. But some interfere with heart or other medications, and some are not helpful. For some, there just isn't enough information to know for sure. If you're taking any, bring a list (or bring the bottle) when you come in.

I've been told I have mitral valve prolapse. Do I need additional evaluation or treatment?

Mitral valve prolapse has traditionally been overdiagnosed. It ranges from a completely benign condition to a more serious form. An experienced cardiologist can make a determination as to what's best for you. Echocardiography (a painless ultrasound examination of the heart) is often helpful.

How do I know if I need antibiotics before dental work or other procedures?

Many people who have been told of heart murmurs need antibiotics to prevent infection. But it's not true for everyone. Check with your doctor.