A cardiologist is a specialist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. Top cardiologists in Sydney receive extensive education, knowledge, and training. Training often includes schooling of medical for four years and three years of general internal medicine training. After receiving general medical training, they spend three years or more in specialized training. After ten or more years of education and training, the cardiologist must pass a rigorous two-day examination provided by the Board of Internal Medicine. The test assesses their knowledge, judgment, and ability to provide superior care.
When Can I See A Cardiologist?
This type of doctor is not the primary health care provider. Cardiologists only work with people who need specialized heart care or who have had heart conditions in the past. Other health care providers may consult with you regarding heart disease or other conditions. You can see a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart disease or vascular problems. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Feeling fluttering in your chest
What Does A Cardiologist Do?
The cardiologist focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating cardiovascular disease (heart disease). The diseases are:
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias (arrhythmias)
- Heart valve problems
- Heart infections
A cardiologist usually checks their patients in their hospital or offices. They may:
- Do a physical examination
- Order some tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, exercise tests or cardiovascular studies
- Understand and interpret test results to assess the health status of a patient
- Provide treatment for the patient’s health conditions
- Advise lifestyle changes, such as healthy weight loss, dietary changes, stress management, and regular exercise
- Provide advice on preventing heart disease
- Perform other procedures such as cardiac catheterization or insert a pacemaker
- Refer to a heart surgeon or obstetrician if needed
- Some cardiologists may teach at universities and conduct research that can help create new treatments and diagnostics for heart problems.
When Should You Go To A Cardiologist?
Since cardiologists are specialist doctors, you will not be able to visit them for regular referrals when you visit a primary care provider. You can visit a cardiologist in the following cases:
- Your physician has referred you to a cardiologist
- Family history of cardiovascular disease (cardiovascular health conditions)
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
The Right Age To See a Cardiologist?
There is no recommended age for first consulting a cardiologist. It is recommended that you have an annual physical examination from a caring physician when you reach middle age. They can refer you to the top cardiologists in Sydney if necessary. You may need to see a cardiologist in advance if you have:
- Congenital heart disease.
- Your primary care physician has referred you
- An unhealthy lifestyle: Physical inactivity, excessive drinking, smoking, unhealthy diet, and stress factors.
- Chronic health conditions
- Symptoms of cardiovascular disease such as chest/jaw/shoulder pain, excessive sweating, heart rate, dizziness, and discomfort.
- The only card-related tests required by most people with no symptoms are measuring blood cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.