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Top 6 Facts To Know Before Visiting a Cardiology Heart Associate

Top 6 Facts To Know Before Visiting a Cardiology Heart Associate

Patients visit a cardiology heart associate for a number of reasons, but it usually boils down to one of three choices:  

1. Diagnostic testing
2. Non-invasive treatment
3. Surgery

A cardiology heart associate usually does not perform heart surgery unless they are a certified interventional cardiologist, but they can help prepare you for surgery.

The question is, is there any way to figure out what reasons fit your case before your first appointment? Perhaps the six questions asked below will help shed some light on the subject.

Testing, Treatment, or Surgery: Getting the Facts

A cardiology heart associate goes through a process of elimination for every patient before settling on the right course of action. In each case. We’ll take you through that process using these questions:

Question #1: What is the urgency of surgery?

Depending on the condition a patient arrives in, it may be necessary to immediately admit them to the closest hospital. The cardiology heart associate you came to see will still play a vital role in your case. Not only will they inform the hospital of the situation, they will contact your general practitioner, and stay in contact with the hospital as a treatment resource. You may return to see them as part of your post-surgery care plan.

Question #2: When was the last time you had a coronary evaluation?

If you were just referred by your general practitioner, this is likely your first evaluation. The results of the evaluation will dictate what happens next. If your evaluation is over two years old, it may be time to perform another one.

Question #3: Is there unstable coronary function or a major clinical risk that prohibits surgery?

If so, non-invasive treatment options like angioplasty and EECP will be used to improve your heart function.

Question #4: What do the clinical signs indicate?

This question will determine the primary course your treatment takes. If clinical indications are minor, you are most likely looking at baseline tests and long-term management of symptoms. If they are major, a different question needs to be asked before proceeding to surgery.

Question #5: How does heart function compare to clinical risk?

Intermittent changes in heart function don’t translate to immediate surgery. These changes mean that more testing is needed.

Question #6: Based on the answers to these questions, do I still need to see a cardiology heart associate?

Yes, these questions give you an idea of what to expect, but they do not replace sound medical advice and life-saving treatments. You should always get a professional opinion prior to treatment.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.