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Our Doctors

What Is A Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a doctor who has special training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels, also known as the cardiovascular system.

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What Do Cardiologists Treat?

Cardiologists are involved in diagnosing and treating heart attacks, heart failure, heart disease, and heart rhythm disturbances.

 

Tests Cardiologists Perform

Our cardiologist may perform diagnostic tests, including:

  • Echocardiogram (Echo): Also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, an Echocardiogram (echo) uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of the heart to evaluate the organ's structure and function.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test performed while you are walking around and carrying out your normal daily activities; helps to detect abnormal heart rates and rhythms.

  • Stress testing: Also known as an exercise stress test, stress testing evaluates how much stress your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle).

  • Cardiac catheterization: A test checks how the heart is working and checks for abnormalities to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions.

  • Holter monitoring: A test is used to detect heart rhythm irregularities that aren't found during a regular ECG exam.

 

Treatments For Cardiovascular Diseases

Treatment for cardiovascular disease will depend upon each patient's unique needs. Treatment options may include:

  • Lifestyle changes:Changing your diet and exercise, and other lifestyle factors can significantly help. This may include eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, performing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and decreasing alcohol intake.

  • Medications:There are a variety of prescription medications that can improve symptoms. The type of medication will depend on the kind of heart disease.

  • Medical procedures or surgery:  If necessary, surgery may be an effective treatment option. The type of surgical procedure recommended will depend upon the type of heart disease and the extent of your heart's damage.

 

Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Diseases

Although each type of cardiovascular disease typically has different symptoms, many have similar warning signs. Some of these include:

  • Excessive fatigue

  • Constant dizziness

  • Fast heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute)

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Chest pain or discomfort during activity

  • Difficulty breathing both during activity and at rest

  • A respiratory infection or cough that worsens

  • Restlessness or confusion

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea

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Risk Factors For Developing Cardiovascular Disease

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:

  • Age (risk increases as you get older)

  • Gender (men are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women)

  • Family history

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Activity level/exercise

  • Being a smoker

  • Being overweight

  • High blood pressure

  • Having diabetes

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Schedule A Consultation

Regional Heart Center Cardiology cardiologists offer services in Ventura/ Los Angeles County. Our board-certified cardiologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases and performing cardiac testing. Learn more about our cardiology services by contacting our office at 805.494.9494. 

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