What Does a Cardiologist Treat? Understanding Heart Health
- February 6, 2025
What Is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. They focus on conditions that affect cardiovascular health and help patients prevent, manage, and recover from heat-related illnesses.
If you have symptoms such as “chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or high blood pressure,” you may need to visit a cardiologist. These specialists use “advanced diagnostic tests and treatments” to ensure your heart is functioning properly and to reduce your risk of serious complications.
Common Conditions Treated by a Cardiologist
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed due to plaque build-up. This restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Symptoms of CAD:
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Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
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Heart palpitations
Treatment for CAD:
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Medications to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol
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Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise
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Procedures like angioplasty and stent placement
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Many people have high blood pressure without realising it, which is why regular check-ups are essential.
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
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Poor diet (high salt and fat intake)
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Lack of physical activity
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Stress
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Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
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Genetics
How a Cardiologist Can Help:
A cardiologist can monitor your blood pressure and recommend medications, lifestyle changes, and stress management strategies to keep it under control.
1. Heart Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats)
Heart arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Types of Arrhythmias:
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib): A rapid and irregular heartbeat
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Bradycardia: A slow heart rate
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Tachycardia: A fast heart rate
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Ventricular fibrillation: A life-threatening chaotic heart rhythm
Treatment for Arrhythmias:
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Medications to regulate heart rate
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Pacemakers or defibrillators for severe cases
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Catheter ablation to remove problematic heart tissue
2. Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body. It can be caused by untreated hypertension, heart attacks, or other underlying conditions.
Symptoms of Heart Failure:
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Shortness of breath, especially during activity or at night
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Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
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Persistent coughing or wheezing
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Extreme fatigue
Management and Treatment:
A cardiologist may recommend medications, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgery to improve heart function and reduce symptoms.
1. Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves fail to open or close properly, affecting blood flow.
Symptoms of Valve Disease:
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Chest pain
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Dizziness or fainting
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Heart murmur
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Swelling in the lower body
Treatment Approaches:
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Medications to manage symptoms
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Surgical valve repair or replacement in severe cases
2. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the limbs.
Symptoms of PAD:
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Leg pain or cramping when walking
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Slow-healing wounds on feet or legs
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Numbness or weakness in the legs
How a Cardiologist Can Help:
A cardiologist may recommend medications, lifestyle changes, or angioplasty to restore proper circulation.
How Cardiologists Diagnose Heart Conditions
To diagnose heart conditions, cardiologists use advanced tests and imaging techniques, including:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Records the heart’s electrical activity and detects arrhythmias and heart attacks.
Echocardiogram
Uses ultrasound to assess the heart’s structure and detect valve problems and heart failure.
Stress Test
Evaluates how the heart responds to exercise and detects coronary artery disease.
Holter Monitor
A wearable ECG device that tracks heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours.
Cardiac Catheterisation & Angiography
A minimally invasive test that uses contrast dye and X-rays to detect blocked arteries.
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent many cardiovascular conditions.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
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Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
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Reduce intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
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Limit salt and alcohol consumption
2. Stay Physically Active
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week
- Engage in activities like walking, cycling, or swimming
3. Manage Stress
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Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga
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Prioritise quality sleep
4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
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Smoking damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk
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Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure
5. Get Regular Check-Ups
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Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
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Schedule routine heart health assessments
How Heartscope Can Help
At Heartscope, we specialise in comprehensive cardiovascular care to diagnose, treat, and prevent heart disease. Our team of expert cardiologists is committed to providing:
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Advanced Heart Health Assessments– ECGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests
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Personalised Treatment Plans – Tailored care to meet your unique heart health needs
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State-of-the-Art Facilities – Cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment
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Preventative Heart Health Programmes – Helping you maintain a **healthy heart for life
If you are experiencing chest pain, high blood pressure, or other heart-related symptoms, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Heartscope today and take control of your heart health!
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Final Thoughts
A cardiologist treats a wide range of heart conditions, from high blood pressure and arrhythmias to heart disease and heart failure. Seeking specialist care early can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
By making healthy lifestyle choices and scheduling regular check-ups, you can protect your heart and stay healthy for years to come.
Concerned about your heart health? Contact Heartscope today for expert cardiovascular care!
