What Does a Cardiologist Treat?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who is uniquely trained to diagnose, treat and provide long-term care to patients with health concerns that impact the cardiovascular system, which comprises the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists can address a wide array of medical conditions, including but not limited to:

• Atherosclerosis
• Atrial fibrillation
• Arrhythmias and palpitations
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart defects
• Coronary heart disease
• Congestive heart disease
• Endocarditis
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Pericarditis
• Peripheral artery disease
• Raynaud’s disease
• Renal artery stenosis
• Vasculitis
• Ventricular tachycardia

Should I See a Cardiologist?

You can’t self-diagnose a cardiovascular condition, of course, so how can you tell if you should speak with a cardiologist about your symptoms? The first step is to consult with a primary care physician, who will evaluate your heart health and refer you to a cardiologist if necessary. Be sure to promptly schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if you notice any of the following:

• Changes in heart rate or rhythm
• Consistently high or low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Episodes of mild to moderate dizziness
• Chest pressure that occurs or worsens with physical activity

It’s also a good idea to consult with a cardiologist if you have a family history of heart disease or if you currently have diabetes (diabetes and cardiovascular conditions share a strong link). Your primary care physician and cardiologist can collaborate to develop a personalized preventive care plan for your specific medical needs and help you achieve your best health.

When to Call 911

Some cardiovascular symptoms require emergency care. Immediately call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you or someone around you has:

• Severe or sudden chest pain
• Sudden dizziness, confusion or trouble speaking
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden change in vision

Cardiology at Tufts Medical Center Community Care

Tufts Medical Center Community Care is pleased to offer a full spectrum of specialized cardiology services to patients throughout north suburban Boston. Our multispecialty medical group of more than 120 clinicians includes cardiologists, primary care physicians, internists and dozens of other specialists who work hand-in-hand to provide expertly coordinated care to the patients we serve.

Contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today to learn more about our approach to cardiology or to schedule an appointment with a physician on our team. Our professionals are here to answer your questions and can direct you to the appropriate clinician for your needs. When you call, be sure to ask about our convenient telemedicine appointments and how you may be able to consult with a cardiologist or primary care physician from the comfort of home. Most health insurance plans are accepted at our practice, including Medicare and Tricare. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.