What is the competence of a cardiologist and what tests does he prescribe?

With atherosclerosis, fat accumulates and connective tissue grows in the artery wall.

The integrity of the inner lining of the vessels is compromised, their lumen narrows, which leads to an obstruction to the blood supply to organs and tissues.

Diagnosis requires consultation with a therapist, cardiologist, and other specialists, as well as a study of the lipid spectrum of the blood, ultrasound of blood vessels, heart, and angiography.

???? Read in this article

Examination by specialists for atherosclerosis

Most often, an assumption about the presence of atherosclerosis in a patient may arise from a local therapist or family doctor. The process of changes in the walls of blood vessels develops in almost all people after 45 years.

But its manifestations and severity are different. After the doctor ascertains the complaints, he gives a referral for biochemical blood tests to confirm elevated cholesterol levels, low-density lipids and an ECG.

Following the initial diagnosis, as a rule, it is recommended to consult such specialists for a more in-depth examination:

• cardiologist – examines damage to the heart and large arteries;
• vascular surgeon – identifies circulatory disorders in the lower extremities;
• neurologist - determines the degree of blood flow in the vessels of the brain;
• endocrinologist – examines the thyroid gland, hormones, etc. (and atherosclerosis is often a sign of diabetes);
• ophthalmologist - examines changes in vision.

What will the doctor reveal during the examination?

To make a diagnosis, the following patient complaints are important:

• headache, dizziness, tinnitus;
• paroxysmal weakness and numbness in the limbs;
• during physical activity there is difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and pain in the chest;
• When walking you need to stop because of pain in your legs.

Upon examination, nonspecific signs are revealed:

• xanthomas - yellow spots on the lower eyelids;
• xanthelasma - cholesterol deposits on the outer surface of the elbow joints and heel tendons;
• clouding of the iris in the form of a crescent;
• tortuous, dense temporal and brachial arteries;
• difference in pulse filling in the extremities.

High blood pressure, systolic murmur at the apex of the heart, accentuated 2nd tone above the aorta are often detected.

What tests to take for atherosclerosis and their interpretation

The diagnosis of atherosclerosis can take place in several stages. First, the lipid composition of the blood is examined, and then instrumental diagnostics of the vascular network is carried out.

Blood tests, including biochemical

A general blood test is not very informative; sugar may be elevated, which requires an in-depth study of carbohydrate metabolism.

To determine the risk of cardiovascular pathology, an indicator called the atherogenicity index is used.

This is the ratio of the concentration of total blood cholesterol to low-density lipoproteins.

If it is below 2.9, then the patient’s probability of developing atherosclerosis is low, the average risk is up to 4.9, and higher values ​​indicate 100% atherosclerotic vascular damage.

Ultrasound of blood vessels, including lower extremities

The patency of the arteries is determined, the disturbance of blood flow, the presence of signs of thrombosis or blockage by atherosclerotic plaque are assessed. The method is used for reduced pulsation in the feet, popliteal and femoral arteries, as well as differences in pulse filling in the lower extremities. An indirect symptom is slow healing of wounds at the site of impaired blood supply.

X-ray examination

Allows you to establish signs of atherosclerosis of the heart (coronary arteries), aorta, pulmonary artery:

• the size of the heart is increased, mainly due to the left ventricle;
• There may be symptoms - bulging of the area, most often on the left;
• elongation of the aorta, pathological bend, increased shadow contrast, areas;
• when the pulmonary artery is damaged, the pulmonary pattern is enhanced, and there are aneurysmal changes in the branches.

On an x-ray (direct projection): a penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcer with a false aneurysm (shown by an arrow).

Cardiogram (ECG)

With coronary heart disease, as the main manifestation of atherosclerosis, symptoms on an ECG during a routine study are not very specific, especially in the initial stages: arrhythmia, conduction disturbances. Therefore, more complete information can be obtained from load tests.

Stress testing for atherosclerosis

Several options for physical activity are used to determine its tolerance:

• climbing onto a step platform (Master's test);
• – riding a special bicycle;
• – walking on a treadmill.

Bicycle ergometry

In case of joint diseases or thrombophlebitis, as well as general detraining, they are replaced with pharmacological tests with Isadrin or Ergometrine.

These studies are considered positive (the diagnosis is confirmed) if the patient experiences chest pain of a typical nature for angina pectoris, a greater than normal increase in heart rate, a decrease in pressure by 25% or less, a change in the location of the ST segment in relation to the isoline.

Ankle-brachial index

The pressure on the shoulder is measured in a standard way in the supine position, and then the cuff is installed 5 cm above the ankle. is calculated by dividing the systolic pressure indicators - ankle by brachial. The norm at rest is from 1 to 1.3.

