Who is a cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a doctor who treats disorders and several conditions of the heart and blood vessels, which include cardiac rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, chest pain, hypertension, heart failure, issues with your arteries, and other heart and vascular troubles. Becoming a cardiologist is rigorous, requiring more than ten years of training, including:
- A four-year pre-medical education program at a college or university
- A cardiologist must obtain an M.D. degree after four years of medical school.
- Three years residency in internal medicine
- Three or more years of advanced training in subspecialty areas through fellowship programs
Heart doctors are trained in several procedures like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and C.T. scans to detect heart disorders. They can then prescribe medications, assist you in developing a healthier diet and exercise habits, or perform surgical interventions when necessary.
When you visit a cardiologist near you, they will examine you thoroughly and discuss your symptoms, medical history, and family history. It is critical to inform your doctor if other family members have had any cardiac problems, as this can further increase your chances of developing a heart problem. Some basic information, such as your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, can provide them with critical data about your cardiac health. Your provider will also want to understand if you smoke, how much exercise you get, and what you eat. All information combined will help your heart doctor better understand your health and the associated risk factors.
Types of cardiologists
Cardiologists can specialize in different sub-specializations. These include:
- Heart failure expert
- Interventional cardiology specialist
- Cardio-oncologist
- Expert in congenital heart disease
- Cardiac imaging expert
- Cardiac rehabilitation expert
- Electrophysiologist
- Cardiologist for the elderly
- Cardio-rheumatologist
- Sports cardiology specialist
- Cardiologist specializing in critical care
When to see a cardiologist near you?
Heart problems can present with different signs, including chest inflammation or stiffness, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, exhaustion, and high blood pressure. If you experience similar symptoms, it is always better to be evaluated by your primary care practitioner, who may refer you to a cardiologist near you. Timely action and intervention are vital in managing heart conditions. Therefore, one must not delay upon experiencing cardiac-associated problems.
Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the importance of heart health and established February as American Heart Month to educate the public about heart disease and stroke.
Cardiologist consultations can be expensive. It’s best to look up your insurance carrier to know how cardiac conditions are covered. A cardiology consultation is generally more costly than a check from your primary care provider, but following your health coverage rules can help you plan better and navigate the expenses. Your primary care practitioner can also refer you to one.
What are the differences between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
A cardiologist performs diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of various heart conditions. If surgery is necessary, the cardiologist will refer you to a cardiac surgeon specializing in surgical interventions. While cardiologists have medical training, cardiac surgeons undergo surgical training. A cardiac surgeon is actively involved before, during, and immediately after the surgery.
Cardiac surgeons can treat a wide range of conditions, including heart-related tumors or masses, congenital or degenerative valve problems, diseases of the aorta, and obstructed heart arteries. Cardiac surgeons can also handle emergency procedures like treating trauma-related cardiac injuries.
Post-surgery, your need for ongoing follow-ups with the cardiac surgeon is typically minimal. Instead, your cardiologist takes charge of overseeing your overall cardiovascular health. They manage your condition through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
In short, the cardiologist near you will focus on diagnosing and managing heart disease, while the cardiac surgeon addresses and corrects issues through surgical procedures.
Ten reasons you may need to visit a cardiologist
Many individuals delay their annual physicals with their primary care doctor until physical pains or symptoms arise. However, when should one seek the expertise of heart doctors? Below are ten reasons you should consider consulting a cardiologist near you:
1. Physician recommendation:
If your primary care doctor recommends seeing a cardiologist, it is crucial not to postpone the visit. Neglecting this advice could lead to regrets later on.
2. Heart pain
It is wise to undergo a medical evaluation if you are experiencing severe pressure, squeezing pain, or any other form of heart pain.
3. Family history
If any family members have had heart problems, it is essential to be vigilant about heart disease symptoms and consider discussing them with a cardiologist.
4. High total cholesterol
While cholesterol is necessary for bodily functions, having high total cholesterol levels (200 mg/dL or higher) further increases the risk of heart disease.
5. High blood pressure
Since hypertension often presents no noticeable symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are essential. Blood pressure that is not monitored well may lead to heart strokes.
6. History of smoking
Smoking elevates the risk of heart disease significantly. It reduces oxygen flow to the heart, increases blood pressure and heart rate, promotes blood clotting, and damages arterial linings.
