Comprehensive General Cardiology To Strengthen Your Heart
Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body — and it deserves to be protected with some of the best and most advanced cardiac care. Maybe a recent diagnosis has you worried about what comes next and unsure how to proceed. Perhaps a recent heart attack, worsening chest pains or a family history of heart disease has led you to seek out the cardiovascular treatment you need to strengthen your heart.
Whatever your heart's condition, our general cardiology teams at AdventHealth offer everything from screenings and heart-health education to major heart disease treatments and surgeries. We’re on a mission — not just to diagnose and treat your condition, but to help you achieve greater heart health. It’s all part of our commitment to whole-person wellness and advanced cardiac care.
What Is General Cardiology?
General cardiology helps prevent, diagnose and treat general problems that affect the heart and blood vessels, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as heart attacks, valve problems, abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure, among other conditions.
General cardiology usually entails physical exams, blood work and other tests to evaluate heart health and function. General cardiologists can recommend lifestyle changes, as well as medications and procedures.
Proactive and Preventive Cardiovascular Care
- Heart Screenings and Cardiovascular Testing
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When something happens that affects your heart health, you deserve answers quickly. You’ll want to know what your cardiovascular treatment options are, as well as the lifestyle changes you can make to help your heart become healthier, stronger and more resilient.
Our teams of expert physicians, heart surgeons, cardiologists and specialized nurses can help you manage the main risk factors for heart attack, including family history, cholesterol and blood pressure. And they also consider the impact of lifestyle factors, especially when it comes to diet, exercise and even your emotional health. We’ll also help you learn to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, so you’ll always know when to call 911.
If an emergency does occur, you can trust our heart care teams at AdventHealth to treat you promptly and effectively with an organized team approach. If you’re experiencing chest pains or are at risk of heart disease, we’ll harness our expertise and technology to perform diagnostic tests and screenings, including:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG)
- Longer-term heart monitoring devices, such as a Holter monitor, loop recorder or event recorder
- Stress tests
- Know the Risk Factors and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
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The more you know about chest pain, heart attacks and general cardiovascular health, the more at ease you’ll feel about your heart health — and the sooner you’ll be able to recognize the warning signs of a heart problem. To keep your heart healthy and strong, make sure to learn your risk factors and know when symptoms are life-threatening. Keep in mind that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) are most often caused by coronary artery disease, but other conditions can contribute, including high blood pressure, abnormal valves and/or heart muscle disease.
Call 911 immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Anxiety or sweating accompanied by chest pain
- Discomfort spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms
- Dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness accompanied by chest pain
- Fatigue
- Indigestion or nausea
- Pressure, fullness, squeezing or chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Leading-Edge General Cardiology Treatments
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When it comes to your heart, you want to make sure you're seeking out the best cardiovascular treatment options available. If you’re experiencing a heart attack or chest pain (angina), every second counts — and faster response times can make all the difference when it comes to your treatment and recovery. From our accredited Chest Pain Centers to the nationally recognized work of our physicians at the AdventHealth Heart, Lung, and Vascular Institute and the AdventHealth Transplant Institute, we’re committed to improving outcomes and using our resources to fight back against America’s biggest health threat.
Our emergency, non-surgical and surgical treatments for chest pains and heart attacks include:
- Catheter-assisted treatments
- Coronary angioplasty and stents
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Medicines (e.g., aspirin, ACE inhibitors, blood thinners, beta-blockers and pain relievers)
- Nitroglycerin
- Oxygen therapy
Good heart health is about more than just treating emergencies now. It's also about giving you the resources and empowerment to strengthen your general cardiovascular wellness for years to come. We're here to help. Our dedicated cardiac care team is here to help you at every age and every stage.
Wholehearted Support for a Lifetime
Throughout the AdventHealth network of care, our experts are here to support your heart in a variety of ways. Learn more about our extensive AdventHealth heart and vascular care specialties and services.
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Cardio-Oncology
We’re here to help you take control of your health as we protect your heart and fight your cancer. A tailored treatment plan and designated care coordinator provide the personalized care you deserve.
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Heart Health and Prevention
Smart prevention can go a long way for your heart. We'll help you prevent heart disease through screenings, education and healthy lifestyle changes.
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Vascular Disease
Our experienced cardiovascular specialists diagnose and treat the full range of vascular and arterial diseases with proven non-surgical and surgical procedures.
Find Heart and Vascular Specialists You Can Count On
We're committed to taking care of your cardiovascular system so you can keep putting your whole heart into everything you do.
Answering Your Questions About Cardiology
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Q:Question: What is a cardiology stress test?
A: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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Q:Question: How long does a cardiology stress test take?
A:Answer:The duration of a cardiology stress test depends on the specific type of test being performed.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerHere’s a general breakdown:
- Exercise stress test (30 to 60 minutes): The actual exercise portion (e.g., walking on a treadmill) usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, but the setup, preparation and post-test monitoring take additional time.
- Nuclear stress test (two to four hours): This test can take several hours, depending on the imaging process. The test includes periods of rest between images and may require two sets of scans — one during rest and one after stress.
- Stress echocardiogram (30 to 60 minutes): This test includes pre- and post-stress ultrasound imaging along with the stress-inducing activity.
- Pharmacologic stress test (one to two hours): The medication takes a few minutes to mimic the stress, followed by monitoring and imaging as needed.
Your health care team will provide a detailed timeline for your specific test. They’ll ensure everything is done efficiently while keeping you comfortable and informed throughout the process.
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Q:Question: What happens at a general cardiology appointment?
A: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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Q:Question: How long does a cardiology appointment take?
A:Answer:A cardiology appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, though the duration can vary depending on your needs and whether any tests are performed.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour appointment will likely include:
- Initial discussion: This may take 10 to 15 minutes to review your medical history, symptoms and concerns.
- Physical exam: Your exam will likely take five to 10 minutes, including checking your vital signs and heart and lung function.
- Tests (if needed): Some tests, like an electrocardiogram (ECG), may add 10 to 30 minutes. Other tests, such as echocardiograms or blood work, might require a follow-up visit.
- Treatment plan and questions: This step may take 10 to 15 minutes to discuss findings and next steps.
If your appointment includes multiple tests or procedures, it may take longer, but your doctor’s office or medical center will inform you in advance.