Interventional cardiology is a specialized branch of cardiology dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions using catheters inserted into arteries and veins. Dr Dennis Doan One of the key procedures in interventional cardiology is cardiac catheterization, where a catheter is threaded into your heart’s blood vessels to conduct diagnostic tests such as angiograms or arteriograms. The primary goal of interventional cardiology is to accurately diagnose and treat patients with heart conditions, helping them achieve better heart health and overall well-being.
What Conditions Do Interventional Cardiologists Treat?
Interventional cardiologists are trained to manage various heart conditions, including:
Coronary Artery Disease: This condition involves the narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to chest pain and heart attacks. Interventional cardiologists can perform procedures like angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries and restore proper blood flow to the heart.
Heart Failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, it results in heart failure. Interventional cardiologists may implant devices like pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate heart rhythms and improve cardiac function.
Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening. Interventional cardiologists can perform ablation procedures to correct abnormal heart rhythms or implant pacemakers to manage arrhythmias.
Valvular Disease: Problems with heart valves, such as stenosis or regurgitation, can be treated by interventional cardiologists using minimally invasive techniques to repair or replace faulty valves.
When to Consult an Interventional Cardiologist
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeats, you should seek medical attention. Your primary care physician can assess your symptoms and risk factors for heart disease and recommend the appropriate specialists if necessary.
Factors that may indicate the need for an interventional cardiologist include:
Persistent Symptoms: If you continue to experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms despite previous medical evaluation or treatments, an interventional cardiologist may be consulted.
Family History: A family history of heart problems can increase your risk of heart disease, making it more important to consult an interventional cardiologist if you experience symptoms.
Recent Illness: Certain illnesses can affect your heart health. If you’ve had an illness that could potentially impact your cardiovascular system, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and consult a specialist if needed.
Resting Heart Rate: If you notice a significant increase in your resting heart rate, it could indicate a heart condition that requires assessment by an interventional cardiologist.
Your primary care physician will help determine whether consulting an interventional cardiologist is the next step in your healthcare journey. Dr Dennis Doan If there’s no immediate indication for a specialized assessment, regular monitoring and check-ups with a cardiologist may still be advised to maintain and improve your heart health.
In the realm of interventional cardiology, specialists like Dr Dennis Doan, with extensive experience in Texas, play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, ultimately improving patients’ heart health and overall quality of life. Always prioritize your heart health and seek medical advice if you experience any unusual symptoms or risk factors associated with heart conditions.