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.
What diseases does a cardiologist treat?
Cardiologists are qualified to treat heart attacks, heart failure, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure. Cardiologists work in hospitals as well as private practices.
When should a patient be referred 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.
Why would a patient see a cardiologist?
If you notice a pattern of heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, take action and get checked by a cardiologist.
What will a cardiologist do on your first visit?
Complete a Physical Examination
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 are the 4 most common cardiovascular diseases?
There are four main types of CVD:
- coronary heart disease.
- stroke.
- peripheral arterial disease.
- aortic disease.
What are 4 types of heart disease?
4 of the main types are described on this page.
- Coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced.
- Strokes and TIAs.
- Peripheral arterial disease.
- Aortic disease.
Who should visit cardiologist?
Now, if you are diagnosed with some arterial disease, then that’s cause for worry. It is because, in most cases, there are high chances of developing heart diseases. Visiting a cardiologist is a wise choice. If you had congenital heart disease (CHD), then you need to make regular check-ups.
Should a healthy person see a cardiologist?
“I strongly warn people against going directly to a cardiologist and undergoing routine cardiac testing unless you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain,” he says. “Otherwise, you could end up undergoing a lot of unnecessary testing that may lead to unnecessary procedures.”
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.
How do I know if I need to see a cardiologist?
Examples of symptoms that suggest you may need a referral to a cardiologist include:
- Chest discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling in your legs.
- High blood pressure.
- Abnormally fast or slow heart rate.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Strong family history of premature heart disease or cardiac death.
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.
What can a cardiologist tell by listening to your heart?
Listening to Your Heart
Your doctor will use a stethoscope to hear your heartbeat. The closing of your heart’s valves makes a “lub dub” noise. The doctor can check your heart and valve health and hear your heart’s rate and rhythm by listening to those sounds.
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?
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 blood tests detect heart problems?
The most common types of blood tests used to assess heart conditions are: Cardiac enzyme tests (including troponin tests) – these help diagnose or exclude a heart attack. Full blood count (FBC) – this measures different types of blood levels and can show, for example, if there is an infection or if you have anaemia.
What is the number one symptom of cardiovascular disease?
Chest Pain. Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel along the front of your body, between your neck and upper abdomen. There are many causes of chest pain that have nothing to do with your heart. But chest pain is still the most common symptom of poor blood flow to the heart or a heart attack.
What is the #1 symptom of cardiovascular disease?
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.
How can you tell if you have heart problems?
What are the symptoms of heart disease? Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations).
What is the most serious heart condition?
Coronary heart disease
This is caused when the heart’s blood vessels – the coronary arteries – become narrowed or blocked and can’t supply enough blood to the heart. It can lead to angina and/or a heart attack.
What is the most severe heart disease?
Blockage in the coronary arteries is called coronary artery disease—a condition in which the heart muscles don’t get enough blood and oxygen. The most serious effect of coronary artery disease is sudden death without warning.