7. Diabetes
Diabetes, unfortunately, contributes to heart disease. If you experience diabetes symptoms or heart problems, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist.
8. Difficult pregnancy or preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can be a hidden risk factor for heart disease. The periods during which women are most likely to develop heart disease are pregnancy and post-menopause.
9. Starting a new exercise program
If you are over 40 and embarking on a new exercise regimen, a cardiologist should evaluate your heart health. They can recommend exercises that are beneficial for your heart.
10. Gum disease
Surprisingly, gum disease can indicate inflammation within the body. Individuals with swollen gums often have heart disease.
What to anticipate during a cardiologist appointment?
A cardiologist will perform a physical examination focusing on monitoring your heart. They can tell how well blood flows through your heart and whether you have an irregular heartbeat.
Your cardiologist will want to know if your parents, siblings, or other family members have experienced cardiac problems. Having this information will assist your cardiologist to determine the types of heart problems you may have.
Your healthcare provider will also inquire about the following:
- Duration of your symptoms
- Description of your symptoms (e.g., mild pain, sharp pain)
- Activity during symptom onset (e.g., resting, exertion)
- Factors that alleviate your symptoms
- History of heart procedures or surgeries
- Availability of any scan records
- Current medications you are taking
If your cardiologist has the necessary equipment, they may do an electrocardiogram to get a fast reading of your heart rhythm. They may also schedule additional appointments for other tests that require specific scanning machines available exclusively in hospitals.
How does COVID-19 affect the heart?
The virus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, primarily impacts the lungs but can also cause severe heart issues. The lung problems caused by SARS-CoV-2 prevent oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, injuring the heart tissue and preventing it from delivering oxygen to other tissues. Furthermore, the body reacts to the virus by inducing an inflammatory response, a normal reaction when fighting a virus.
However, in some COVID-19 patients, the inflammation appears to go into overdrive. Too much inflammation may cause further damage to the heart or interrupt the electrical signals that help it beat properly, reducing its pounding ability, causing abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia, or worsening an existing irregular heartbeat. A high level of inflammation in children and adolescents is known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and it can primarily influence the heart.
The virus could also harm heart cells. Researchers are investigating whether and how much this relates to the heart problems seen in COVID-19 patients. Some COVID-19 patients develop numerous small blood clots throughout their bodies, including the heart, which can cause harm. Researchers believe that excessive inflammatory response induces the formation of clots.
Find the best cardiologist near you in Hicksville, New York
Cardiac conditions require urgent care and, thus, a reliable doctor. Hence, you must find a trustworthy and dependable cardiologist for the best medical care for your conditions — Zocdoc can assist you in finding the best cardiologists in Hicksville, New York, with just a few steps!
Go to the Zocdoc website and type in your condition, location, preferred date, insurance provider, and plan. You can then browse a list of top-rated cardiologists in your area. Search results can be filtered by gender, languages spoken, and hospital affiliations.
On Zocdoc, all professionals have dedicated profiles that include details about their education, experience, specialty, accreditations, and affiliations, among other things. You can also read verified patient reviews to assist you in selecting the right practitioner.
You can arrange a consultation or in-person visit with Zocdoc on the same day, in the morning, in the evening (after 5 p.m.), or even on weekends, based on the availability of your preferred provider. All Zocdoc bookings are quick, free, and secure!
Vital statistics about heart diseases in New York
In 2018, an estimated 7.8% of adults in New York State reported having a cardiac arrest, angina/coronary heart disease, or a stroke. In the same year, one in every five New Yorkers aged 65 and above (20%) reported having some form of cardiovascular disease.
From 2011 to 2015, adults under 65 accounted for 17% of all heart disease deaths (13,228 of 79,417 deaths). The numbers varied by demographic factors, with men (24%) being the most significantly affected, followed by African-American adults (26%) and adults living in impoverished neighborhoods (28%).
From 2011 to 2015, adults under 65 accounted for 21% of stroke deaths (1,696 of 8,112 deaths). Men (30%), African-American adults (32%), and adults living in very low-income neighborhoods (30%) were significantly affected by premature deaths by stroke.
Sources
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
New York State Department of Health[3]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cleveland Clinic[1]
WebMD
NYC Health
University of Utah
Cleveland Clinic[2]
The Beacon by Luminis Health
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