How a Cardiologist Manages Chronic Conditions

For people with cardiovascular issues, it takes a team to help them maintain a high quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in studying and treating disorders of the cardiovascular system. They diagnose and treat chronic cardiovascular conditions, disorders, and diseases that can affect your general health.

Understanding chronic cardiovascular conditions

Chronic cardiovascular conditions are long-lasting health issues that require ongoing treatment and care. Cardiologists can address a variety of chronic cardiovascular issues. Some of these include:

• Atrial fibrillation: Also known as abnormal heart rhythm, this condition occurs when the blood flow from the upper chambers to the bottom is inconsistent with each beat. This causes the heart to have problems pumping blood efficiently to the rest of the body.
• Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is one of the most dangerous types of arrhythmia. It is where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood, causing the patient's blood pressure to plummet.
• Congenital heart disease: This is a condition where a baby is born with a malformation in the structure of their heart.
• Coronary heart disease: Coronary heart disease is where the coronary arteries narrow, limiting oxygen and blood to the heart. This disease causes angina, shortness of breath, and myocardial infarction. 
• Hypertension: Also known as high blood pressure, this chronic condition is one of the most common cardiovascular issues that cardiologists treat. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension.
• Pericarditis: This condition results from swelling and irritation of the thin membrane surrounding the heart (the pericardium). When the irritated portions of the pericardium rub against each other, it can cause sharp, acute pain.

How a cardiologist can help

Cardiologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions. They help patients manage cardiovascular disease and utilize a combination of medical expertise, diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans. They can also order tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, CTs (computed tomography), and blood labs to help them determine what is wrong with the patient during the initial evaluation and to keep a record of how the condition is progressing.

Lifestyle changes

Many unhealthy habits can contribute to or worsen chronic cardiovascular conditions. Poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, stress, and smoking all impact one's cardiovascular health. A cardiologist can educate patients about healthy lifestyle changes, informing them about nutritional foods and engaging in exercise routines that meet their specific needs, abilities, and treatment goals. The cardiologist can also refer the patient to smoking cessation programs that can help them kick their smoking habit.

Medication

Depending on the patient's specific condition and its severity, the cardiologist may prescribe medication that can:

• Control symptoms
• Lower blood pressure
• Prevent blood clots
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Manage heart rhythm abnormalities

The cardiologist carefully selects and monitors the medications they prescribe. They can adjust dosages as needed to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects.

Nonsurgical procedures

While cardiologists cannot perform operations like cardiographic surgeons, they can perform nonsurgical procedures. These procedures may include heart catheterizations, angioplasty, and placing stents. Cardiologists often work with surgeons to manage chronic conditions and can determine if they need more invasive procedures. Cardiologists usually take over the patient's long-term care after surgery, and the cardiothoracic surgeon releases them from their care.

Monitoring and follow-up

As previously mentioned, treatment for chronic conditions needs regular progress checkups to ensure it is having the proper effect. Cardiologists can schedule follow-up appointments to assess the patient's response to treatment, review test results, and provide ongoing support. These follow-up appointments also allow the patient to learn more about the status of their condition and voice any questions or concerns about their treatment plan.

We empower our patients to take care of their cardiovascular health

Managing chronic cardiovascular conditions requires a comprehensive approach to help patients manage their health. With the proper care and support, they can optimize their health and well-being for years to come. If you have questions about your chronic condition, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

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