Cardiologist is a specialist who sees patients complaining of problems with the heart and blood vessels. Timely referral to a cardiologist makes it possible to prevent the occurrence and development of cardiac diseases. The doctor will not only detect the problems that have arisen, but also develop an individual treatment regimen, as well as prevent relapse.
What does a Heart Specialist treat?
In addition to treating diseases, the responsibility of practicing cardiologists includes rehabilitation, that is, restoring the health of people who have suffered any acute heart disease. The most common diseases that a cardiologist treats:
- heart defects (congenital and acquired);
- CAD (coronary heart disease) - malnutrition of the main heart muscle due to circulatory disorders in the coronary vessels;
- angina pectoris, which is expressed by attacks of pain in the heart region, arising from acute insufficiency of blood supply;
- inflammatory lesions of various parts of the heart - carditis (endocarditis, pericarditis, etc.). They have a variety of causes, but all lead to disorder of the muscles and blood vessels of the heart;
- established cardiac insufficiency of various etiologies;
- arrhythmias: bradycardia - a pathological decrease in the rhythm of cardiac contractions, tachycardia - a rapid rhythm of contractions, incomplete heart block - poor passage of a natural electrical impulse in certain parts of the heart and some other deviations of a similar nature;
- hypertension, since high blood pressure significantly hinders the work of the heart;
- thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, which are dangerous in terms of blockage of blood vessels;
- heart attacks and pre-infarction conditions;
- aneurysms (that is, abnormal bulging and thinning of the walls) of the aorta or other arteries.
When to see a cardiologist?
It is necessary to come to an appointment with a cardiologist and consult him if a person has increased fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, partial shortness of breath.
A visit to a cardiologist is required if the following obvious symptoms are present:
- pain in the chest in general and in the region of the heart, in particular;
- weakness, sweating, dizziness;
- fainting or light-headedness for no apparent reason;
- any long-term or unclear origin changes in heart rate, especially accompanied by a deterioration in well-being;
- swelling of the limbs, frequent or chronic swelling and pallor of the face;
- a sharp increase in weight, shortness of breath;
- increased fatigue, even if there are visible reasons, monitoring of the heart condition is necessary;
- hypertonic disease. One hypertensive crisis is a reason for consulting a cardiologist; planning pregnancy;
- rheumatism and any manifestations of a rheumatoid nature.
How is the appointment with a doctor?
The primary appointment with a cardiologist includes the collection of anamnesis (medical history) and complaints in cardiac and pericardial pathology, visual examination, palpation (filling), percussion (tapping), auscultation (listening to sounds) in cardiac and pericardial pathology, measurement of body weight, height, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure on peripheral vessels, pulse study, decoding, description and interpretation of electrocardiographic data.
How to choose the best cardiologists near you in Lagos?
On the jimeds.ng portal, you can see a list of cardiologists, read reviews about them and choose a suitable specialist in the nearest clinic. It is also worth paying attention to the education and work experience of the doctor indicated in the questionnaire. You can book an appointment by phone by choosing and agreeing on the required date and time.
