If a healthcare provider has identified concerns related to your heart, they refer you to a cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment. This cardio specialist discusses symptoms and performs testing to determine the causes of heart problems. Here is what happens when you get referred to a heart specialist:
Consultation With a Heart Specialist
During your first visit, a cardiologist asks about your family history of heart disease, past illnesses, and surgeries. They may also ask you about the medication or supplements you are taking at the moment because that can influence your heart health. You may also discuss your symptoms, such as chest pain,
shortness of breath, and palpitations. Providing information about when the symptoms began, how often they occur, and which activities aggravate them helps a specialist understand your condition. A doctor will then examine your heart and lungs, check for blood pressure, and look for swelling.
Diagnostic Tests
A heart doctor uses imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to identify underlying conditions like blockages or abnormalities in your blood vessels and heart. They may order blood tests to check blood sugar levels, which will identify your risk of cardiovascular disease. With a stress test, a specialist identifies blocked arteries, abnormal heartbeats, or decreased blood supply to the heart. An echocardiogram can detect heart problems that include valve disorders, congestion, or impaired function of the heart. Your care provider may also use specialized technology to know if you have heart damage and other problems.
Treatment Plan
If you’re diagnosed with a heart condition, a medical professional advises you to eat heart-healthy foods to improve your cardiovascular health. They may also suggest you incorporate some cardio exercises, like walking or swimming. For heart problems that require more intervention, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications or drugs that lower cholesterol. If you have an irregular heartbeat, the doctor might give you medications to help your heart beat at a normal pace or rhythm. For more severe conditions, such as blocked arteries or valve problems, a cardiologist may recommend surgery to provide relief and fix the issue directly.
Follow-Up Appointments
To monitor your health and adjust your treatment plan, a heart doctor will schedule follow-up appointments. During your visit, a care provider asks if you’ve noticed any changes, such as improved or worsening symptoms. They also repeat tests like blood work or imaging studies to track progress or potentially detect new issues.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight can be measured to assess your general health. If your medications or lifestyle changes work, your doctor will likely continue with the same dosage and practices. Your doctor may change dosages, try new medications, or recommend additional remedies when treatment doesn’t achieve the desired results.
Choose an Experienced Cardiologist
If a physician refers you to a cardiologist, they examine the root cause of your heart health issues. Once these professionals get results or find an issue, they prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle changes, or perform surgery to improve heart health. To learn more about heart health and treatment options, call a trusted clinic today.
