Should I Visit the Emergency Department or Make a Same-Day Cardiology Appointment?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. But 80 percent of heart disease is preventable, according to the American Heart Association. When you’re experiencing concerning cardiovascular symptoms, you shouldn’t wait to be evaluated — the sooner you see a doctor, the better chance you have of catching a heart condition early (or before it happens).

Serious symptoms warrant a visit to the closest emergency department, but there are times when non-emergency care should still happen as soon as possible. That’s where the Same-Day Cardiology Program at Westchester Medical Center comes in.

What is the Same-Day Cardiology Program?

The Same-Day Cardiology Program at Westchester Medical Center enables people to receive non-emergent cardiac care within 24 hours of making an appointment.

The Same-Day Cardiology Program at Westchester Medical Center enables people to receive non-emergent cardiac care within 24 hours of making an appointment. Community members can call and request a same-day appointment for any reason, even just for personal convenience. This program is only for new patients.

When you call to make an appointment during business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), a dedicated cardiology advanced practitioner will answer and determine your eligibility for same-day care. If you call to request an appointment before 2 p.m., you will be seen the same day. For appointment requests made after 2 p.m., you will be seen within 24 hours, unless it’s a Friday.

Once admitted to our facility at Westchester Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Pavilion, you will be seen by a cardiologist from WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute. During your consultation, your provider may evaluate your heart with a number of tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood pressure measurement
• Blood draws for lab analysis (If clinically indicated)
• Echocardiogram (If clinically indicated)

Follow-up clinical testing, such as stress tests or cardiac catheterization, will be conveniently scheduled for a later date.

When Should I Make a Same-Day Cardiology Appointment?

If you’re experiencing acute cardiac symptoms, such as sudden and severe chest pain, lightheadedness or fainting, extreme shortness of breath or sudden fatigue, you should visit the emergency department or call 911 right away.

A same-day cardiology appointment is appropriate for non-emergent symptoms such as:

• Mild chest pain
• Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Pain, achiness or swelling in your extremities
• Shortness of breath while laying down or performing daily activities

These symptoms may indicate a heart condition and should be evaluated by a physician. If you’re unsure whether you need emergency cardiac care, our dedicated Same-Day Cardiology advanced practitioner can guide you in the right direction.

If you’re interested in making a same-day cardiology appointment, call 914.909.6917, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Learn more about the Same-Day Cardiology Program at Westchester Medical Center.