Who is a cardiologist?
Cardiologists are heart doctors who treat disorders or illnesses of the heart and cardiovascular system. They diagnose, assess, and create treatment plans for such disorders.
The three types of cardiologists are noninvasive, invasive, and interventional cardiologists. They practice in various settings, including private clinics and public hospitals.
After four years of medical school, an aspiring cardiologist must spend three years learning internal medicine in their residency program and an additional three years of specialized training. Once they complete these ten years of training, a cardiologist must appear for certification examinations conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Even after being board-certified, cardiologists must keep learning for as long as they practice. They must stay up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in their field to provide the best-suited care.
What are the different types of cardiologists?
Heart doctors can be of multiple kinds and may treat different conditions based on their levels of expertise. They can become skilled in the following subspecialties:
- Noninvasive cardiologists are the most common cardiac specialists and can diagnose and treat heart and vascular anomalies. To analyze the condition, these doctors may advise noninvasive tests such as echocardiograms, stress tests, etc. Based on the test results, they may prescribe remedial medications or suggest referring to an invasive or interventional cardiologist.
- Invasive cardiologists perform cardiac catheterization to assess blocked arteries and defective heart valves.
- Interventional cardiologists are surgical experts who can perform angioplasty or stent placement. They can also clean up calcified blockages from the arteries and perform other invasive tests to determine whether a person requires further surgical procedures.
- Cardiothoracic surgeons are experts in open-heart or other invasive surgical procedures on the lungs and thorax. They train to perform heart-valve replacement or repair techniques, bypass surgeries, and other methods often required to address heart-related conditions.
- Vascular surgeons treat peripheral arterial disease, place stents in abdominal aortic aneurysms, open arteries to prevent strokes, and clear up other clogged blood vessels. They specialize in handling cardiac and vascular issues outside the chest.
- Electrophysiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart's electrical system. They run tests to find the heart region causing the arrhythmia or dysthymia. They can also diagnose and treat palpitations and fibrillations.
What conditions do cardiologists treat?
As of 2022, the most common heart condition in America is heart disease. Therefore, visiting a heart doctor to prevent early signs and symptoms is crucial. Heart doctors treat many types of heart diseases, some of which include:
- Angina or chest pain
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathies
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attacks or heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Valvular heart disease
- High cholesterol
Reasons to see a cardiologist near you
A cardiologist monitors several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors to prevent heart problems. They examine factors like alcohol and nicotine consumption, stress levels, mental health, genetics, age, sex, and whether you are a menstruator post-menopause. These factors help them identify the problem and its root cause so that they can create appropriate treatment plans. Heart diseases trigger many symptoms. You should consider visiting a cardiologist if you experience the following:
- Shortness of breath: Finding it stressful to breathe or catch your breath is a common sign of heart disease, which requires the immediate attention of a doctor.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded and uneasy. It can occur when you stand up or jerk your head too quickly. However, experiencing this symptom even when there is a lack of movement can signify conditions like heart disease or unstable blood pressure.
- Fainting spells: An unexpected loss of consciousness is known as fainting. It usually happens when the blood flow to the brain is restricted. Other symptoms like dizziness and loss of vision are common in fainting spells. Frequent fainting spells signify low blood sugar, panic attacks, anemia, or heart disease.
- Chest pains: Angina, or chest pains, occur when the heart lacks oxygen. It can feel like a sudden pressure or tightness under the breastbone. This sharp pain in the chest can spread to other body parts like the shoulders, arms, and jaw. This type of pain is a symptom of angina, so it is imperative to consult a doctor before the pain worsens. Angina can cause nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, confusion, disorientation, or excessive sweating.
- Heart flutters: A fluttering sensation in the chest accompanied by palpitations or erratic breathing may indicate heart disease.
You should consider visiting a cardiologist if you experience one or more of these symptoms. They can help prevent chronic diseases and boost overall heart health.
What to expect at a cardiologist appointment?
Cardiologists use self-report tests, physical exams, medical tests like ECG, and exercise stress tests to understand your condition and ensure a holistic diagnosis process. These tests check for blood flow, heart rhythm, and heart rate abnormalities.
They also ask questions about your experiences with the symptoms. Since genetics is a major unavoidable cause of heart problems, you must share all necessary details about your and your family's medical history with the doctor. Some of the common questions asked are:
- What is the duration of your symptoms?
- Define your symptoms based on the intensity and type (mild, severe, sharp).
- Have you had a heart problem in the past?
- Does anything help you reduce the pain?
- What medications are you taking currently?
- Do you have any records or previous medical tests or scans?
They then design the most effective treatment plan based on your test reports, self-report responses, weight, blood pressure, sugar/cholesterol levels, and severity. In addition to the treatment plan, they may recommend relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications to maintain your heart's condition.
They may also contact your primary care provider to tailor-make the treatment plan.
Preparing for your cardiologist appointment: Four frequently asked questions!
