Comprehensive Cardiology Consultation

A cardiology consultation serves as a way for us to discuss your cardiac issues, symptoms you have been experiencing and other concerns you have regarding your heart health. During this comprehensive examination, we will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, perform an echocardiogram (heart sonar) and attain an ECG and possibly perform an exercise treadmill test.

Thereafter we will discuss our findings and advise on further investigations (if necessary) and a treatment plan.

Cardiovascular care

As cardiologists, we are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, arteries and blood vessels. Your heart is your body's life force and ensures that each cell receives oxygen and nutrients via millions of blood vessels and veins. Unfortunately, this complex and fascinating system is prone to conditions that affect the functioning of the heart, such as arrhythmias, pericardial disease and heart failure. Our specialists provide comprehensive services to treat these conditions and monitor your overall heart health.

When to visit a cardiologist

Heart conditions are not only common - they also tend to be hereditary. Knowing the early signs of heart disease and making an effort to visit a cardiologist can effectively prevent further complications.

The most common reasons to see a cardiologist are:

• You have a history of heart disease
• You have family members who have heart problems
• You have been experiencing strange symptoms such as chest pains or an irregular heartbeat
• You have feet or body swelling
• You have shortness of breath
• You have elevated cholesterol
• You have elevated blood pressure

What to expect during your consultation

The cardiology consultation will start with our specialist cardiologist asking about your medical history and any symptoms you have been experiencing. If you are on any medications, mention this as well. This allows us to rule out specific issues and better understand your overall health.

We will do several assessments based on your symptoms to detect underlying issues, including:

• Physical Examination: We listen to the heart and the lungs and feel the pulse to assist with diagnosis.
• Electrocardiogram: Electrical signals from the heart can determine abnormal heart rhythm as well as suggest various cardiac pathologies.
• Echocardiogram: Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiograms use ultrasound waves to create imaging of the heart and the structures surrounding it, showing the structure and function of the heart muscle, and assessing the valves, aorta and pericardium.
• Cardiac Stress Test: We use a means of exercise to monitor the functioning of your heart and blood vessels.
• Angiogram: X-rays check for plaque build-up in the heart and blood vessels as a sign of coronary artery disease.

Depending on your results, we will request further testing or create a detailed treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

Treatment facilities

We provide outpatient care at our advanced facilities at Westrand Cardiovascular Centre. Here, you will meet with one of our specialists for your consult and receive treatment onsite.

Inpatient procedures are performed at the Life Flora Hospital.