ABI measurement

When the coefficient changes, the following pathology can be suspected:

• less than 0.4 – severe arterial blockage, risk of trophic ulcers and gangrene;
• from 0.41 to 0.9 – moderate or mild degree of circulatory impairment, angiographic examination is necessary;
• from 0.9 to 1 – the upper limit of normal, pain may occur during physical activity;
• more than 1.3 – the vessel wall is dense, rigid, a symptom of diabetes or kidney failure.

Dopplerography

Using Doppler, the speed of blood flow in the vessels of the neck, brain and lower extremities is determined. Most often, a duplex or triplex study is prescribed, in which scanning is performed using ultrasound and visualization on the screen of blood supply disorders and the location of atherosclerotic plaques.

Ultrasound of neck vessels: stenosis of the external carotid artery due to atherosclerosis

Vascular contrast

By filling the vascular network with a contrast agent, narrowing of the lumen, obliteration (blockage), the affected area and the state of regional blood flow, and the development of bypass pathways - collaterals can be detected.

The following types of diagnostics are used:

• aortography,
• angiography of peripheral vessels,
• coronary angiography.

Tomographic research methods

With this technique, a contrast agent is injected intravenously, and then an image of the vascular arterial network is obtained using a tomograph. Using the device, disturbances in the structure, location and functioning of large and peripheral vessels are detected. To diagnose atherosclerosis the following is used:

• MRI of extremity vessels;
• CT scan of the aorta;
• peripheral tomographic arteriography;
• multislice CT of the aorta, coronary vessels, renal and extremity arteries.

MRI of vessels of the lower extremities

These methods are among the most informative; they are used to determine the scope of surgical intervention and in complex diagnostic cases.

To identify atherosclerosis, the patient’s complaints and examination data are taken into account, but in order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct an analysis of the lipid composition of the blood, as well as ultrasound and angiographic examination of the arterial network. The most informative are tomographic methods.

Source: https://stomatp22.ru/kakie-obsledovaniya-naznachaet-kardiolog-kardiolog-chem-zanimaetsya.html

Cardiologist: who is he, what does he do, where does he see him, price

If you are concerned about weakness, malaise and shortness of breath, then you should probably make an appointment with a therapist. He, in turn, after listening to complaints and an initial visual inspection. He will redirect you to a more highly specialized doctor for advice - to a cardiologist.

Who is a cardiologist

According to the WHO classification of cardiovascular diseases, a lot is known.

A cardiologist is a general specialist. Engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.

A special role is given to prevention and conducting explanatory conversations with patients. This is done to avoid the development and recurrence of serious pathologies associated with the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiology is a broad field in medicine, so a cardiologist may have a narrower specialization:

• angiologist with activities to identify and treat cardiac arrhythmias;
• an arrhythmologist involved in the restoration and preservation of the functioning of the cardiac organs;
• cardiorheumatologist, who may require consultation if you already have heart disease. Or after a heart attack or surgery;
• phlebologist, making an appointment with whom can become a vital necessity. For vasculitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins;
• a cardiac surgeon who performs open (closed) heart surgery;
• angiosurgeon - a vascular specialist.

A special activity is carried out by a pediatric cardiologist - a specialist in the structural features of the heart in children under 18 years of age. Able to quickly identify congenital (acquired) defects. Make an accurate diagnosis and carry out therapeutic actions, heart surgery if necessary.

What vascular pathologies does it treat?

The competence of a cardiologist includes the treatment of the following diseases:

• heart failure (of any etiology);
• arrhythmia;
• ischemia;
• stenosis of the aortic, tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary valve;
• aortic aneurysm;
• angina pectoris;
• thrombophlebitis, thrombosis;
• heart injury;
• tumor;
• atherosclerosis;
• congenital (acquired) heart and valve defects;
• bradycardia;
• tachycardia;
• hypertension, hypotension;
• post-infarction cardiosclerosis.

The cardiologist is obliged:

• promptly identify or prevent heart disease;
• take measures to prevent the development of complications or secondary prevention (if heart disease progresses);
• select optimal treatment methods with an individual approach to each patient;
• monitor the well-being of a patient who has undergone open (closed) heart surgery during the rehabilitation period.

Almost all heart diseases are associated with myocardial dysfunction. If you suspect or experience unpleasant symptoms, you should not delay visiting a cardiologist and undergoing diagnostics.

What symptoms should you contact a cardiologist for?

Today, problems with the heart and blood vessels are experienced not only by older people, but also by younger people (after 30 years).

You should contact a cardiologist if you experience:

• blueness of lips, earlobes;
• pallor of the skin;
• swelling of the limbs;
• puffiness of the face;
• increased heart rate, heart rate over 100 beats/min;
• shortness of breath that occurs even at rest;
• pressure surges;
• dizziness;
• frequent headaches, especially after worries or overwork;
• unreasonable addition of extra pounds;
• stabbing, aching pain behind the sternum, in the heart;
• hypertensive crisis.

