Cardiology Specialist

What is cardiology?

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with heart and circulatory system disorders. Dr. Joel and her team have many years of experience diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other heart problems.

What are the symptoms of heart problems?

Heart and blood vessel disorders don’t always cause symptoms, but if they do, you may notice the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back, abdomen, throat, jaw, or neck pain
• Numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs or arms
• Chest tightness
• Chest pressure

Complications linked with untreated heart problems include heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

What are heart disease risk factors?

While anyone can develop cardiac issues, some factors increase your risk of experiencing them. Examples include:

• Family history of heart disease
• Older age
• Smoking
• Poor dietary habits
• Lack of exercise
• High blood pressure
• High triglycerides
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Poor dental hygiene
• Stress

Adopting healthy habits and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel problems. 

How does my doctor diagnose heart problems?

To determine if you have heart disease or its risk factors, your Joel Wellness Clinic specialist checks your blood pressure, weight, pulse, and other vital signs. They review your symptoms and medical history, and Dr. Joel completes a physical exam and listens to your breathing and heartbeat.

Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, stress tests, cardiac catheterization with X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to diagnose your condition and develop an effective treatment.

What are common cardiology treatments?

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, or other heart problems, Dr. Joel might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy habits that help you manage heart disease and its risk factors include managing stress, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, eat healthy plant-based foods rich in fiber and limit sodium and saturated fat. 

In addition, get regular exercise, limit your alcohol intake, and seek treatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and other chronic conditions.

Medications

Taking medications can help you control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other heart conditions.

Medical procedures

Undergoing heart or blood vessel procedures can repair tissues, widen or bypass clogged veins, and reduce your risk of life-threatening complications. 

For heart disease screenings and exceptional cardiology care from highly-trained specialists, call the Joel Wellness Clinic office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.