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Cardiology Consultation

Cardiovascular consultation is a very important process of heart healthcare and treatment.  It is an opportunity for a patient to discuss cardiac concerns, current pain or discomfort, learn more about the risks and complications, and to change to a healthy everyday lifestyle habits.

 

It also helps in better understanding the available treatment methods and necessary surgery procedures, both pre and post operative preparations, risks factors and any other possible complications of the surgery.

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During the cardiac consultation, the doctor evaluates past medical history, perform thorough physical examination and tests to assess any risks and possibilities of developing heart diseases.

 

Early diagnosis would give a better prognosis and minimize any complications.

Cardiology Consultation Doctor Heart and Vascular Consultants in Detroit and Livonia Michigan

Symptoms

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Symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition. Please be advised that some conditions may initially cause no symptoms at all.

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Typical symptoms of an underlying cardiovascular issue include:

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  • Pain or pressure in the chest, which may indicate angina

  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea and fatigue

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

  • Cold sweats

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Causes

 

Many types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) may occur as a complication of atherosclerosis.

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Damage to the circulatory system can also result from diabetes and other health conditions, such as a virus, an inflammatory process such as myocarditis, or a structural problem present from birth (congenital heart disease).

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Cardiovascular disease often results from high blood pressure, which produces no symptoms. It is therefore vital that people undergo regular screening for high blood pressure.

 

Risk Factors

 

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) include:

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  • High blood pressure, or hypertension

  • Atherosclerosis or blockages in the arteries

  • Radiation therapy

  • Smoking

  • Poor sleep hygiene

  • High blood cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia

  • Diabetes

  • High fat, high carbohydrate diet

  • Physical inactivity

  • Obesity

  • Sleep apnea

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Stress

  • Air pollution

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or other forms of reduced lung function

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People with one cardiovascular risk factor often have more. For example, obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. A person may have all four conditions at the same time.

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Complications

 

Complications of cardiovascular disease include:

 

  • Heart failure

  • Heart infections or cardiomyopathy

  • Heart attack

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Preparations for Consultation 

 

Preparations for a cardiovascular consultation appointment include:

 

  1. Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It allows better understanding about your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests.
     

  2. Make sure you discuss about your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you might be taking.
     

  3. Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary and also about your profession. Your lifestyle, habits and nature of job may be associated with possible risks for cardiac diseases.

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Consult with clinic personnel when booking your appointment if any other preparations needed so you will be well prepared for the consultation with your physician.

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Cardiovascular Tests 

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Following are some of the cardiac diagnostic tests to determine heart disease:​

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  • Cardiac angiography, It is commonly done for patients who have signs of coronary artery disease. This test uses X-ray images to examine the blood vessels or chambers of the heart for plaque deposition or other problems. In this test, a catheter is inserted into the blood vessels in the upper thigh or arm and pushed to heart. A contrast dye is then injected into the blood to make the arteries visible. When the dye flows through the arteries the X-ray images are captured.

 

  • Echocardiography, It uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The images determine the size of the heart, strength of the heart muscles, presence of heart diseases, and heart valve malfunctions. The images of the heart are shown on the large screen monitor that allows the doctor and the patient to view during examination.

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  • Electrocardiogram, In echocardiogram (ECG or EKG), the electrodes are placed on your upper body and legs which captures electrical signals of your heart. This test determines functioning of heart, rate of heart beat, irregularities in rhythm, and also identifies if the heart is enlarged or damaged. It is done in patients who complaint of chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

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  • Stress test, It is a diagnostic test to determine the functioning of the heart under stress and ability to withstand. You will be asked to perform treadmill during which physician will perform echocardiogram and measures blood pressure changes. It is mainly done to detect the cause of chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or fluttering in the chest.​

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