Mandatory consultation with a cardiologist is carried out for:

• women at the stage of planning pregnancy, also in the early stages;
• diabetics;
• people suffering from high cholesterol or overweight.

The risk group includes patients whose immediate relatives have previously suffered from vascular and heart diseases.

Where does a cardiologist see, prices

You can make an appointment with a cardiologist at the municipal (district) clinic at your place of residence.

Contact the reception desk and receive a coupon for a free initial consultation and diagnosis.

The best vascular cardiologists are hired on a paid basis in private clinics and cardio centers. The average price for the service costs -1200-2100 rubles.

What does a cardiologist do when seeing a patient?

The initial examination by a cardiologist begins with:

• listening to complaints, disturbing symptoms;
• collecting information about the patient;
• Finding out whether direct relatives suffered from heart disease. Does the patient have a blood disease (endocrine system). Has diabetes mellitus been previously detected, or has heart surgery been performed;
• the presence of bad habits, hereditary predisposition;
• palpating the heart area, performing percussion or finger tapping;
• listening to heart murmurs with a stethoscope;
• measuring blood pressure with a tonometer;
• detecting pulsations in the arm to obtain information about heart rate;
• conducting electrocardiography, echocardiography.

It is important for patients to understand how an appointment with a cardiologist takes place. This makes it easier to carry out preparatory procedures and collect the necessary tests in advance.

What methods of vascular diagnostics does a cardiologist use?

To conduct a full examination and clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental examination methods from a cardiologist. And a list of procedures for vascular disease:

• Complete blood test for creatinine, urea, liver enzyme levels. Allowing to identify the causes of complaints in patients, although it is not directly related to cardiovascular pathologies;
• urine test (general) to obtain an estimate of the number of ESR, leukocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocytes. Thus, the predominant number of leukocytes is observed in pericarditis and myocardial infarction. And low hemoglobin - with oxygen starvation of the heart muscle and arrhythmia;
• blood test for biochemistry to determine the amount of glucose (%). If you suspect the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus

Hardware research methods:

• electrocardiography;
• chest x-ray;
• coronary angiography;
• transesophageal electrical stimulation of the heart (echocardiography);
• angiocardiography, cardiac catheterization;
• sphygmography;
• MRI;
• positron emission tomography;
• Holter monitoring;
• phonocardiography;
• duplex scanning of blood vessels.

Echocardiography is often performed to evaluate the effects of medications or exercise on the heart if the disease has already progressed.

Sometimes a doctor prescribes daily monitoring of heart function (blood pressure). With small portable devices attached to the patient's body.

How is the treatment carried out?

Vascular diseases require an integrated approach to treatment. Most often, medications of various pharmacological groups are prescribed:

• anticoagulants (Warfarin, Heparin) to prevent blood clotting;
• drugs with nitrates (Nitromint, Nitroglycerin) to reduce myocardial ischemia and improve the function of coronary vessels;
• antiplatelet agents (Ticlopidine, Aspirin) to prevent blood clots;
• beta blockers (Atenolol, Propranolol) to minimize heart rate;
• diuretics (Veroshpiron, Furosemide) to relieve swelling, normalize blood pressure in particular.

It is possible to prescribe cardiac glycosides, angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

Under no circumstances should you take medications without your doctor's permission. To avoid the development of complications and deterioration of well-being. When applying for the first time, it is important for patients to understand what tests they need to go to an appointment with a cardiologist.

In severe, advanced cases, after a full examination, the doctor decides to perform surgery.

The choice of tactics should provide maximum benefit and reduce risks to the life and health of the patient.

Vascular surgeons are often involved in the procedures and perform operations. And subsequent catheterization of the heart cavity or large veins.

Options for performed operations:

• balloon angioplasty;
• stenting of large vessels, coronary arteries;
• mitral valve replacement;
• shunting of blood vessels to bypass the affected areas;
• pericardiocentesis to eliminate cardiac tamponade;
• transplantation is a rare procedure, but applicable in the treatment of congenital heart defects in children.

The need for surgery arises in the following diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• thromboangiitis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• vein thrombosis;
• varicocele;
• diabetic angiopathy;
• phlebeurysm;
• encephalopathy;
• obstruction of the patency of the brachiocephalic vessels.

Doctor's recommendations

You can make an appointment with a doctor not only for diagnosis and treatment. But also obtaining information and valuable advice on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Learn how to eat right and what lifestyle to lead. Preventing the development of complex diseases of the heart and blood vessels means:

• eliminate negative habits (smoking, alcohol);
• Avoid excessive intake of strong coffee, tea, and energy drinks;
• prevent conflict situations and stress;
• walk more in the fresh air;
• carry out water procedures, massage;
• dose sports, exercising 3-4 times a week;
• improve your diet by including fish, nuts, lean meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables that are healthy for your heart and blood vessels;
• fight weight, since it is the extra pounds that lead to wear and tear on the heart and increased stress.

