Cardiologist

Conditions Treated

• •Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) — Narrowing or blockage of the heart's arteries due to cholesterol plaque buildup, the leading cause of heart attacks.
• •Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) — Persistently elevated blood pressure that damages blood vessels and increases heart attack/stroke risk.
• •Heart Failure — The heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs.
• •Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat) — Abnormal heart rhythm — too fast, too slow, or irregular. Includes atrial fibrillation, the most common type.
• •Valvular Heart Disease — One or more heart valves don't open or close properly, affecting blood flow through the heart.
• •Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) — Complete blockage of a coronary artery cutting off blood supply to heart muscle. A medical emergency.

Health Tips

• •Exercise 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days a week
• •Limit sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day
• •Get your lipid profile checked annually after age 30
• •Quit smoking completely
• •Monitor blood pressure at home if you're over 40
• •Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or regular breaks
• •Eat heart-healthy: more fibre, less fried food

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring all previous ECG, Echo, and stress test reports
• •Bring recent blood work — lipid profile, blood sugar, kidney function
• •List all current medications with exact dosages
• •Fast for 12 hours if a lipid profile or blood sugar test is expected
• •Note your family history of heart disease, diabetes, or sudden death
• •Expect physical examination — heart sounds with stethoscope, pulse check, blood pressure
• •An ECG (electrocardiogram) may be done on-site — takes 5 minutes, painless
• •Be prepared for an echocardiogram if this is your first cardiac visit
• •Describe chest pain precisely — location, duration, what triggers it, what relieves it
• •Mention all lifestyle factors — smoking, alcohol, exercise habits, stress levels
• •Take heart medications at the same time every day, even if you feel fine
• •Schedule follow-up in 3-6 months (or as advised)
• •Monitor blood pressure at home if advised — maintain a log
• •Red flags to watch: sudden chest pain, breathlessness at rest, fainting, rapid weight gain
• •Join a cardiac rehab program if recommended — improves outcomes significantly

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •What is my cardiovascular risk score?
• •Do I need an angiogram, or can an echo/stress test suffice?
• •Should I take a statin for cholesterol?
• •What lifestyle changes will have the biggest impact?
• •Are there generic alternatives to my heart medications?
• •How often do I need follow-up visits and tests?
• •What warning signs should I watch for at home?
• •Is my condition hereditary? Should my family get screened?

When to See a Specialist

A Cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. You should consult a Cardiologist when you experience heart-related symptoms or have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• •Chest pain or tightness, especially during exertion
• •Shortness of breath during normal activity or while lying down
• •Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or racing heart
• •Persistent high blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg)
• •Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
• •Dizziness or fainting spells
• •Family history of heart disease (parent or sibling before age 55)
• •Diabetes or high cholesterol not controlled by GP

If you experience sudden chest pain with sweating, pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, or sudden severe breathlessness, call emergency services (108) immediately — these may indicate a heart attack.