Your cardiologist might complete a medical examination. This includes checking your weight and testing for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.
What can I expect from a visit to the cardiologist?
You will be asked both general health questions and some more specific questions related to the reason for your visit. A physical examination follows, and if necessary the doctor might arrange for further testing. The cardiologist might prescribe medication or provide your primary care provider with recommendations.
What questions will a cardiologist ask?
Planning your visit
- How does my family history affect my heart health?
- Is my blood pressure reading normal?
- What is my cholesterol level and how does this affect my heart?
- Am I experiencing a heart symptom due to my age, gender, or weight?
- Are my symptoms indicating a heart attack?
How does a cardiologist check your heart?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG reflects what’s happening in different areas of the heart and helps identify any problems with the rhythm or rate of your heart. The ECG is painless and takes around 5-10 minutes to perform.
How do I prepare for a cardiologist?
Before cardiology appointment:
Compile a list of your past health history, including surgeries, major/ongoing illnesses and issues, and major tests. Bring a list of your current medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, and any medical devices you use.
How do I prepare for my first cardiologist appointment?
Prepare for Your Cardiologist Appointment
Compile a personal health history and a health history of your family. Gather any recent test results and a list of medications you are taking. Note any symptoms you have been experiencing. Compile a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.
What do you wear to a cardiologist appointment?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing (i.e. tee shirt) and shoes. Shorts or slacks are appropriate. Ladies: No one piece dresses, long line bras, high heels or bras with underwire please. The exam will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can a cardiologist tell if your heart is healthy?
A cardiologist is a heart doctor. They specialize in treating heart conditions and diseases as well as helping patients manage their heart conditions as much as possible. A cardiologist will treat any symptoms of heart conditions that you have and diagnose any possible conditions.
Why would your doctor send you to a cardiologist?
Multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, being diabetic or smoking are all grounds for a referral to a heart doctor. So are things like being obese or overweight, a lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet.
Can you eat before a cardiologist appointment?
Very Important Points
For morning appointments, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight. For morning appointments, please do not take your diabetic medication. Sips of water are okay. For afternoon appointments, you may have a light breakfast before 7:30 a.m. and you may take your diabetic medication.
How long does a cardiologist test take?
The test takes about one hour, including prep time and actual test time. The cardiac stress test itself only lasts around 15 minutes. During your test, you may walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle.
How long does a cardiology test take?
A health care provider monitors the heartbeat while the person walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bike. A stress test usually takes about an hour, including both prep time and the time it takes to do the actual test. The actual exercise test takes only around 15 minutes.
Can a cardiologist detect clogged arteries?
A cardiologist injects a contrast agent, or dye, into the catheter to highlight any blockages. This is called an angiogram. The physician performing the procedure explains what your arteries look like and what therapies, if any, are needed.
Do you have to take your shirt off at the cardiologist?
You may have to remove your shirt, take off your socks and shoes, or change into a gown. The health care team may ask you to wear a gown. One common in-office heart test, an electrocardiogram (EKG), involves sticking sensors to your skin.
What questions should I ask at my first cardiologist appointment?
10 Things To Ask Cardiologist at First Visit
- How does my family history affect my heart health?
- What role does my blood pressure play?
- What is my cholesterol level and how does it affect my heart?
- Am I experiencing problems because my age, gender, or weight?
- How would I know if I’m having a heart attack?
At what age should you start seeing a cardiologist?
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests people as young as 20 get tested for heart disease, even if you don’t have any risk factors. Children, on the other hand, may need screening if they have risk factors, including obesity, limited physical activity and a family history of heart issues.
What happens at a new patient visit?
The exam involves an in-depth check of the patient’s medical history, comprehensive exams on specific parts of the body where the symptoms originate from, as well as x-rays and other imaging scans. This exam can help detect any diseases that the patient may have.
Why do cardiologists look at your neck?
Finally, examining your neck can reveal possible circulatory problems. Your healthcare provider uses 2 fingers on each side of your neck to feel your carotid pulses. The right and left carotid arteries supply blood to your brain. Weak pulses could show a problem with the aortic valve or with the aorta.
Can a cardiologist tell if you have heart failure?
A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who can treat chest pain, high blood pressure and heart failure, as well as problems with your heart valves, blood vessels and other heart and vascular issues. They can order tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and CTs (computed tomography) to find out what’s wrong.
What are signs of poor heart health?
Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina) Shortness of breath. Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back. Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed.
Can you see a cardiologist for anxiety?
A cardiologist sensitive to the issues of anxiety and depression will know how to sort out panic attack symptoms from heart attack symptoms, and will be able to refer the patient for treatment for panic disorder or any other type of anxiety.