Cardiovascular pathologies account for over 50% of premature deaths in people from heart attack and stroke.

Therefore, doctors advise leading a measured lifestyle and periodically restoring mental balance:

• provide massage, art therapy;
• practice meditation;
• do not strain the heart by forcing it to work harder;
• Be examined by a cardiologist once a year. Especially with a hereditary predisposition to the development of heart disease. Or elderly men who are uninsured against the rapid development of stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

The insidiousness of heart and vascular diseases is asymptomatic at first. Inaction can lead to disability and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment are carried out by a cardiologist.

If you are constantly worried about shortness of breath and pain in the heart. Then it's time to make an appointment with an experienced specialist.

Source: https://venaprof.ru/kardiolog/

What tests are needed for an appointment with a cardiologist - Self-register with a doctor online

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are widespread and rank first in the world in mortality. Modern methods for diagnosing pathologies such as acute and chronic myocardial damage and arterial hypertension, as well as correctly selected treatment, can significantly prolong the patient’s life.

A specialist cardiologist whose activities affect not only the process of diagnosing heart and vascular diseases, but also prescribing adequate therapy and preventive measures.

General

A patient suffering from heart pain should not take the occurrence of such a serious symptom lightly. In this case, you should seek help from a cardiologist without delay.

A specialist will select the appropriate treatment and help you cope with the problem. It is possible that a course of manual therapy will come to the aid of the patient and relieve him of heart pain, or surgical intervention will be required.

It all depends on the diagnosis.

Often we don’t even think about what difficult conditions we create for our heart:

• Frequent stress;
• Tobacco smoking;
• Alcohol consumption;
• Poor nutrition;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Excess body weight.

All this negatively affects the work of this important organ.

The heart must function in conditions of human activity, ensuring a long life. Therefore, it is very important to treat your body with care, listen to it, ensuring work without failures.

In case of heart disease, contacting a cardiologist is very important, because sometimes a visit to the clinic can save a life.

The main signs of cardiac disease include:

1. Pain localized in the heart and behind the sternum. They usually radiate to the left side or arm;
2. Shortness of breath accompanying physical activity;
3. Arrhythmia;
4. Cardiopalmus;
5. Swelling of the legs;
6. High blood pressure.

All of the above symptoms are a serious reason to suspect disorders of the cardiovascular system, the treatment of which requires considerable effort, both on the part of the patient and on the part of the cardiologist.

What tests should you take before visiting a cardiologist?

Having made an appointment with a specialist, patients often ask the question: “What tests should I take with me to my appointment with a cardiologist?”

Below is a list of studies to facilitate history taking and diagnosis:

24-hour blood pressure and ECG monitoring

This is a study that allows you to record electrocardiogram and blood pressure readings for 24 hours in natural human living conditions.

This method of monitoring heart rate not only records the indicator per day, but also provides the opportunity to detect disturbances provoked by physical activity or emotional stress during changes in blood pressure.

Also, the recorder device makes it possible to study the activity of the heart and pressure indicators during night rest, identify coronary artery disease, establish fainting conditions and verify the effectiveness of the therapy used. In addition, the study demonstrates an association between hypertension and angina.

The patient should not forget that the recorder is highly sensitive to electromagnetic radiation.

When choosing clothes, you should prefer a loose fit and natural fabrics.

The device consists of a recording box worn over the shoulder and electrodes attached to the patient's body. During the examination period, the person records information about the type of physical activity, indicating time intervals and footnotes about well-being. Upon completion of the observation, the diary is handed over along with the device to the staff of the medical institution.

The readings taken are deciphered using a special computer program. The result is given to the patient after 2-3 days;

Electrocardiography

This is a diagnostic method that allows you to record information about the activity of the heart, the principle of which is to record the electrical potentials that arise during the operation of the organ in the form of a graph on a monitor or on paper.

An ECG is a low-cost, non-invasive test that contains information about the functioning of the heart. Electrocardiography is recorded from the surface of the patient’s body (his arms, legs and chest). Data recording is carried out for 5-10 minutes, using a dozen electrodes or suction cups and cuffs.

ECG is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows you to assess the regularity of heart contractions, their frequency, and consider the source of the rhythm;

Ultrasound of the heart and large vessels

A cardiac examination is a safe, informative way to obtain information about the condition of the heart and blood vessels. This diagnostic method is widely used in cardiology; it is safe and does not cause any discomfort for the patient.

Echocardiography - performed using ultrasound equipment, large vessels and the heart are examined, blood flow is assessed, and tissue structure is studied.

