Who is a cardiologist?
In medical terminology, "cardio" means "heart." As a result, a cardiologist is a medical specialist who has received specialized training and certification to treat patients experiencing issues with their hearts, blood vessels, or other components of the cardiovascular system. These doctors are skilled at identifying and treating heart-related problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Atherosclerosis
- High cholesterol
- Angina (chest pain)
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders
- Endocarditis
- Cardiogenic shock
- Heart valve issues
- Heart abnormalities
- Cardiomyopathy
- Stroke
- Myocarditis
- Congenital (from birth) conditions
- Problems with the arteries (peripheral artery disease, renal artery disease, subclavian artery disease, coronary artery disease)
- Problems with the aorta (aneurysm, stenosis)
What is the educational background of a cardiologist?
Cardiologists spend several years studying, training, and practicing their craft. According to the American College of Cardiology, their education typically takes ten years, divided into four years of medical school, three years of general medicine, and three years of specialist treatment. The American Board of Internal Medicine requires them to take a two-day exam after all that study and experience. To become a certified cardiologist, they must pass this exam. The American College of Cardiology fellows are elected by their patients and peers if considered exceptional. Doctors who meet that standard get the initials of F.A.C.C. to the title.
What is F.A.C.C.?
The most prominent and highest-recognized title in cardiovascular care is the Fellowship in the American College of Cardiology Physicians (F.A.C.C.). The F.A.C.C. Association is a group of cardiologists and other medical professionals dedicated to studying and treating cardiovascular disease. In total, there are around 23,000 members of the F.A.C.C. association. Cardiologists must have finished training and devoted at least three-quarters of their professional time to studying the heart. From "fellow" to "affiliate," a doctor can join at various levels. Adult and pediatric cardiologists, scientists focusing on cardiology, and cardiovascular surgeons make up most of the F.A.C.C.'s membership.
What are the different types of cardiologists?
Numerous subspecialties of cardiologists specialize in many forms of vascular and cardiac issues. Types of cardiologists are as follows -
- Clinical cardiologist
- Heart failure specialist
- Interventional cardiologist
- Cardio-oncologist
- Congenital heart specialist
- Cardiac imaging specialist
- Peripheral interventional cardiologist
- Preventive cardiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Electrophysiologist
- Geriatric cardiologist
- Cardio-rheumatologist
- Sports cardiologist
- Critical care cardiologist
When should you see a cardiologist?
The below-mentioned signs and symptoms may indicate cardiac disease and necessitate medical attention right away-
- Inflammation or tightness of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Injuries to the neck, mouth, upper abdomen, or back on the left side of the body
- Vomiting, extreme tiredness, and nausea
- Panic attacks
- Extreme fatigue
How do cardiologists identify heart conditions?
A cardiologist usually performs a physical examination and discusses the patient's symptoms, medical background, and family history to diagnose. Letting the cardiologist know if a family member has experienced heart disease is essential, as it may raise the risk of developing a heart condition.
The cardiologist can learn vital details about the patient's cardiovascular health from simple information, such as their weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose (sugar) levels. The doctor will consider all this data and any test findings to determine the risk factors. During the physical examination, a cardiologist is qualified to order tests like -
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac M.R.I. (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Cardiac CT (computed tomography)
- Coronary angiogram
- Stress tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (T.E.E.)
- Holter monitor
- Event monitor
- Implantable event recorder/implantable loop recorder
These tests help them discover the root problem causing discomfort and symptoms. After diagnosing the issue, cardiologists prescribe medications and the necessary treatment. They may also inquire about the patient's smoking status, activity level, and diet to provide preventive and corrective advice on healthy lifestyle practices.
Procedures performed by cardiologists
In the realm of cardiovascular health, cardiologists play a pivotal role in employing a range of diagnostic procedures to assess and monitor the condition of the heart. These medical experts utilize advanced techniques to examine the heart's anatomical structure, electrical activity, and overall function. Before you make an appointment with a cardiologist near you, it can be beneficial to understand the various procedures they perform:
- Biventricular pacing - This procedure, also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy, utilizes a pacemaker to synchronize the pumping of the left and right ventricles, enhancing the heart’s overall output capacity.
- Carotid artery ultrasound - Employs an ultrasound probe to assess the structure and function of the carotid arteries responsible for delivering blood from the heart to the brain.
- Dobutamine nuclear imaging - This is a diagnostic procedure for patients who can't exercise. Dobutamine, a drug that increases heart pumping, is administered along with a nuclear imaging material. This combination generates images of the heart, aiding in identifying any stenosis or diseases affecting blood flow.
- Pacemaker implantation - It is a solution for individuals with irregular electrical activity of the heart. A pacemaker, a battery-powered pulse generator, is implanted under the skin and connected to the heart to regulate its rhythm and rate.
