At The Center for Cardiology we understand that heart health is essential to overall wellness. That’s why WE CARE about providing comprehensive cardiac care to adult patients 18 years of age and older.
Through Oswego Health Medical Practice, we offer comprehensive cardiac care, including office visits provided by board-certified cardiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with specialized cardiac training.
Our services include a range of cardiac testing and procedures including cardiac monitoring, echocardiograms, stress testing, and cardioversions.
Cardiovascular testing
- Transesophageal echocardiograms, which provide a close look at the heart's valves and chambers
- Cardioversions, a treatment for heart rhythms that are abnormal
Stress tests including:
- Echocardiogram using a treadmill
- Nuclear stress test
- Dobutamine and Lexiscan® (uses medication and are non-treadmill stress tests)
- The reading of both echocardiograms and Holter monitor reports
Providers
Board-certified cardiologist Thomas Grady Jr., MD, FACC provides comprehensive cardiovascular services to Oswego Hospital patients and community members of the greater Oswego area. Dr. Grady is an accomplished physician in his specialty.
Dr. Grady attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine. Following medical school, he served in the U.S. Navy, where he completed his first internship. After his honorable discharge, Dr. Grady completed his internship and residency training at Duke University Medical Center. He fulfilled his fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
Board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine; David Bass, DO, earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, Dr. Bass completed his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the Nassau University Medical Center.
Dr. Bass has extensive cardiovascular experience throughout New York State, including being a noninvasive cardiologist at Canton Potsdam Hospital. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, diplomate status with the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and diplomate status with the National Board of Echocardiography.
Nitin Verma, MD, FAAC brings extensive experience in cardiovascular care, having served as a cardiologist and consultant at leading institutions such as Westchester Medical Center, Tidal Health in Salisbury, MD, and Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. His clinical expertise includes general cardiology, cardiovascular diagnostics, and patient-centered care, making him a valuable addition to our team dedicated to delivering exceptional heart health services to the community.
Dr. Verma earned his Medical Degree from Creighton University and completed advanced training through a Fellowship in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia in 2011, followed by a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles including Medical Director and Consultant, demonstrating a strong commitment to patient care and advancing cardiovascular medicine through education and research.
David Downey earned his Physician Assistant Degree from Daemen College. He started his career with Oswego Health in 2003 initially in the community-based outpatient clinic for veterans before transitioning to family care. In 2012 Downey left temporarily to work in the area of pediatrics in Cicero, before returning in 2013 to work in the Center for Cardiology.
Carrie Marlowcurrently brings over 14 years of Cardiology experience to the Center for Cardiology. She earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Biology from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY where she volunteered as a firefighter and Advanced EMT-CC, helping to develop her passion for healthcare and her desire to help others. She then went on to earn her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from LeMoyne College in 2006. Carrie is also an active member of the AAPA and NCCPA.
As a Physician Assistant in the Center for Cardiology, Carrie provides an extensive array of cardiovascular services and care in both the Fulton and Oswego locations.
A SUNY Upstate Medical University graduate, Erika Ruggieri, PA-C earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in August 2024. She also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Niagara University in 2021. During her academic career, Ruggieri gained extensive hands-on experience in various clinical settings, demonstrating her commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Before joining Oswego Health, Ruggieri served as an Ambulatory Technologist at Strong Memorial Hospital in the Ambulatory Pediatrics Department, where she worked closely with pediatric patients and their families, gaining valuable experience in patient care and medical procedures. Her diverse background, including experience in both pediatrics and general medicine, has well-equipped her to join Oswego Health’s cardiology team.
With 28 years of experience in healthcare, William Stilwell, FNP, MSN, RN brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from SUNY Upstate Medical University and has worked in a variety of roles, from emergency care to primary care, honing his skills to manage complex health conditions. His dedication to local care makes him a perfect fit for our team as we continue to provide top-notch services to Central New York.
Monitoring heart failure
Heart failure
Subtle changes in health may mean problems.
Learn what to monitor.
If you have heart failure, it's important to track even small changes in symptoms. They could mean your condition is getting worse—or your medications aren't working properly. Select to learn what health factors should be on your checklist—and ask your doctor if there are others you should be aware of.
See-thru view
Off
On
Mental health:
Ask your loved ones to keep an eye out for any confusion, lapses in memory, depression or other changes in mental health.
Sleep:
Check in with your quality of sleep. Are you having trouble staying asleep? Are you using extra pillows to prop your head up? Do you feel tired throughout the day?
Breathing:
Monitor any difficulty with breathing—such as shortness of breath or a dry, hacking cough. Is it worse than usual?
Heart rate:
Know what your normal heart rate is, and check it regularly. Be aware of heart palpitations, which may feel like your heart is racing or throbbing.
Blood pressure:
Monitor your blood pressure to see if it is higher or lower than normal.
Appetite:
Take note if you lose your appetite or feel nauseated.
Weight:
Weigh yourself at the same time every morning: before breakfast and after using the bathroom. Stay aware of any sudden changes in weight, especially if you've gained 2 or 3 pounds within 24 hours.
Swelling:
Check your feet, ankles and legs for swelling. Be aware of any discomfort in your abdomen too.
When to seek help
Work with your doctor. In addition to self-monitoring, it's important to see your doctor regularly—at least every 3 to 6 months—for follow-up and testing. During these visits, ask what symptoms are important for you to track. Also ask when a change in health may constitute an emergency.
Sources
- American Heart Association. "Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure.
- American Heart Association. "Managing Heart Failure Symptoms." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure/managing-heart-failure-symptoms.
- American Heart Association. "Physical Changes to Report to Heart Failure." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/living-with-heart-failure-and-managing-advanced-hf/physical-changes-to-report-for-heart-failure.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "What Is Heart Failure?" https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure.