When Should You See a Cardiologist?

Before you read

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have severe or sudden chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, treat it as an emergency and call 1990 (Suwa Seriya) or go to the nearest emergency unit now.

What a cardiologist does

A cardiologist is a physician who specialises in the heart and blood vessels. People are usually referred by a family doctor or physician, though you can also channel one directly.

Reasons people see a cardiologist

• Chest discomfort or tightness, especially on exertion.
• Palpitations, or a racing or skipping heartbeat.
• Breathlessness that is new or getting worse.
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol that is hard to control.
• A family history of heart disease, or follow-up after a heart event.

These are reasons to seek assessment, not signs that something is certainly wrong. Only a doctor can examine you and decide.

What to expect at the visit

Bring previous reports, your current medicines, and any ECG or test results you already have. The cardiologist may listen to your heart, check your blood pressure, and arrange tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or exercise test. Write down your questions beforehand so the short consultation goes further.

Questions worth asking

• What is the likely cause of my symptoms, and what would rule it in or out?
• Do I need any tests, and what will they show?
• What can I do at home, with diet, activity and medicines?

Caring for your heart between visits

General heart-healthy habits, not smoking, staying active, and managing weight, blood pressure and sugar, help most people. Your own doctor is the right person to tailor advice to you.

Finding a cardiologist near you

On Docranka you can find cardiologists by city and hospital and read genuine patient experiences before you channel. Remember that reviews describe the experience of care, not clinical results.