The research procedure does not have a negative impact on humans and does not involve the use of X-ray or radioactive radiation, and therefore has no contraindications or side effects.

• Ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels is performed within 30-40 minutes and does not require preparatory measures;

Blood chemistry

This research does not require serious material costs. The diagnostic method is an accessible and quick examination that allows you to identify disturbances in the functioning of the body.

The patient's blood is taken to evaluate many indicators. In laboratory conditions, the material is studied. The amount and concentration of chemicals is recorded. When there are disturbances in the functioning of the body, the composition of the blood undergoes changes.

The biomaterial is taken on an empty stomach, in the morning. Venous blood is required for the study. Three days later, the result is given to the patient.

Attention! It must be taken into account that the norms of biochemical analysis for males and females may differ and also depend on the age category;

UAC

The analysis helps the doctor obtain information about the number of leukocytes, platelets, red blood cells in the blood, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, erythrocyte indices, and other indicators.

According to available data, a cardiologist can identify the presence of problems such as:

• Low hemoglobin level, which indicates impaired kidney function, anemia, internal bleeding;
• A decrease in red blood cells, which is a symptom of chronic inflammation or cancer;
• Lack of red blood cells, which causes problems with blood clotting;
• A high level of leukocytes, indicating existing inflammation;
• A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a sign of an inflammatory process.

The patient is given a conclusion on the results of the analysis 1-2 days after the material is collected. Blood is donated on an empty stomach early in the morning. On the eve of the visit to the laboratory, you should avoid physical and emotional stress and drinking alcoholic beverages;

OAM

If the cardiovascular system malfunctions, the patient’s urine undergoes some changes. For example, heart failure affects the density and color of the biomaterial, and hypertension can cause the formation of sediment.

To obtain reliable information about the state of the body, morning urine (first urination) should be collected. It is released into the toilet for a few seconds, after which the material is collected in a sterile container. The study requires 50 to 100 milliliters of liquid.

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases can be carried out both in a hospital and on an outpatient basis. Therapy is carried out using the most modern techniques:

1. Pharmacogenetics;
2. Drug treatment;
3. Cardiac surgery;
4. Extracarporal hemocorrection.

Source: https://zapis-online.ru/registratura/kakie-analizy-nuzhny-na-priem-k-kardiologu/

Cardiologist: what does this doctor treat?

A cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses, treats and prevents inflammatory, metabolic and degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. The cardiologist also deals with the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered cardiovascular diseases or have undergone surgery on the heart and blood vessels.

You should contact a cardiologist if you experience discomfort, chest pain, frequent increases in blood pressure, or if other symptoms of cardiovascular pathologies occur.

What diseases does a cardiologist treat?

Cardiovascular diseases, which a cardiologist deals with, can be classified into diseases of the circulatory system, including coronary, heart, artery, vein and heart attacks.

The most common problems faced by a cardiologist are:

1. Congenital or acquired heart disease - damage to valves, septa, and myocardial vessels.
2. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pathology of the coronary vessels, due to which the heart does not receive the nutrition it needs.
3. Heart failure is the inability of the myocardium to provide the necessary quality of blood flow in the organs and tissues of the body.
4. Angina pectoris is one of the forms of coronary artery disease.
5. Inflammatory diseases of one or another part of the myocardium - carditis.
6. Disturbances in the rhythm of the heart muscle (arrhythmia) - pathological slowing of the pulse (bradycardia), pathological increase in the frequency of heart contractions (tachycardia).
7. Violation of the structure of the abdominal, thoracic aorta - aneurysm.
8. Inflammation of the walls and blockage of blood vessels, most often the veins of the lower extremities - thrombosis, thrombophlebitis.
9. Rheumatic carditis is damage to the muscles and valves of the heart due to a rheumatic attack caused by infection with streptococcal microorganisms.
10. Varicose veins, most often in the lower body and legs.
11. Vascular atherosclerosis is the formation of cholesterol plaques inside the vessels and the gradual narrowing of the lumen of the vessels with impaired blood circulation.
12. Heart attacks and pre-infarction conditions.
13. Cerebrovascular accident – ​​stroke.
14. Cardiomyopathy is a pathological weakening of the heart muscle.
15. High blood pressure – arterial hypertension (hypertension).
16. Reduced blood pressure – hypotension.

This is not a complete list of diseases and conditions that fall within the professional interests of a cardiologist, but these are the most common and dangerous.

Important! Any pathology of the cardiovascular system can significantly worsen the patient’s quality of life, negatively affect the condition of the entire body, and even cause death.

A cardiologist deals not only with identifying and treating CVDs, but also with their prevention. It identifies, evaluates and eliminates risk factors for pathologies of the cardiovascular system. He also gives recommendations regarding correction of the patient’s lifestyle.

to contents ^

Indications for contacting a cardiologist

You need to make an appointment with a cardiologist if the following symptoms occur:

• Pain, discomfort in the middle of the chest, jaw, head, arms (left shoulder).
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, lack of air, suffocation.
• Syncope – dizziness, fainting, presyncope.
• Constant weakness, lack of strength, confusion, unconsciousness, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Numbness of any part of the body, including limbs and face.
• Speech or vision problems.
• Edema of the lower extremities.
• Difficulty gait, problems with reaction and coordination of movements.
• Increased pressure.
• Any rheumatoid manifestations.
• Heart rhythm disturbance.
• Increased sweating, paleness, blue discoloration of the skin.
• Fast weight gain.
• Inability to even perform light physical activity, for example, difficulty walking up one flight of stairs.
• Elevated levels of glucose or lipids in the blood.

  Anesthesiologist: what does this doctor treat?

• In this video, a cardiologist explains how to distinguish normal chest pain from that caused by heart problems:
• Also, people who are at risk for diseases of the cardiovascular system should undergo regular examination by a cardiologist:

• People over 40 years of age.
• People who have systemic diseases, for example, diabetes.
• People who have a hereditary predisposition to CVD.
• People who smoke and/or regularly drink alcoholic beverages eat unhealthy, fatty and highly salted foods.
• People with significant excess body weight, obesity.
• People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are physically inactive.
• People whose professional activities are associated with constant stress, conflict or tense situations.
• It is also mandatory for a woman to visit a cardiologist when planning to conceive or in the first trimester of pregnancy.

to contents ^

Features of an appointment with a cardiologist, methods for diagnosing CVD

Preparation for an initial consultation with a cardiologist includes the following points:

• It is necessary to remember and preferably write down everything related to the symptoms - when they first appeared, what kind of unpleasant sensations are expressed, how often they occur, and what factors contribute to the appearance of disturbing signs.
• It is necessary to prepare a list of all medications that the patient is taking (which pills help and why, who prescribed them, how effective they are).
• If the patient has any medical documents (medical record or extract from it, test results), take it with you to the appointment with the cardiologist.
• On the eve of your appointment with a cardiologist, you should avoid procedures that may affect the diagnostic results. That is, do not visit the sauna, bathhouse, take a hot bath, do not drink alcohol and drugs that stimulate cardiac activity (unless they are prescribed by a doctor). And also reduce physical activity as much as possible, refuse sports and sex.
• If possible, the day before the consultation you should measure your blood pressure - morning and evening.
• Carry out hygiene procedures and wear loose, comfortable clothing, opaque underwear - the cardiologist will most likely ask the patient to remove outer clothing during the examination.

An appointment with a cardiologist begins with taking an anamnesis. The patient must answer all the doctor’s questions in as much detail and truthfully as possible and tell about his complaints and feelings.

There are topics that the patient may not want to discuss, for example, facts about his smoking or excessive drinking.

However, you cannot hide anything from the doctor, because this may affect the quality and effectiveness of treatment.

  Phlebologist - what kind of specialist is he and what pathologies does he treat?

After talking with the patient, the doctor will conduct a physical examination:

• Assess the condition and color of the mucous membranes and skin.
• Examine the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.
• He will palpate the abdominal area, chest, and assess whether there are visually noticeable deformations in the heart area.
• The doctor will measure your pulse and blood pressure and listen to your heart rhythm.
• Measures the patient's height and weight to determine body mass index.

To further clarify the clinical picture of the disease, the following studies may be prescribed:

• Blood and urine tests - general and biochemical.
• Blood test for sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Coagulogram.
• Echocardiography.
• Electrocardiogram.
• Electrocardiogram with exercise (bicycle ergometer, treadmill test).
• X-ray of the heart.
• Ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels.
• MRI.
• Vascular catheterization.
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring or ECG.

After the patient has completed all the prescribed diagnostic procedures, the doctor examines the research results and gives a preliminary or final conclusion about the nature and nature of the pathology, as well as the degree of functional disorders of the cardiovascular system.

After this, treatment is prescribed. Typically, the diagnosis occurs at a secondary consultation, but this can also be done on the day of the first visit to the doctor.

to contents ^

Treatment methods used by cardiologists

Therapy for cardiovascular diseases is focused on conservative, that is, non-surgical methods. Among them are the prescription of drug therapy, normalization of lifestyle, a gradual increase in physical activity, the introduction of a diet and sanatorium-resort treatment, and rehabilitation of patients.

Most often, cardiologists prescribe complex therapy with pharmacological drugs of different groups:

1. Nitrate-based products improve the condition and function of coronary vessels and reduce myocardial ischemia. This is Nitroglycerin, Nitromint.
2. Antiplatelet agents – prevent blood clots. These are drugs based on aspirin and ticlopedin.
3. Anticoagulants - prevent blood clotting - Heparin, Warfarin.
4. Beta blockers - reduce heart rate - Atenolol, Succinate, Propranolol.
5. Calcium channel blockers - help lower blood pressure - Verapamil, Amlodipine.
6. Diuretics - reduce blood pressure and swelling - Furosemide, Veroshpiron.

