Seek Out a Cardiology Specialist About Heart Disease

Cardiology is a type of internal medicine that focuses on heart and blood vessel disorders. An individual experiencing cardiovascular or heart disease may be evaluated by a cardiology specialist. These medical professionals generally treat people who have experienced heart failure, a heart attack, or other heart-related issues like an abnormal heartbeat or murmur.

When do you need a cardiology specialist?

If you are experiencing issues that may signify a heart condition, your doctor may refer you to a cardiology specialist. Some concerning symptoms include chest pains, heart rhythm or rate changes, dizziness, high blood pressure, or shortness of breath. A history of heart disease or a concerning family history also warrants treatment by a specialist in cardiology. Some diseases that this type of physican can treat include atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, hypertension, pericarditis, congenital heart disease, and hypertension, among others.

Types of cardiology specialists

The heart and the body's system of blood vessels make up a complex biological system. In order to fully understand and treat the myriad conditions related to the cardiovascular system, there are a number of cardiology branches in which doctors can specialize, including the following:

Cardiologist

A cardiologist is the most common cardiology specialist, with responsibility for diagnosing, treating, and managing cardiovascular and heart issues. In the course of identifying a patient's problem, a cardiologist may use stress tests, nuclear medicine injections, echocardiograms, ultrasound, and X-rays as diagnostic tools. There are several cardiologist subspecialties, including the following:

• Invasive cardiologist: An invasive cardiologist performs the same functions of a general cardiologist but also uses cardiac catheterization to search for faulty heart valves and blocked arteries.
• Noninvasive cardiologist: This type of cardiology specialist diagnoses and treats cardiovascular conditions such as blockages with the use of echocardiograms and stress tests.
• Interventional cardiologist: This cardiology subspecialist uses procedures that are minimally invasive, including angioplaty, insertion of stents, rotablator, and intravascular ultrasound.
• Pediatric cardiologist: This type of cardiologist works with hereditary and acquired heart problems in young patients, from pre-natal to young adult ages.

Cardiothoracic surgeon

A cardiology specialist skilled in the lungs, heart, and thorax, the cardiothoracic surgeon operates using coronary artery bypass to overcome blockages that cannot be treated with balloon or stent procedures. Correcting problematic heart valves and aneurysms are other typical responsibilities.

Thoracic surgeon

A thoracic surgeon performs operations to treat issues such as lung cancer or esophageal diseases.

Cardiac electrophysiologist

This cardiology specialist focuses on the heart's electrical activities by diagnosing and treating abnormal rhythms, fibrillation, and palpitations. The electrophysiologist runs tests through insertion of electrical leads into the heart muscle and uses radio waves to repair an irregular heartbeat.

Vascular surgeon

A vascular surgeon is a cardiology specialist who focuses on the veins, arteries, and lymphatic systems of the brain and heart. This type of surgeon treats peripheral arterial disease, works to prevent strokes, and installs stents in clogged blood vessels.

Conclusion

The complexities of the cardiovascular system warrant specially trained physicians who understand the inner workings of the heart, veins, and arteries and the diseases that can affect them. If you experience cardiovascular problems or are at risk for them, a cardiology specialist can help.

If you are experiencing cardiovascular symptoms and your physician has recommended a cardiology specialist, or if you have a personal or family history of heart disease, contact our office for a consultation.

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