Cardiology is the medical specialty that deals with conditions of the heart. A doctor who specializes in treating heart disease and conditions that affect the heart is called a cardiologist.
Conditions that are treated by a cardiologist include:
- Congenital heart defects
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular disease
You may be referred to a cardiologist if you have any of these conditions or after you experience a cardiac episode, such as a heart attack, or are diagnosed with a heart condition.
Some of the most common symptoms of a heart problem include:
- Pain or shortness of breath on exertion: Pain and shortness of breath on exertion are two primary tell-tale signs of a possible heart condition.
- Chest tightness: A feeling of tightness or heaviness is another possible symptom of cardiac disease or impending heart attack.
- Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats that happen without provocation.
- Dizziness or fainting: Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting are all possible signs of an underlying cardiac condition.
- Swelling of the extremities: Fluid accumulation in the lower extremities may indicate the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.
- Ongoing indigestion or nausea: Indigestion and an upset stomach can also be indicative of an impending heart attack or cardiac condition.
- Pain in other parts of the body: Shoulder and jaw pain are often the first signs of a heart attack.
A Summit Medical Group cardiologist will perform a comprehensive examination and take a detailed past medical history to ensure you receive the right diagnostic care and treatment.
Cardiac patients need specialized care to support their recovery, health, and ongoing wellness. Your cardiologist is here to help you live your best life through personalized treatments, recovery plans, and advice that helps you optimize your heart health.
Preventative Cardiology
Preventive cardiology is a medical discipline that revolves around maintaining cardiovascular health and averting the onset or recurrence of disease. This type of care is recommended for patients with a personal or family history of heart disease, very high cholesterol levels, severe hypertension, or metabolic syndrome.
The goal of preventive cardiology is to lower the patient's risk of developing or worsening a cardiac condition through a combination of education about lifestyle changes and medical management and monitoring. After an examination, testing, and assessment, each patient is provided with a personalized treatment plan designed to prevent or rehabilitate cardiac problems.
Preventative cardiology care can help patients manage symptoms of current cardiac conditions while stopping them from deteriorating. Possible treatments in preventative cardiology include medications, exercise plans, and dietary recommendations.
Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of certain heart problems through the use of catheters. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to place the catheter, which is a long, thin tube, in the heart or a nearby artery. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck area and guided to the heart. When the catheter reaches the heart, it can be used to:
- Detect any blockages or abnormalities
- Take a blood or muscle sample
- Measure blood pressure and oxygen levels
- Detect and repair congenital heart defects
- Repair or replace heart valves
- Perform an angioplasty
- Perform a balloon valvuloplasty
- Correct arrhythmia
Cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a hospital but does not require the use of anesthesia. It is a safe procedure with little to no pain and a low risk of complications.
Nuclear Cardiology
Studying tissue function with nuclear medicine can help a physician diagnose many kinds of diseases, tumors, infections and other disorders in the brain, heart, lungs, bone, bowel, kidneys, thyroids and other internal structures.
Nuclear cardiology focuses on imaging the heart to locate or diagnose problems with the heart. This is done by administering a contrast dye to the patient, which helps with visibility of specific organs and structures. Scans may be performed in conjunction with other types of imaging, such as CT, MRI or X-ray, or with stress tests to determine the cause of unexplained chest pain.
Diagnostic Tests for Cardiovascular Conditions
Some of the most common diagnostic tests used to diagnose or evaluate many heart conditions include the following:
MRI
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive, radiation-free scanning technology. It is a test that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce clear and detailed three-dimensional images of organs and hard and soft tissues throughout the body.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Also known as an EKG or ECG, the electrocardiogram translates the information it receives into a pattern of waves for analysis.
Stress test
A stress test is a diagnostic test used to determine the amount of stress your heart can manage before exhibiting abnormalities such as arrhythmia or ischemia. Stress tests are performed through a series of exercise activities during which your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure are monitored.
Cardiology FAQs
How Long Do You Have to Wait to See a Cardiologist?
Wait times for a cardiologist vary by practice. Generally, most patients will be seen within several weeks of being referred by their general physician. After you meet with your cardiologist, they will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your symptoms and the results of any tests they perform.
How Does a Cardiologist Check for Heart Failure?
A comprehensive physical exam, an assessment of your medical history, bloodwork, a chest x-ray, and tests such as an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) can help your cardiologist diagnose heart failure.
What Happens in a Cardiology Assessment?
Heart health assessments include a physical examination and intake interview to learn more about your family history, your medical background, and lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of heart disease or complications.
During the exam, your cardiologist will listen to your heartbeat, measure your blood pressure levels, and gather information such as your height, weight, and age.
A cardiology assessment also screens for symptoms, so the doctor will ask you if you experience problems like chest pain or breathlessness. They will also check your ankles for swelling, which can happen when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.
What Does a Full Cardiology Workup Include?
A complete cardio workup at Summit Regional Medical Center includes assessing your current heart function as well as learning more about your medical history. We may order tests like an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram to learn more about how your heart functions and detect any underlying abnormalities in its rhythm or structure.
Sometimes, a cardiology workup also includes a stress test, which measures how well your heart performs when performing physical activity. A stress thallium test involves an injection of radionuclide material that will show up on a heart scan and allow your cardiologist to assess your heart’s performance and shape.
In addition to checking your pulse rate and blood pressure levels, we may also order bloodwork to examine your cholesterol and blood sugar levels while also screening for C-reactive proteins, which indicate inflammation in the body.
What Are Some Good Questions to Ask a Cardiologist?
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when you visit a cardiologist for the first time. Preparing some questions beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and ensure you are able to feel reassured during your appointment.
Questions to ask your cardiologist include:
- What are my current risks for heart problems?
- What treatment options are available for my condition?
- What treatment option do you recommend the most and why?
- What risks do I have based on my family history?
- What should my blood pressure be?
- How can I lower my risk of complications?
- Are there any activities or foods I should avoid?
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