Who Treats Heart Disease?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A cardiologist

diagnoses and treats heart problems. Other doctors include surgeons and other specialists, if recommended by the primary care doctor or cardiologist.

What type of doctor specializes in heart disease?


A cardiologist

is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the cardiovascular system — mainly the heart and blood vessels. In order to become a cardiologist, a physician must attend four years of medical school and an additional six to eight years of internal medicine and specialized cardiology training.

What is a heart specialist called?


A cardiologist

is a healthcare provider who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist has at least 10 years of medical training.

What is the difference between a cardiologist and a heart specialist?

The cardiologist performs a variety of tests, and they may perform heart catheterizations, angioplasty, pacemaker insertion, and other procedures. A cardiologist falls within the broader term of

a cardiovascular specialist

. Meaning, there are many types of cardiovascular specialists, and cardiologist is one.

What can a cardiologist diagnose?

  • atherosclerosis.
  • atrial fibrillation.
  • arrhythmias.
  • congenital heart disease.
  • coronary heart disease.
  • congestive heart disease.
  • high blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • hypertension.

What are the signs of a bad heart?

  • Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.

What are treatment options for heart disease?

  • CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation — CPR — is one link in what the American Heart Association calls the chain of survival. …
  • Stents. Get information about why they’re used and what types are available.
  • Angioplasty and Stents. …
  • Heart Bypass Surgery. …
  • Valve Disease Treatment. …
  • Cardioversion. …
  • EECP. …
  • Pacemakers.

At what age should I see a cardiologist?

If someone has a heart attack or stroke

younger than 55 for men or younger than 65 for women

, their family members should consider seeing a preventive cardiologist as well.

What is the richest type of doctor?

  • Neurosurgery — $746,544.
  • Thoracic surgery — $668,350.
  • Orthopedic surgery — $605,330.
  • Plastic surgery — $539,208.
  • Oral and maxillofacial — $538,590.
  • Vascular surgery — $534,508.
  • Cardiology — $527,231.
  • Radiation oncology — $516,016.

Can a cardiologist do surgery?


While cardiologists cannot perform surgeries

, there are some specialized procedures that they can perform. An interventional cardiologist, for instance, can use stents to open clogged arteries. Also, they can put some advanced devices in the heart of a patient that has some heart disorders.

Is a cardiologist considered a specialist?

Cardiologists are

specialists in cardiovascular disease

and are able to treat conditions ranging from severe hypertension to elevated cholesterol to heart rhythm problems. They also are able to perform procedures that both help diagnose and treat many cardiac conditions.

What is the best test to check for heart problems?


An echocardiogram

is a common test. It gives a picture of your heart using ultrasound, a type of X-ray. It uses a probe either on your chest or down your oesophagus (throat). It helps your doctor check if there are any problems with your heart’s valves and chambers, and see how strongly your heart pumps blood.

Does having high blood pressure mean you have heart disease?

High blood pressure

can damage your arteries by making them less elastic

, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause: Chest pain, also called angina.

When should you see a cardiologist with high blood pressure?

High blood pressure.

Abnormally fast or slow heart rate

.

Dizziness or fainting

.

Strong family history of premature heart disease or cardiac death

.

What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?

  • Bacon, sausage and other processed meats. Hayes, who has a family history of coronary disease, is a vegetarian. …
  • Potato chips and other processed, packaged snacks. …
  • Dessert. …
  • Too much protein. …
  • Fast food. …
  • Energy drinks. …
  • Added salt. …
  • Coconut oil.

What are the warning signs of clogged arteries?

In addition to developing feet and leg issues, clogged arteries can cause you to experience

dizzy, weak feelings

, and heart palpitations. You may also sweat, feel nauseated, or have difficulty breathing.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.