Your overall health is in the care of your primary physician. However, you may be referred to a cardiologist if your doctor believes you have a potential heart condition. Or maybe you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you and you want to have your heart health evaluated.
You’re in the Right Place
Cardiologists are heart specialists and heart experts. Their focus is on providing cardiac care: prevention, diagnosis, solutions, as well as cardiac rehabilitation and symptom management.
Cooper and Inspira cardiologists work together as a closely integrated team in offering the broadest range of advanced cardiac expertise and most comprehensive cardiac program in the region.
What to Expect
Every patient is different. Your first appointment will help you get to know your cardiologist so they can better understand your heart condition and any risk factors. You should be prepared to:
Discuss Your Medical History as Well as Your Family’s Medical History
Your cardiologist will want to know the details of your medical history, any symptoms, and any family history of heart disease.
Undergo a Physical Examination
Your cardiologist will want to check your weight and test for high blood pressure. They may perform an electrocardiogram (EKG), which will record the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions. Blood may be drawn and sent to a laboratory test to check your cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart disease.
Have Diagnostic Tests
The cardiologist may order other diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, stress test or sonogram. Testing is important to make certain you can get an accurate, complete diagnosis. Learn more about testing.
Get a Diagnosis and Recommendation
Your cardiologist will review the results of your lab findings and any other tests before creating a diagnosis and treatment plan. Based on your diagnosis, your Cooper and Inspira cardiologist may prescribe medications, suggest lifestyle changes, or refer you to a specialist cardiologist if needed.
Your Cardiologist Visit Checklist
Be prepared to provide the following information to make the most of your visit:
- Any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Your current medications, including the dose and when/how often you take them. Include non-prescription medicines and supplements.
- Your current health care providers, so we can communicate with you and each other.
- Any recent lab results.
- Any family history of heart disease: siblings and parents. Understanding family history helps your physician detect if heart disease runs in your family.
Bring Questions!
The more you know about your heart health, the better. Here are some common questions patients ask our cardiologists:
- Are there lifestyle changes I should make?
- Can you explain what these tests or lab results mean?
- What does my diagnosis mean?
- How will I know if my condition is getter better or worse?
Your heart is in good hands at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care.
Call to schedule your appointment today!
