Topic
what does the doctor do, especially if you are just going to see if anything is wrong with your heart? (a first visit)
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
EKG's, chest x-ray's,and possibly blood work.
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
This depends a lot on what ur primary doctor wants to see.
I filled out a long form on my health, listed all meds currently on & frequency of usage, my food plan, etc.
then had ECG/EKG & blood pressure check.
Next appointment was for ultrasound scanning.
My next appointment is for Stress testing on the treadmill.
My best advice if u r terrified as I was from being sent to Cardiologist, is to Chill Out!! Do not be scared. Cardios do not bite or poke & prod. They can set ur mind at rest for anything ur doctor did not bother to tell you.
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
When I saw a cardiologist for the first time:
1. Echocardiogram. An ultrasound of my heart.
2. Holter Monitor. A device with electrodes on ur chest. You wear it for 24 hours & it provides an EKG (a reading of ur heartbeats).
If ur general physician referred u to a cardiologist, he/she may have already done bloodwork that might include a basic metabolic panel (http://webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/basic-metabolic-panel-topic-overview) & a simple short EKG (electrocardiogram) (http://webmd.com/heart-disease/electrocardiogram). This information will be sent to the cardiologist so he/she does not have to repeat those tests unless he/she chooses.
This website provides a good description of all the diagnostic testing a cardiologist might do: http://mercyunity.com/ahs/mercyunity.nsf/page/cardiac_testing
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
People do not normally see a cardiologist. They're usually referred by their primary doctor, who upon finding something suspicious will ask for the cardiology consult. A first visit will probably entail a simple physical exam, a cardiogram, some blood work, & maybe an echocardiogram if the doctor suspects something.
Thinks like exercise treadmills, tilt table, stress tests, or catheterizations r all advanced procedures that wo not be done on a first time office visit. So do not walk in thinking you're getting ready for bypass surgery. Its just a how do u do, here is my heart, whaddya think? kind of visit. If anything is suspicious, they will schedule u for more tests later.
Ralph
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
I had an EKG and also had to wear a heart monitor vest with patches hooked up to me. I go yearly for the test. Only in the upper 30 is with a heart problem.
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
Probably the first thing would be a stress test, where you get on a treadmill after first being hooked up to several monitors to get a reading on what is happening during the test. The results of that will lead the doctor to diagnose any trouble and plan the next step. You did not say if you are having chest pains or anything like that.
Good luck
what types of things are performed when you see a cardiologist
My guess would be an EKG and of course your blood pressure and maybe blood work. I would think that anything else would have to be scheduled. Good luck to you. Oh, you might get some information on clevelandclinic.org