Heart and blood vessel specialists are doctors who have specific expertise in treating diseases related to the heart and blood vessels, or cardiovascular. His educational background is a general practitioner who has completed his education in a heart and blood vessel specialist.
Cardiac and vascular medicine is also a field that specialists in internal medicine study. Cardiologists and internal medicine specialists often collaborate or cooperate with each other in treating patients with heart and blood vessel problems.
Diseases Treated by Heart and Blood Vessel Specialists
Cardiologists have in-depth knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, from high blood pressure to heart attacks. Diseases treated by a heart and blood vessel specialist include:
- Myocardial infarction or angina.
- Coronary heart disease.
- Vascular disease.
- Heart valve disease.
- Congenital heart disease.
- Aortic disease.
- Diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
- Heart tumors.
- Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
- Pericarditis.
- Heart attack.
- Heart failure.
- Cardiac arrest.
Actions Performed by Cardiologists and Blood Vessels
In making a diagnosis, a heart and blood vessel specialist will trace the patient's medical history and symptoms. After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the heart to evaluate whether there are heart problems. After that, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will often suggest additional tests or further tests, such as:
- ECG (electrocardiography).
- X-ray, CT scan, MRI, angiography.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).
- stress test/ treadmill exercise test.
- Blood test.
After the diagnosis is confirmed, the cardiologist will determine the treatment steps to treat the patient's illness. Treatment with certain drugs and medical procedures may also be needed, according to the results of the diagnosis.
The goals of treatment are to stabilize the condition, control symptoms in the long term, and cure the disease if possible. In addition to medical treatment, patients will also be advised to reduce stress, have a healthy diet, and be diligent in exercising to improve their condition.
Several special medical actions in the treatment of heart and blood vessel disease, which are the competence of a cardiologist, include:
- Cardiac catheterization.
- Angioplasty.
- angiography.
- Pacemaker implants (pacemaker) or ICD implants (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) which is implanted under the skin of the chest or abdomen.
Cardiologist's competence is not only related to heart and blood vessel disease, but also includes general vascular disease, such as varicose veins, thrombosis, and peripheral artery disease.
When to Check with the DoctorHeart and Blood Vessel Specialist?
Heart disease is a deadly disease. Therefore, you are advised to immediately consult a cardiologist if you experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain that radiates to the back, chin, throat, or arms.
- Hard to breathe.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Nauseous.
- Dizziness and weakness.
- Sweating.
- Get tired quickly or complain of shortness of breath or chest pain after physical activity, for example after climbing stairs or exercising.
If you feel the above symptoms, immediately visit a cardiologist. If not treated immediately, a heart attack has a high risk of causing death. You are also advised to have yourself checked if you have risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes. Prompt treatment can reduce further damage to the heart.
What to Prepare Before Meeting a Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist
Many people are not aware of having a heart attack, because a heart attack is often considered a common complaint, such as heartburn or colds. Many also underestimate the pain in the chest, even though the pain has lasted for 30 minutes and is very painful.
Getting a heart disease diagnosis can come as a surprise to some. However, that does not mean you should be afraid to consult a cardiologist. Mental readiness and family support is very important in the success of treatment. In addition to these two things, you should also consider the costs required for examinations, medical tests, and medical actions by a cardiologist. The costs incurred may not be cheap, so financial readiness is needed.
For this reason, you are advised to record complaints related to heart disease, such as when the complaint appears, which area is painful, how long the pain persists, and since when the complaint has appeared. The cardiologist will also ask you to tell about your lifestyle, such as your diet and exercise routine, as well as your smoking habits. Clear and complete information can make it easier for a cardiologist to make the right diagnosis.
