Until you get to the cardiologist Medical referral Assessing cardiovascular health indicators is part of the routines that family doctors follow when monitoring their patients. Whenever, in their clinical evaluations and complementary exams, these doctors identify or suspect cardiovascular problems or a greater probability of its occurrence, they refer their patients to a cardiologist . This can happen, for example, when there is: Family history of heart disease, especially at a young ages; Symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular cause; Altered values in complementary diagnostic tests; Uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors. Of course, other doctors than family doctors may refer for a cardiology consultation when in their intervention with a patient, whatever the case, they detect this need. Own initiative There are situations in which the patients themselves takes the initiative to seek out a cardiologist. When there are symptoms In most cases, the initiative to go to a cardiology consultation occurs when symptoms arise that may be related to heart problems. Among the most common are chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, palpitations, tachycardia, dizziness, fainting, excessive tiredness with no apparent cause and recurrent swelling in the lower limbs. These symptoms may be related to cardiovascular problems, such as arrhythmias, heart failure or coronary artery disease, but they may also have other causes. If you have any questions, your cardiologist will be able to provide you with appropriate guidance. Cardiovascular prevention It is also becoming increasingly common for people aged 40-50, even without symptoms, to undergo a preventive cardiological assessment . This is most common when there is: A sedentary lifestyle, especially a professional activity with high levels of stress; A family history of cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular risk factors, for example, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, among others. Early detection of risk factors and/or cardiac disorders has a major impact on the prognosis and quality of life of these people. Leisure sport Furthermore, even at a younger age, many people take the initiative to see a cardiologist because they are going to start or increase their practice of sports and do so: Even when it is not mandatory to carry out a medical-sports examination for this practice; For different sports and varying exercise intensities. And that's right. Regularly assessing cardiovascular health in the context of regular exercise and sports can make all the difference. Where does the cardiologist start? The cardiology consultation The course of a first cardiology consultation depends on the reasons for its completion, particularly the prior clinical information. In most cases, a first cardiology consultation includes : Know the clinical history of the patient and his/her family, mainly regarding cardiovascular problems; Know the lifestyle habits and concerns that led to the consultation; Know the regular medication the patient takes; Perform a physical examination specifically dedicated to the cardiovascular area; Prescribe any additional tests that are justified for further evaluation. The cardiologist may have to prescribe several tests, which depend on the particularities of each case. From lab tests that include parameters related to cardiovascular risk factors or even markers of cardiac injury. Cardiology exams, from the most common, non-invasive ones, to invasive exams and highly sophisticated techniques. Cardiology exams The most frequent exams in the area of cardiology and which are very informative are: Electrocardiogram or ECG Echocardiogram Stress test Electrocardiogram The electrocardiogram, known by the abbreviation ECG, is one of the most important tests in medicine. Although it may seem simple, by assessing the electrical activity of the heart, the ECG is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of several diseases, including arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. Even when there are no complaints or known diseases, the electrocardiogram: It is a routine cardiac evaluation exam; It is recommended in several contexts, for example in the pre-competitive evaluation of athletes and in the field of occupational medicine. Echocardiogram An echocardiogram uses ultrasound and allows you to see the heart and its movement in real time. There are several types of echocardiogram : transthoracic, transesophageal, pharmacological overload and stress or exercise, each with its own indications. With the transthoracic echocardiogram, the least complex, it is possible to evaluate cardiac function, valves, cardiac muscle and other structures of the heart. It is a fundamental exam for the diagnosis of multiple diseases and for evaluating the response to therapeutic interventions. It is, therefore, an essential and mandatory examination in most cardiovascular diseases. Stress test The stress test, performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, is a first-line examination in several circumstances, for example: Complaints suggestive of a possible cardiovascular origin, which appear or worsen with exertion; Assessment of functional capacity; Assessment of the risk of some diseases; Research or evaluation of coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or other pathologies. Even in the absence of complaints or previous illnesses, the stress test is carried out frequently, as is the case when evaluating veteran athletes. In addition to the conventional stress test, the cardiorespiratory test has additional advantages, such as: Assess respiratory limitations; Contribute to determining the prognosis of various diseases; Prescribe physical exercises in a more objective and personalized way. Cardiology in the Hospital da Luz network The Cardiology Consultation at the Hospital da Luz network is ideal for assessing your cardiovascular health . With a team of highly experienced cardiologists and access to all the necessary complementary diagnostic tests, it is possible to make earlier diagnoses and initiate appropriate therapies. This way we can contribute to living longer and better. Meet the cardiology team at the Hospital da Luz network and make your appointment . Author : Hélder Dores (cardiology) The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
