What is a cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems of the heart and blood vessels. To become a cardiologist, a person completes four years of college, followed by four years of medical school. After that, they spend three years training in internal medicine and then three or more additional years training specifically in cardiology.

Why would I need to see a cardiologist?

You may need to see a cardiologist if you have symptoms or concerns involving your heart or blood vessels. While your primary care doctor can identify basic signs of a heart problem, a cardiologist has the specialized training needed to diagnose issues more precisely and prevent them from getting worse.

When should I see a cardiologist?

Your primary care physician will typically refer you to a cardiologist if certain symptoms or conditions warrant specialized care. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, or dizzy spells may require cardiovascular testing beyond the scope of your primary care physician. Additionally, if your doctor detects a heart murmur or other irregularities, a referral to a cardiologist is necessary.

A cardiologist is essential for managing heart disease and guiding you back to health. In cases of heart attack, heart failure, or severe heart rhythm problems, a cardiologist will lead your care to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What can I expect at my cardiology appointment?

Your cardiology appointment will be tailored to your specific needs. The cardiologist may see you in their office or at the hospital. The visit will include a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination, which will involve checking your blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Based on this initial assessment, the cardiologist may recommend further tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), x-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

Additionally, you will discuss lifestyle factors and medications that may be necessary to prevent future issues or manage existing conditions.

What are the typical symptoms of a heart attack?

Heart attacks can be sudden and intense, but most begin slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Key warning signs include:

• Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. This may feel like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in Other Areas: Pain or discomfort can also occur in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: This may happen with or without chest pain.
• Other Signs: Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and breaking out in a cold sweat can also indicate a heart attack.

What tests might my cardiologist recommend or perform?

Your cardiologist may recommend various tests to determine if your symptoms are related to a cardiovascular issue. Common tests include:

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart, allowing the cardiologist to assess its structure and function.
• Ambulatory ECG: Involves wearing a Holter monitor to record heart activity over 24 hours, used to detect arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Exercise Stress Test: Requires walking or running on a treadmill while connected to monitors, helping the cardiologist evaluate how well your heart handles physical exertion.
• Cardiac Catheterization: An invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel and guided to the heart. Instruments at the catheter's tip can measure blood pressure in heart chambers and surrounding vessels, visualize the interior of blood vessels, or collect tissue samples.