Cardiology Care FAQ

What Is A Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists are required to attend four years of medical school and an additional six to eight years of internal medicine and specialized cardiology training. These highly-trained doctors treat common diseases and health issues such as heart and vascular disease, congenital heart defects, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, and more.

When Should I See A Cardiologist?

If you’re wondering when to see a cardiologist, there are some telltale signs that indicate it’s time. These signs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Chest Pain – While not always indicative of a heart problem, chest pain that occurs or worsens with physical activity can signify that the heart is not getting enough blood. It’s also important to know the different signs of a heart attack, as chest pain can be one of them.
• High Blood Pressure – When your blood pressure is chronically elevated, it causes your heart to work harder than it otherwise would to circulate your blood. This increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Shortness Of Breath – When accompanied by palpitations and dizziness, shortness of breath can signify an abnormal heart rhythm or coronary artery disease.
• You Have Diabetes – Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are strongly correlated, with poorly controlled blood sugar significantly increasing one’s risk of heart-related problems.
• You Have A History Of Smoking – Smoking can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and a wide range of other health-related problems.
• You Have High Cholesterol – Having high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack, so it’s important to talk to a cardiologist doctor about how you can lower your cholesterol.
• You Have Chronic Kidney Disease – When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, you’re at risk for heart disease since kidney disease is linked to high blood pressure and arterial disease.
• You Have A Family History Of Heart Disease – Because some types of heart disease are genetic, if you have a family history of heart disease, it’s essential to visit a cardiologist to assess your level of risk and to learn about preventive strategies.

What Are Some Factors That Put Me At Risk For Cardiac Problems?

The three key risk factors for heart disease and other cardiac problems are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. And while those risk facts can be managed, others, such as one’s age and genetics, cannot. Additional uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease and other cardiac problems include being male, being postmenopausal, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled stress, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, and more.

What Kind Of Valve Problems Affect The Heart?

Any heart valve problem can negatively affect the heart and its ability to function properly. The presence of a heart murmur can first identify most heart valve problems. A heart murmur is a sound that can be identified by listing to a heartbeat with a stethoscope. While some murmurs are harmless, others can indicate an underlying heart valve problem. Age-related valve diseases such as degenerative valve disease and calcification due to aging can negatively affect the heart and its functions.

What Do Cardiovascular Surgeons Treat?

Not to be confused with cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons specialize in operating on the heart, its valves and structures, and the essential veins and arteries surrounding it. Also called cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons perform surgery on the heart, the aorta, the pulmonary vein, and other critical cardiac structures. Before someone visits a cardiovascular surgeon, they will likely already have a diagnosis from a cardiologist.