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Question: What happens at a general cardiology appointment?
Answer:A general cardiology appointment is a routine visit to assess your heart health, address concerns and create a patient care plan.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerHere’s what to expect:
- Medical history: Share your symptoms, medications, lifestyle and family history of cardiovascular disease.
- Vital signs: Blood pressure, heart rate and weight are measured.
- Physical exam: The doctor listens to your heart and lungs and checks for signs of swelling or other issues.
- Discussion: You’ll talk about your symptoms and risk factors, like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Tests (if needed): Your doctor may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests or an echocardiogram, either during the visit or later.
- Treatment plan: If concerns are identified, the doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, medications or follow-up tests.
Prepare by bringing a list of medications and any questions. This visit is a proactive way to ensure your heart stays healthy.
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Question: What is a cardiology stress test?
Answer:A cardiology stress test is a safe and commonly used way to check how well your heart is working, especially when it’s under physical stress.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIt helps doctors understand your heart’s health, identify any potential issues and guide you toward the best preventive cardiology care to keep your heart strong and healthy.
There are a few different types of stress tests, each tailored to your needs:
- Exercise stress test: This test involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG (electrocardiogram).
- Nuclear stress test: A small amount of a safe, radioactive tracer helps create detailed images of your heart during rest and stress.
- Stress echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology before and after exercise (or medication-induced stress) to check how your heart pumps and whether the valves are working properly.
- Pharmacologic stress test: For people who can’t exercise, medication is used to simulate how exercise affects the heart.
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Question: What is vascular care?
Answer:Vascular care focuses on keeping your circulatory system healthy, ensuring that blood flows smoothly to nourish your body and support your overall well-being. With modern medicine and personalized care from our experts, many vascular conditions can be effectively managed or even prevented.
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Question: When should I seek emergency care for heart symptoms?
Answer:Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of these heart-related symptoms, as they could indicate a serious or life-threatening condition:
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Chest pain: Persistent, crushing or pressure-like, especially if it spreads to the arms, back, neck or jaw.
- Shortness of breath: Sudden or severe, with or without chest discomfort.
- Irregular heartbeat: Racing, fluttering or irregular, especially with dizziness or fainting.
- Dizziness or fainting: Unexplained lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.
- Weakness or numbness: A sudden symptom, especially on one side of the body (possible stroke).
- Severe swelling: Legs, ankles or abdomen, or rapid weight gain.
- Upper body pain: Unexplained discomfort in the back, neck, jaw or arms.
- Cold sweats, nausea or anxiety: Accompanied by other symptoms.
When in doubt, call 911 to be taken to your closest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
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Question: Am I at risk for heart problems due to my cancer treatment?
Answer:The risk depends on the type of cancer treatment you are receiving and your individual health history.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerFor example, chemotherapy drugs like anthracyclines and certain radiation therapies, particularly when directed at the chest area, are known to increase the risk of heart problems. Additionally, pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can make the heart more vulnerable. Your doctor can assess your risk and help monitor and manage your heart health during treatment.
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Question: Can a cardio-oncologist help me if I already have heart disease and need cancer treatment?
Answer:A cardio-oncologist can absolutely help you if you need cancer treatment and are already living with heart disease.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerCardio-oncology is designed to support patients with pre-existing heart conditions who need cancer treatment. A cardio-oncologist will work with your oncologist to adjust treatment options, monitor your heart health and minimize risks. This collaborative approach ensures that both your cancer and heart health are managed at the same time, giving you the best chance for successful treatment outcomes.
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Question: How can I prevent heart problems while undergoing cancer treatment?
Answer:There are several ways to prevent heart problems while you’re undergoing cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese methods include:
- Regular monitoring: Working closely with your oncologist and cardiologist to monitor your heart health is key to catching issues early.
- Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress and avoiding smoking can help protect your heart.
- Medication: Your doctor may recommend medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol or other factors that affect heart health.
- Adjusting cancer treatment: In some cases, treatment plans may be adjusted to reduce the impact on the heart without compromising cancer care.
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Question: How does cancer treatment affect my heart?
Answer:The heart and circulatory system can sometimes be affected by specific cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerBy working closely with oncologists and cardiologists, patients can get the best care possible for their cancer and their heart health. Cardio-oncology helps monitor, manage and minimize heart-related side effects, so you can focus on your cancer recovery with confidence.
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Question: Should I be seeing a cardiologist while undergoing cancer treatment?
Answer:If you're receiving treatments that could affect your heart, it’s a good idea to work with a cardiologist during your cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThey can help monitor your heart function, manage any emerging issues and ensure that your cancer treatments don’t negatively affect your heart health. A cardiologist will also be there to provide guidance and support throughout your cancer journey.
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Question: What heart conditions should I be aware of during cancer treatment?
Answer:There are several heart conditions to be aware of during cancer treatment.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese conditions include:
- Heart failure: The heart muscle may weaken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
- Arrhythmias: Cancer treatments can cause irregular heart rhythms, leading to palpitations or dizziness.
- Coronary artery disease: Radiation therapy, particularly around the chest area, can increase the risk of narrowing blood vessels, potentially leading to chest pain or heart attacks.
- Pericardial disease: Inflammation of the lining around the heart can sometimes occur, especially after radiation therapy.