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. Simply Log in to your account and search our Consultant Directory or raise a Concierge case.
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