Cardiologist - Heart Doctor: Chua Siang Jin Terrance (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if a cardiologist is good? ›

They can order tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, CTs (computed tomography), CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) and nuclear imaging to find out what's wrong.

Multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, being diabetic or smoking are all grounds for a referral to a heart doctor. So are things like being obese or overweight, a lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet.

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating problems of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiology is a high-stakes specialty. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG reflects what's happening in different areas of the heart and helps identify any problems with the rhythm or rate of your heart.

Diagnostic tests could include blood tests, cardiac CT scan, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, echocardiography, stress testing, electrocardiogram, and others.

In many hard-to-diagnose cases of heart disease, say the Atlanta doctors, the skilled physician's careful observation of the hands will yield valuable clues that the stethoscope and even the electrocardiograph do not disclose. * Thickening of the fingertip tissue.

A CT coronary angiogram can reveal plaque buildup and identify blockages in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Prior to the test, a contrast dye is injected into the arm to make the arteries more visible.

An EKG can show ischemia. This typically occurs due to a blockage in an artery of the heart, reducing blood flow to the organ. This lack of blood flow can cause changes that appear on EKG. Still, the exact location of the blockage cannot be known without doctors performing a procedure called left heart catheterization.

Finally, examining your neck can reveal possible circulatory problems. Your healthcare provider uses two fingers on each side of your neck to feel your carotid pulses. The right and left carotid arteries supply blood to your brain. Weak pulses could show a problem with the aortic valve or with the aorta.

What tests does a cardiologist do? ›

Dress appropriately: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may have to remove your shirt, take off your socks and shoes, or change into a gown. The health care team may ask you to wear a gown. One common in-office heart test, an electrocardiogram (EKG), involves sticking sensors to your skin.

And those risks increase exponentially once individuals reach 40 years of age. By middle age, it's a great practice to begin annual cardiology checkups. But don't let this be your starting point! A study from 2000-2016 has shown that heart attacks are occurring in young patients as early as those in their 20s.

The cardiologist may order diagnostic testing for the heart, such as blood tests, an X-ray, stress test or electrocardiogram. Further testing ensures you are getting the most accurate, complete diagnosis.

These doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems within the heart and surrounding arteries can answer all your questions and concerns about the three branches of cardiology: invasive, noninvasive, and interventional.

She advises future cardiologists to prioritize trust, knowledgeability, and impeccable listening skills when dealing with patients. “You have to work together and build a relationship.”

Write down your symptoms, when they occur and what makes them worse or better. List your cardiac risk factors, family history is especially important. Compile a list of your medications – include prescription medications and over-the-counter medications, including any vitamins and supplements.

A general cardiologist is an expert in the non-invasive evaluation and treatment of heart issues, meaning they do not perform invasive procedures on the heart.