What to expect at a cardiology appointment?
What is a cardiologist?
Cardiologists specialise in treating heart conditions – they deal with ailments such as heart attacks, heart failure, heart valve disease, high blood pressure and arrhythmia. To make a diagnosis, cardiologists will run a series of tests and physical exams, such as blood tests, interpret tests, exercise stress tests or an EKG. They may also prescribe medicine, recommend lifestyle changes, and in some cases perform procedures such as inserting a pacemaker or cardiac catheter.
Why might I see a cardiologist?
There are a number of symptoms associated with the heart which may lead you to visit a cardiologist. For example, you may be experiencing:
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells
- Dizziness
- Chest pains
- Heart flutters
What happens at a cardiology appointment?
Meeting the nurse
With most doctors’ appointments, you will meet the nurse first, which is when your vitals will be checked. The nurse will then ask you a series of questions to help fill out your patient information, while carrying out a series of checks including:
- Blood pressure
- Making notes about medication
- Asking about health history
- Weighing you
- Asking about your symptoms
Meeting the cardiologist
Once all the necessary information is gathered, you will then meet with the cardiologist – who will ask you further questions about your symptoms. They will then perform a series of tests to further diagnose your cardiovascular condition. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, you will then be put on a treatment plan for your condition.
How to get a cardiologist appointment
There are a few ways in which you can get a cardiologist appointment – usually, you would be referred to a cardiologist by your GP and placed on the NHS waiting list. However, the waiting list can be very long and you may have to wait a while for your cardiologist appointment. Wait time is also worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, which could leave you waiting longer than before. Alternatively, you can see a cardiologist privately.
Looking for a cardiologist near you? Here at Medstars, we have a number of cardiologists ready to share their expertise and help you.
Our Cardiologists
- Dr Derek Connolly – Birmingham
Dr Connolly is a leading interventional cardiologist in the UK and is highly respected by his peers due to his continual evidence-based research and his development in cardiology services in the NHS. He combines clinical excellence with personal warmth, effortlessly putting patients at ease.
- Dr Nickolaos Pantazopoulos – London
Dr Pantzaopoulos is known for his expertise in cardiac imaging at some of the top cardiology centres internationally. He has also received outstanding patient feedback on his communication style and empathy.
- Dr Julian Collinson – London
Dr Collinson is a leading London cardiologist and NHS Clinical Lead for Cardiology at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
These are just a few of the many cardiologists we have here at Medstars. For more information, do not hesitate to contact our helpful team who will help you on your private healthcare journey.
Medstars Medical Concierge Service
Looking for extra guidance when it comes to your healthcare? Sometimes interpreting medical information and making the best decisions can be daunting and complicated. Our private medical concierge service provides easy access to top UK health experts. We guide our patients with genuine choice and trust, offering a bespoke service for anyone in the world seeking private UK healthcare. Learn more about Medstars Medical Concierge Service. Want to learn more about providing our medical concierge service as an employee benefit? Learn more about Medstars Medical Concierge for Business.