In most cases, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, lipid-lowering, antiarrhythmic drugs, and cardiac glycosides are also prescribed.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to prescribe medications on your own, as the condition may worsen and complications may arise.

A cardiologist is a doctor who deals with congenital or acquired cardiovascular pathologies.

Considering that CVDs rank first in mortality and disability (48% of total mortality), and also that in the initial stages such diseases are practically asymptomatic, periodic consultation with a cardiologist is required for absolutely all people.

Source: https://vrachibolezni.ru/vrachi/kardiolog/

Cardiologist

Cardiology is one of the branches of medical science that studies the structure and functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, determines norms and deviations from them, and studies the etiology of diseases of the cardiovascular system. A cardiologist is a medical specialist whose competence includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and pathological conditions of the heart and blood vessels.

Why do cardiovascular diseases occur?

Modern man is susceptible to early wear and tear of the heart muscle and the development of diseases of the circulatory system. This is due to the influence of the following factors on the body:

• fast pace of life with disruption of rest and sleep patterns;
• influence of stressful situations;
• poor quality of food;
• eating foods high in carbohydrates and fats, which has an extremely negative effect on the condition of blood vessels;
• bad ecology;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases that most people experience on their feet;
• lack of vitamins

Congenital pathologies and chronic diseases increase the likelihood of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system.

What diseases are included in the specialization of a cardiologist?

A cardiologist deals with the following diseases and pathologies of the heart muscle and blood vessels:

• acquired defects - defects in the structure and functioning of heart valves, stenosis, cardiac pathologies of an autoimmune nature;
• congenital heart defects – aortic stenosis, cardiac septal defects;
• hypertension;
• cardiac ischemia;
• heart attack;
• angina pectoris;
• arrhythmia – heart rhythm disorder of any nature;
• aneurysm – thinning of the arterial wall;
• inflammatory processes of the heart muscles - myocarditis, pericarditis;
• heart failure;
• atherosclerosis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• embolism.

The list of these diseases is very long. A cardiologist is a specialist who not only diagnoses the disease, but also investigates the cause of its occurrence in order to subsequently avoid relapse after treatment.

What signs indicate the need to visit a cardiologist?

Indications for contacting a cardiologist are the following patient conditions:

• frequent surges in blood pressure;
• interruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle;
• dyspnea;
• frequent feeling as if there is not enough air;
• chest pain radiating to the left arm and shoulder blade;
• sudden decrease in blood pressure;
• the presence of excess body weight, which often provokes dysfunction of the heart muscle;
• frequent attacks of headache;
• rapid fatigue after minor exertion;
• dizziness.

You should consult a doctor as soon as these signs appear. Heart disease develops rapidly, and if you ignore the need to see a doctor immediately, serious complications can arise.

How does an appointment with a specialist take place?

At the first consultation, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, collects an anamnesis, which takes into account cases of heart disease among close blood relatives. The cardiologist measures the pulse and blood pressure.

The pulse is measured in both arms at rest and after a little physical activity (the patient is asked to sit down several times or do a few jumps in place), listening to the heartbeat using a phonendoscope. The patient’s physiological parameters are measured - height, weight, and the mass index is calculated to determine the tendency to obesity.

To obtain a complete, detailed picture of the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels, a number of laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed.

Medical examination

To obtain a detailed picture of the patient’s health status, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:

• general and detailed blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• study of kidney condition;
• Analysis of urine.

Instrumental diagnostic methods:

• electrocardiography;
• dopplerography;
• angioscanning;
• CT scan;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• ultrasound examination using contrast.

The patient needs to undergo tests with functional load and walking. Blood pressure is monitored per day - within 24 hours it is necessary to regularly measure the pressure and record the indicators in a table.

Specifics of the work of a cardiologist-rheumatologist

This medical specialty deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a disease such as rheumatism - an inflammatory process in the connective tissues of the heart muscle in the membranes of the organ. The cause of the disease is the penetration of the infectious pathogen streptococcus into the body.

The disease affects joint tissue, causing severe complications in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. The extensive etiology of the disease, the diversity of the symptomatic picture and the high likelihood of complications - all this requires careful diagnosis and individual treatment methods. That is why there is a separate medical specialty - cardiologist-rheumatologist.

Pediatric cardiologist

Heart disease in patients from birth to adulthood is, unfortunately, not uncommon. A pediatric cardiologist diagnoses and treats such diseases.