If your doctor has referred you to a cardiologist, it is natural for you to feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. One of the best ways to ease the situation is to prepare for your appointment well in advance. Here are some FAQs on cardiology appointments that should help you:
What should I carry for the cardiology consultation?
A few days before your appointment, gather all the information your cardiologist may require to diagnose your condition and decide an appropriate treatment plan. It includes:
- Details of your current healthcare providers
- A complete list of your current medications and their dosages
- All your medical records, including details of your past and current health issues, allergies, injuries, and past surgeries
- Copies of your lab work and imaging test results
- Information about your family health history
Remember to bring documents such as your photo ID, doctor's referral, and insurance details to complete the initial paperwork.
What should I wear for the appointment?
It is best to dress in comfortable athletic wear, such as a sports bra, T-shirt, sweatpants, and sports shoes, especially if you can expect cardiovascular testing, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, and stress test. Remember not to wear any accessories or apply lotions, powders, or perfumes on your body so they don't interfere with the testing.
When should I arrive at the clinic?
It would be best to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your appointment, especially if you visit the doctor for the first time. This way, you can ensure enough time to find the location, park your vehicle, submit the required documents, and complete the paperwork. Some clinics may also need you to complete a patient questionnaire before meeting the cardiologist.
Do I need to follow any pre-appointment instructions?
If you undergo cardiovascular testing and screening, you will likely need to follow certain dos and don'ts. So, calling the cardiologist's office and asking the staff to guide you is best.
What foods should you eat to keep your heart healthy?
Foods that can help keep your heart healthy include the following:
Dark, leafy green vegetables are the richest sources of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body and heart healthy. They also contain nitrates, which keep the blood vessels healthy. Include veggies like spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, arugula, and bok choy in your daily diet.
A bowl of oatmeal can keep your stomach full for hours, helping fight binge eating habits. The fiber in oats can also lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels, making it an excellent food for people with diabetes.
Black beans contain magnesium, folate, and antioxidants. They reduce blood pressure and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Salmon contains higher quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart rhythm disorders. It also reduces inflammation.
Tuna is a cheaper alternative to salmon and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially Albacore or white tuna. Choose tuna packed in water and avoid the ones packed in oil. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include lake trout, herring, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies.
Almonds contain heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant sterols. They help lower bad cholesterol levels in your blood. Eat a handful a day for a healthy heart.
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A fiber and lycopene, which benefit the heart. They also have a lower glycemic level than white potatoes, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
Olive oil contains antioxidants and is made from crushed olives. It can reduce harmful cholesterol levels and protect blood vessels.
Oranges contain potassium and fiber, which helps fit cholesterol and control blood pressure. Two oranges a day can help lower diastolic blood pressure among overweight people.
How to look for the best cardiologist near you in Rego Park, New York?
There are many types of specializations in cardiology, including clinical cardiology, cardiac imaging, congenital heart, heart failure, and peripheral interventional cardiologists.
Although all cardiologists understand general cardiovascular problems, looking for a doctor specializing in a specific subfield can be beneficial. This process of searching for the right cardiologist can seem daunting. However, Zocdoc allows you to book consultations with the best cardiologists in town in just a few minutes. Here's how you can find the best cardiologist for you:
- To register a free account on Zocdoc, visit the main homepage and select the sign-up option. You can use your existing accounts, such as Google, Facebook, or Apple, to sign up.
- Once you log in, type your symptoms, such as 'dizziness' or 'headache,' and your location in the search box to find a list of all suitable doctors in your area.
- Use the advanced search filter option to find cardiologists by time of day, zip code, gender, language, insurance carrier, and plan.
- Once you shortlist heart doctors, you can visit their unique profiles to read about their medical experience, specializations, hospital affiliations, awards, and licenses.
If you want to know your insurance plan, upload an image of your insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and we will find and display information regarding your insurance plan (this facility is not available for vision or dental plans). You can even contact the Zocdoc service team if you need help uploading a photo of your card. You can also check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
Moreover, every Zocdoc user can add their reviews after an appointment. With the help of this feature, you can browse the verified reviews and ratings of doctors before shortlisting. Once you find the best-suited cardiologist near you, you can book in-person or video appointments with them.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, 100% free, and secure!
Statistics on cardiologists in Rego Park, New York
The United States Department of Labor states that 18,610 cardiologists are employed in the U.S. New York is the third state with the highest employment rate of cardiologists, with over 1,610.
In the United States, 795,000 people have a stroke yearly. Stroke kills more than 150,000 Americans every year. Of these, 6,000 adults in New York alone die from stroke.
In the United States, almost 697,000 people die of heart disease - 1 in every five deaths.
According to the New York State Department of Health (2022), the most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), killing around 382,820 people yearly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 805,000 U.S. adults have a heart attack yearly. Nearly 605,000 people have their first occurrence of a heart attack. In 2020, 32% of New York adults died of cardiovascular disease, and approximately 7.3% of adults reported having a heart attack, coronary heart disease, angina, or stroke.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
New York State
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mass General Brigham
CHRISTUS Health
Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Healthline
Kaiser Permanente
