cardiovascular conditions. They are usually either physicians or surgeons with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart disease. Cardiologists work closely with The cardiologist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating other healthcare professionals to create an accurate diagnosis for patients while also providing them with the best possible care plan. If you have any questions about cardiology or what it means to be a cardiologist, All you have to do is visit a Brooksville, FL cardiologist.
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When Should You Visit a Cardiologist?
When your heart is not pumping enough blood to the rest of your body, many telltale signs may indicate that you need to see a cardiologist. Still, these three things will typically be present: chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats. Sometimes people who have coronary artery disease can experience angina (chest pain), or they may feel like their lungs cannot get enough air in them. Some individuals with an enlarged heart will also experience shortness of breath when working out or doing other activities. If any of these symptoms last for more than 10 minutes, it’s time to go to the emergency room.
What Does a Cardiologist Do on Your First Visit?
First, the cardiologist will take a complete health history and perform a thorough physical exam. This is done to determine if any other conditions may be causing or contributing to your symptoms. Some tests performed on first visits include:
EKG (electrocardiogram) records electrical activity in the heart. It can help detect arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Echocardiogram uses ultrasound to produce a moving picture of your heart to see any structural problems with the valves or chambers.
Coronary angiography uses imaging technology like CT scans or fluoroscopy during cardiac catheterization. To help visualize the coronary arteries. Obtaining images of these vessels can help detect blockages which are common in patients with ischemic heart disease.
What Questions Will a Cardiologist Ask?
Typically, the cardiologist will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing and what led up to them. They may also perform a physical exam which includes listening to your heart with a stethoscope, checking blood pressure levels, measuring oxygen saturation levels by placing an oximeter over your finger/toenail, and checking your pulse. A physical exam can help to determine if there are any other possible causes of your symptoms or if they could be due to heart-related issues.
Specialized Areas of Cardiology
Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the heart and chest. They are physicians that diagnose, treat, prevent and study diseases related to the cardiovascular system. There are many areas of cardiology, including:
- Congenital heart disease.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat),
- Cardiac imaging (X-ray or CT scan)
- Coronary artery disease.
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter.
- Pericardial effusion/tamponade syndrome.
In summary, If you are experiencing any cardiovascular symptoms, then make an appointment today to see if there might be anything wrong with your heart. Our trained medical professionals can help provide accurate diagnoses of patient conditions while also recommending the best treatment practices.
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