List of Cardiologist near me in West des moines

A cardiologist is a doctor whos an expert in heart and blood vessel diseases. They can treat heart diseases and help keep you from getting them. After completing four years of medical school, cardiologists spend three years learning general internal medicine as residents. Then, they get at least three more years of cardiology training after that. Upon graduating cardiology training, cardiologists take board exams to obtain certification from a national governing group. They then maintain their certification through periodic testing. Cardiologists must keep up with the latest advances in how to treat people to provide the best care. At the same time, they need to be experts at listening to how you describe your symptoms and finding the right solution for your issue. A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who can treat chest pain, high blood pressure and heart failure, as well as problems with your heart valves, blood vessels and other heart and vascular issues. They can order tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, CTs (computed tomography), CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) and nuclear imaging to find out whats wrong. With their diagnosis, they can order medicine, help you start healthier exercise and eating habits, or do cardiac catheterization. If you need heart surgery, a cardiologist can refer you to a cardiothoracic surgeon. A cardiologist will do a physical exam and discuss your symptoms, medical history and biological family history with you. Its important to let your cardiologist know if other people in your biological family have had heart problems because that can increase the chances of you having a heart problem. Core Responsibilities Diagnosis and Evaluation: Cardiologists are skilled at evaluating symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations. They use various diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECGs), cardiac catheterizations, and stress tests to assess heart function. These tests help in detecting blockages, heart muscle weakness, or other abnormalities. Treatment and Management: Cardiologists develop individualized treatment plans based on the specific cardiovascular condition a patient is experiencing. Treatments can range from prescribing medications like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins to managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting.