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West Jefferson Medical Center Cardiology Center

  • Category: West Jefferson Medical Center
  • Location Type: Specialty Care

About this Location

The West Jefferson Medical Center Cardiology Center focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, medical management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease. In addition, we also provide invasive diagnostic testing and therapeutic procedures.

Invasive diagnostic testing includes cardiac catheterizations, percutaneous balloon angioplasty, coronary stent placement, coronary atherectomy, peripheral angioplasty, pacemaker, loop recorder, internal automatic defibrillator implantation, electrical cardioversion, and transesophogeal echocardiogram.

We offer consultations and diagnostic services for patients with cardiac symptoms and conditions. Our diagnostic testing includes echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, in-office lab facility and arrhythmia monitoring. These technologies allow us to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis to our patients.

While our patients are generally referred here from the primary care physicians and other specialists, we also accept self-referrals. We treat a multitude of conditions including congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, coronary disease, structural heart and valve disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arrhythmias, and many other cardiac conditions.

West Jefferson Medical Center Cardiology Center is doing everything possible to ensure that our clinic is a safe place to deliver care. Don't delay the medical care you need. We miss you, and we're ready to care for you! View this video to learn more about our safety precautions from Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Fierro.

The West Jefferson Cardiology Center has been providing excellent cardiac care to patients of the Metro New Orleans and Westbank areas for over 30 years. Our experienced staff is readily available to provide a positive experience to you, our patient.

Services and treatments:

  • Carotid Ultrasound - A safe, painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in your neck.
  • Your two carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. Carotid arteries deliver blood from your heart to your brain.
  • Peripheral (Vascular) Ultrasound - A test used to evaluate the health of blood vessels in the legs and also to determine if there are any blockages in these vessels. It is a painless procedure.
  • Echocardiogram & Doppler Ultrasound - This test utilizes ultrasound waves to capture images of the heart. It is a safe and painless procedure that will assist the physician in diagnosing many types of heart problems.
  • Cardiac Stress Testing - A test used to measure the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment.
    • The Cardiac Stress Test is performed with heart stimulation by exercising on a treadmill with the patient connected to an electrocardiogram. The level of mechanical stress is progressively increased by adjusting the speed and incline of the treadmill. The technician monitors the patient throughout the test with electrocardiogram readings and blood pressure response.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) - A painless test that is performed to check for problems with the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Nuclear Stress Test (also referred to as Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Imaging) - A set of pictures that show the blood flow to your heart muscle. A radioactive isotope is injected into a patient’s bloodstream. The isotope makes its way through your veins into your heart. A special camera creates computer-generated pictures of your heart.
    • Viewing those pictures, your doctor will be able to see which areas of your heart are not receiving enough blood, which could indicate that your coronary arteries may be clogged.
    • If you are not able to exercise, your doctor may prescribe a stress medication in place of walking on the treadmill. The stress medication will be injected into your bloodstream and simulates what occurs in the heart during exercise.
  • Holter Monitor - A portable device connected to the patient by wires and electrodes, used to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity for at least 24 hours. This test is very useful to the physician in the diagnosis of any heart rhythm irregularities also known as arrhythmias.
  • Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic - This is a clinic service established to monitor your PT/INR lab results and manage blood-thinning medication(s), such as Coumadin (Warfarin), that you take to prevent blood clots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your clinic hours of operation?
Monday – Thursday 7:30am-5:00pm
Friday 7:30am-12:00pm
If I am a new patient how early should I arrive before my appointment time?
30 minutes is adequate in order to complete all necessary paperwork.
Why am I responsible for a co-payment amount for my office visit?
Co-pay amounts are set by your insurance company.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Checks, cash and all credit cards are accepted.
Should I bring my medications to my appointment?
Yes, please bring your medications or a list of them. the physicians will need to know about any medication you are taking at the time of your visit.
Should I fast for my bloodwork?
This depends on what labs are ordered by your physician. You should receive specific instructions at the time of scheduling.
Should I take my prescribed medication prior to my lab appointment?
Yes, but do not take your diabetic medication if you are fasting until after the blood is drawn and you are able to eat.
Should I have any recent testing/labs done by other physicians sent to your office prior to my appointment?
Yes as this will ensure that testing is not duplicated.
What should I wear for my stress test?
Comfortable clothing and shoes that you can walk/run in.
Why does a Nuclear Stress Test take 4 hours to complete?
Because the radionuclide injections you receive must circulate in your body for one hour prior to imaging. There are two separate injections that are given for this test.
What are the side effects of Lexiscan Nuclear Stress Test (for patients who do not walk on treadmill)?
A small percentage of people may experience chest discomfort, a feeling of breathlessness, nausea or headache. These side effects usually go away quickly once the infusion is complete.
How will I know what time to arrive at the hospital for my elective procedure?
Someone from the hospital will contact you the day before the procedure to tell you what time to arrive.