Cardiology Cardiology
The heart and blood vessels: rhythm, valves, heart muscle, coronary arteries, blood pressure that is hard to control.
Who is usually sent here
Chest pain, breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, fainting, swelling of both legs, or an abnormal ECG.
What this specialty does NOT cover
Does not operate on the heart — that is cardiothoracic surgery. And chest pain from the chest wall or the stomach is not theirs, though the heart is usually ruled out first.
What a first visit usually involves
An ECG is usually done immediately, sometimes before the history is finished. An echocardiogram or a stress test may follow.
Bring with you
Previous ECGs, home blood pressure readings, and any rhythm recordings from a watch.
Worth asking
- What is my overall cardiovascular risk
- Which numbers should I track at home
- Which signs mean calling an ambulance