- Rotational atherectomy - This involves using a miniature rotating blade to open up narrowed arteries, restoring blood flow. A stent, a mesh tube, keeps the artery open and prevents re-narrowing.
- Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty - Abbreviated as PTCA, it is a procedure to unblock coronary arteries and restore blood flow. A small inflated balloon widens the passage, and a stent, often coated with drugs to prevent re-narrowing, is inserted to keep the vessel open.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) - This assesses the heart's electrical activity by recording impulses over time, creating a pattern reflecting the heart's rhythm and rate. For continuous monitoring, a Holter monitor, worn around the neck and kept against the heart, records electrical activity over 24 hours, revealing occasional abnormalities that might be challenging to identify in a shorter time frame.
- Echocardiogram - Echocardiogram utilizes high-frequency sound waves and generates an image of the heart, resembling an ultrasound procedure. It helps detect the presence of leaky heart valves; this test is also instrumental in diagnosing valve-related conditions, including heart valve regurgitation and valve stenosis.
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance - Powered by magnetic resonance imaging, it produces a detailed image of the heart. This allows for a comprehensive examination of the organ’s anatomy and function, aiding in diagnosing specific conditions such as cardiomyopathies or diseases affecting the outer heart lining (pericardium).
How do you keep your heart healthy?
To keep your heart healthy, one should definitely -
- Live an active lifestyle and exercise daily - The American Heart Association recommends moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobics per week for adults to attain optimal heart health. You can also try two days a week of muscle-strengthening workouts and 300 minutes of weekly physical activity. To get the recommended amount of exercise, incorporate activities like walking, running, water aerobics, dancing, and cycling into your daily routine.
- Consume a balanced diet - Include foods that are good for your heart. To keep a healthy heart, one must eat a well-balanced diet. As a source of vitamin K, spinach, kale, and collard greens are suitable for the heart. Whole grains, like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat, lower the risk of heart disease and hypertension compared to processed carbs. Try to curtail the amount of saturated fat in your diet by 7% to lower your risk of heart disease.
- Quit smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol - Smoking stimulates the creation of plaque in the arteries, which initially results in blockage. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to hypertension and cardiac muscle weakness. Initially, you need to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily. Eventually, you should be able to give up smoking cigarettes for good. If you have problems stopping smoking or drinking, go to your doctor. They may be able to suggest medication or other methods of aiding you in your efforts.
- Lower your harmful cholesterol levels - Reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (commonly known as "bad cholesterol," which causes artery buildup) by eating okra, eggplants, beans, grains, and oatmeal. Avoid excessive consumption of dairy products and meats to keep LDL cholesterol levels at 200mg or below. You can prevent high blood pressure by controlling your weight and stress.
- Try to lower your stress and anxiety levels - Workplace problems, violence, illness, losing a loved one, anxiety, despair, and divorce are all linked to elevated blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease. A stimulating hobby, adopting a pet, getting enough sleep every night, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and listening to music can help you manage your stress. You can also seek help from your physician or a psychologist if you cannot cope with your stress alone.
Finding a cardiologist near you in San Antonio
Heart diseases can significantly impact a person's quality of life. One should receive a heart health checkup if they have troublesome symptoms. However, finding a trusted cardiologist near you can be a daunting task. Zocdoc is here to help.
With Zocdoc, it's simple for people to identify nearby healthcare providers without spending time in a hospital waiting room. To make an appointment for yourself or a family member in San Antonio, Texas, simply visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition, location, insurance carrier, and plan information. Sort the list of top-rated heart doctors in your area by location and time slots. Then, filter the search results by gender, spoken languages, pediatric care, and hospital affiliations.
In addition, you may read patient reviews and check out the overall rating of your chosen doctor. A consultation or in-person visit can be scheduled anytime throughout your selected provider's schedule, including the morning, evening (after 5 p.m.), or even weekends, if necessary. To narrow down the list of providers in your insurance plan's network, use the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
All bookings on Zocdoc are secure, simple, and 100% free of cost.
Cardiovascular diseases in Texas and USA
According to a Bexar County Mortality Report of 2021, about 37,000 to 45,000 excess people died in Texas in 2020; the significant contributors were cardiovascular diseases. Mortality was found to be the highest in Harris, Dallas, and Bexar counties.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is reported that cardiovascular disease kills one person every 33 seconds in the United States. Every year, about 695,000 people in the U.S. die from heart disease. That's one out of every five deaths.
Sources
San Antonio Gov
Top Master in Healthcare
Baptist Medical Network
University of Rochester Medical Center
Cleveland Clinic
News Medical
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Bexar County 2019 Mortality Report
