A Cardiology consultation is usually requested by your general internist, family doctor or sometimes another specialist or surgeon when he or she wishes to have a cardiac specialist (cardiologist) use his or her expertise to evaluate you. This might be one of many reasons from concern over a known or possible serious cardiac problem to a more general evaluation. It might also include situations where you, your personal physician or your regular cardiologist wish you to have a confirmatory or second opinion.
Cardiovascular consultation is a very important aspect of medical treatment. It is an opportunity for patients to discuss their cardiac problems, current complaints, understand the risks and complications, and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. It also helps in better understanding the treatment methods and surgery procedure, pre- and post- operative preparations, risks, and complications of the surgery.
During the cardiac consultation, your doctor will evaluate past medical history, perform thorough physical examination and tests to assess the risk of developing heart diseases. Early diagnosis may have a better prognosis and minimize the complications.
How to get prepared for the cardiovascular consultation?
Ensure you are well prepared for the consultation with your physician
Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It helps in better understanding about your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests
Make sure you discuss about your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you are taking
Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary habits and also about your profession. Your lifestyle and nature of job may be associated with risk for cardiac diseases
