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Choosing To See A Cardiologist: The Basics

Author: Robert Smith
by Robert Smith
Posted: Sep 11, 2014
heart disease

Many patients are reluctant to see a cardiologist, because they fear finding out they have a heart problem. However, in most cases when a general practitioner refers a patient to see a cardiologist, it’s a necessity. Plus, seeing a cardiologist can only improve a patient’s health, so there’s no reason to be nervous about it. Another reason patients can be reluctant is because they don’t know what to expect from a cardiologist appointment. This quick guide to seeing a cardiologist should help to remove any anxiety associated with the idea.

What is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the study of the body’s cardiovascular system. "Cardio" means heart and "vascular" means veins and arteries. In short, it’s the study of the system which provides blood flow through the body. Cardiologists are adept at diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart, arteries, and veins.

Who Should See a Cardiologist?

There are two main reasons for seeing a cardiologist. One is the detection of a potential problem with the patient’s cardiovascular system. Another reason that many patients are referred to a cardiologist is their increased risk of heart disease (also known as cardiac disease). Certain factors can make it much more likely for a patient to develop heart disease, and if a primary care physician has determined that their patient has these factors and is at risk, they will often recommend that they see a specialist. If so, the cardiologist will work in tandem with the patient’s primary care physician to monitor their cardiovascular system for signs of heart disease. Should the patient develop heart disease, they will already be under the care of a cardiologist, and it will be a simple matter for the cardiologist and the patient’s doctor to devise an effective treatment plan.

How to Choose a Cardiologist

Generally, patients choose a Cardiologist based primarily, but not entirely, on the recommendations of their general practitioner. When choosing a cardiologist, other factors they should consider are the cardiologist’s credentials (board certified are the best), whether or not the office accepts the patient’s insurance, and whether the cardiologist specializes in the patient’s particular conditions. If the primary care physician believes that surgery may be necessary for the patient, it’s a good idea for the patient to choose a cardiologist that specializes in surgical procedures. While they could always get a second referral to a surgeon, it can be preferable to have the same doctors perform the surgery.

What to Ask at the Appointment

It’s always smart to ask questions at any medical appointment. While many patients are shy, doctors appreciate patients that actively want to learn about their conditions in order to improve their prospects. Some questions that patients should consider asking include"

  • What determines my risk of developing heart disease?
  • How will you test for signs of heart disease?
  • What is my current risk of developing heart disease?
  • Will my risk increase over time?

Seeing a cardiologist may be the most important thing that a patient can do for their health.

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Author: Robert Smith
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Robert Smith

Member since: Mar 26, 2014
Published articles: 313

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