Cardiologists have the training and experience to treat heart conditions to improve overall health. They help patients prevent and manage chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Since they are specialists, many people see them for the first time later in life. Knowing what to expect can make for a smoother first appointment if you have an appointment with a cardiologist.
A first visit to a cardiologist will focus on establishing care and evaluating the patient’s current heart health. This will provide insight into the patient’s overall health as well. The cardiologist will then be able to customize treatment accordingly. Below, have a closer look at what a patient’s first appointment will likely involve.
Symptoms
The cardiologist and their team will ask about the patient’s symptoms or why their primary care doctor referred them. This gives the patient a chance to discuss their main issues, such as chest pain and indigestion. They will then ask if the patient has experienced other symptoms of heart disease like excessive sweating or fatigue, tightness in the throat, swollen ankles, or pain in the legs, arms, jaw, or back.
Lifestyle
Next, the cardiologist will consider the patient’s lifestyle. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, a high-cholesterol diet, and a lack of exercise can contribute to heart disease. Cardiologists often recommend making lifestyle changes, such as following a healthier diet, as a part of treatment.
Medical history
The AHA further states that a family history of heart disease puts a patient at a higher risk for developing heart problems. Therefore, a cardiologist will ask about personal medical history as well as family medical history. This information can influence which treatment approaches, if any, are explored.
Vital signs
After hearing the patient’s personal account and history, the cardiologist will begin the physical examination. The first step will be to take vital signs, which include temperature, blood pressure, and pulse and respiration rate. The reason is that these signs, especially high blood pressure and a fast pulse, may indicate issues with the heart.
Overall heart health
The cardiologist will then conduct a short physical examination. This examination will include listening to the heart with a stethoscope and looking for signs of heart disease. For instance, they will look at the ankles to determine whether they are swollen and examine the blood vessels in the legs, arms, and neck.
Other medical tests
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, vital signs, and physical state, the cardiologist may order other medical tests to gain a clearer picture of the potential problem. Blood tests to check cholesterol are common. They may also do a chest X-ray and an EKG (electrocardiogram). From here, the cardiologist should have enough information to make a diagnosis and, if needed, move on to treatment and management of the patient’s condition.
Visiting the cardiologist for the first time is similar to getting an annual physical; the only difference is that they will focus on the heart. To learn more about what to expect, call our team at (561) 325-6495. We can also help you schedule an appointment with a Delray Beach cardiologist.
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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