Table of contents:
- When should you see a cardiologist or cardiologist?
- What are the duties of a heart specialist?
- List of diseases handled by a cardiologist
- Examination by a cardiologist
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death. In fact, this disease has the nickname the silent killer because it can cause death without starting symptoms. If you have complaints related to the heart, it is advisable to visit a cardiologist (cardiologist). Come on, learn more about this in the following review.
When should you see a cardiologist or cardiologist?
Although it can happen suddenly, heart disease patients often experience various complaints. If you experience a complaint that is suspected of being a symptom of heart disease, seek medical attention immediately.
The following are symptoms of heart disease that require you to see a heart specialist, including:
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain
- The feeling of pounding in the chest
- Dizziness and a feeling of fainting
- Repeated fainting
What are the duties of a heart specialist?
The heart functions to pump nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. This organ is part of the cardiovascular system. This system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and various components in the blood. Diseases that attack these components are known as cardiovascular disease.
Doctors who treat cardiovascular disease are called cardiologists, or also known as cardiologists. This doctor is marked with the title Sp.JP which means specialist in the heart and blood vessels.
They started out as a general practitioner, who later continued his specialist education in cardiology. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the duties of a cardiology specialist include:
- Checking your physical health and heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram.
- Describe the results of tests to diagnose any medical conditions the patient may have as well as the cause of heart disease.
- Prescribing medicines for heart disease.
- Recommend a heart diet, determine the appropriate weight, and the type of exercise that is safe for heart disease patients.
- Tells you the amount of risk you have as well as what heart disease prevention measures you can take.
- Perform some medical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization or implanting a pacemaker.
- Provide referral to cardiac surgeon if needed.
List of diseases handled by a cardiologist
Cardiovascular disease can attack the heart and its functions as well as the blood vessels related to it. Therefore, there are various types of heart disease. Well, here are some heart diseases that are handled by cardiology specialists, including:
- Angina or chest pain due to lack of blood supply to the heart.
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat (too fast or slow).
- Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in blood vessels.
- Atrial fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm because the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly.
- Heart failure.
- Heart attack.
- Heart valve disease.
- Congenital heart disease.
- Coronary heart disease.
- Cholesterol and high blood pressure.
However, you don't have to experience symptoms of heart disease to be able to consult a cardiologist. Consultation is especially important if you have a family history of heart disease, smoke, or are undergoing a certain exercise program.
Examination by a cardiologist
Even though you already understand what to see a doctor when you have heart disease, this disease is not as simple as you think.
There are various kinds of heart disease with different causes and treatments. Therefore, a series of examinations is needed so that the doctor can determine a diagnosis.
First of all, the cardiologist will perform a physical examination and ask about the family history of the disease. The results of the assessment determine what type of examination you should undergo.
Common tests used to diagnose heart disease include:
- Electrocardiography (EKG)
This method allows the doctor to detect irregular heartbeats as well as abnormalities in the structure of the heart.
- Echocardiogram
Through help ultrasound, the specialist can see the structure and detect the function of the heart clearly.
- Heart catheter
The doctor will insert a short tube into a vein in the arm or groin. This examination aims to see the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels.
- CT scan
During the exam, you will lie in a special circular machine. The machine then emits X-rays so that the doctor can get a picture of the condition of the heart.
- Holter monitoring
The Holter monitor functions like an EKG, only it is smaller and can be removed and attached. This tool can record heart activity for 24-72 hours.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This examination is almost similar to CT scan. However, the tools used emit a magnetic field, not X-rays. The goal is both to get a more detailed picture of the heart condition.
Now you understand what to see a doctor if you have heart disease and how the doctor diagnoses it. However, the process doesn't stop there.
After knowing the type of heart disease you are suffering from, a new heart specialist can determine the right treatment. Treatment of heart disease involves medication, lifestyle improvements, and surgery.
Most heart disease can be treated with a combination of medication, physical activity, and a healthy diet. If this does not work, special surgery may be needed to treat the disease from the root.
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