This specialization includes the treatment of defects, both congenital and acquired. A pediatric cardiologist-rheumatologist treats inflammatory processes that affect connective tissue - arthritis, arthrosis, collagenosis.

Indications for consulting an infant with a cardiologist

You should visit a pediatric cardiologist with your baby if you have the following symptoms:

• the number of heart beats exceeds 130;
• after eating, the child’s skin in the nasolabial triangle turns blue;
• the baby gets tired quickly while sucking the breast;
• fainting conditions;
• swelling of the joints.

Such signs indicate pathologies of the heart muscle. The earlier they are diagnosed and treated, the less likely they are to develop complications.

Preschool children - when to see a doctor?

At the age of 3-9 years, various pathologies in the functioning of the heart are associated in most cases with previous infectious and viral diseases - sore throat, ARVI, influenza. Signs that, if detected, require consultation with a pediatric cardiologist, are as follows:

• acute pain in the heart area;
• dyspnea;
• feeling of lack of air;
• rapid fatigue with minimal physical exertion;
• chronic tonsillitis;
• fainting;
• swelling of the joints.

It is necessary to consult a doctor after suffering severe forms of sore throat or flu.

Teenagers – when is it necessary to consult a cardiologist?

During puberty, a teenager’s body undergoes a number of changes that can provoke the development of heart pathologies, which for a long period occur in a latent form and do not have a pronounced symptomatic picture.

Signs of pathological conditions of the heart muscle and blood vessels, if detected, it is necessary to consult a pediatric cardiologist:

• the child has a hard time with standard physical activity for adolescence;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• frequent attacks of pain in the left arm and shoulder blade;
• puberty occurs much faster than that of peers.

Particular attention should be paid to children who eat too much fatty foods and regularly drink carbonated drinks and are overweight. It is necessary to take a teenager for a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist in cases where he is actively involved in a certain sports discipline, which involves intense physical activity.

Source: https://nebolet.com/vrachi/kardiolog.html

What tests does a cardiologist need?

1. Necessary tests
2. Diagnostics of the cardiovascular system

The work of a cardiologist is related to the diagnosis, prescription of necessary preventive measures or treatment of heart diseases: arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, blood vessels and many other complications. In addition, a cardiologist not only diagnoses diseases of the cardiovascular system, but also actively participates in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients. In order to undergo diagnostics, receive an accurate diagnosis and correct recommendations for further treatment of heart disease, you need to take all the necessary tests in advance before visiting a cardiologist, as well as have an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an ultrasound examination of the heart (ultrasound). This will provide the doctor with significant assistance in selecting an effective treatment regimen.

A mandatory visit to a cardiologist is necessary in cases of acute pain in the chest, discomfort in the left arm and shoulder blade, tinnitus, shortness of breath with minor physical exertion, weakness, dizziness and rapid or weak pulse. During the consultation, the cardiologist must carefully listen and examine the patient, as well as review the tests provided by the patient that will help determine the underlying cause of the disease.

The necessary tests to make a correct diagnosis are:

• General analysis for cholesterol, HDL;
• Blood chemistry;
• A general blood test necessary to detect inflammatory processes in the body (determines the level of ESR, platelets, hemoglobin and red and white blood cells);
• General urine analysis (determines acidity, color and content of foreign substances);
• Blood test for glucose (determining the level of sugar in the body);
• Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase;
• Creatinine and neopterin;
• Alkaline photosphase and triglyceride analysis;
• Urea;

Test results will be as accurate as possible if, 15 days before taking them, you do not take antibacterial and other drugs that can distort the data of laboratory tests. Urine should be collected in the morning, after hygienic treatment of the genitals, and blood should preferably be donated 12 hours after the last meal.

Having studied the available tests, the cardiologist, using various types of diagnostics, makes a diagnosis, the cause and stage of development of cardiovascular disease.

After diagnosing the pathology, intensive therapy is prescribed, aimed at eliminating the main problems associated with disruption of the heart muscle.

Modern medicine has the latest diagnostic equipment that can prevent incipient heart diseases, and in many cases, save a person’s life.

Diagnostics that detect malfunctions in the cardiovascular system:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG);
• Angiography (detecting the presence of blood clots);
• Echocardiography (study of functional changes in the heart and its valve apparatus);
• Blood pressure monitoring (an effective method for diagnosing hypertension);
• Cardiorisk (determines the degree of development of heart disease);

• Using the above diagnostic methods, diseases such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, congenital and acquired heart defects, various types of arrhythmia, inflammatory lesions on the heart muscle (carditis), thrombophlebitis and thrombosis, aortic aneurysms, angina pectoris, heart attacks and pre-infarction condition are detected.
• If abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system are detected, you must consult a cardiologist, take the necessary tests and undergo a full diagnosis.

Source: https://dnk174.ru/articles/kakie-analizy-nuzhni-kardiologu/