Top Cardiologist in The Woodlands
A cardiologist is a doctor who is an expert in heart and blood vessel issues. They can treat or help you prevent several cardiovascular problems. Cardiologists may also specialize in particular areas, such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, or heart problems you have had since birth.
Top Cardiologists
After finishing four years of medical school, cardiologists undergo three years of studying general internal medicine as residents, plus at least three more years of specialty training.
After ten years of training, a cardiologist can take an American Board of Internal Medicine examination. However, even after obtaining board certification, cardiologists continue to learn as they practice. They must keep up with the state-of-the-art advances in treating patients to provide the best care.
A cardiologist is a health care provider who can treat chest pain, heart failure, high blood pressure, and problems with heart valves, blood vessels, and other heart and blood vessel problems.
Cardiologists may order electros, echocardiograms, and computed tomography (CT) scans to determine what is wrong.
After your diagnosis, they may order medications, help you start healthier exercise and eating habits, or perform a cardiac catheterization.
To start with your diagnosis, your cardiologist will perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms, medical record, and family history. Let your cardiologist know if others in your family have had heart problems because that may increase your chances of having a heart problem.
Basic information may tell your cardiologist helpful information about your cardiovascular health, such as your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Your provider will analyze all of this information and test results to determine your risk factors for heart problems. They will also ask you how much you exercise, what you eat, whether you smoke, and what medications you take.
Diseases Cardiologists Treat And Help Prevent
Cardiologists treat and help prevent a wide range of cardiac and vascular problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis
- Chest pain (angina)
- Abrupt cardiac arrest
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Blood clots
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders
- Cardiogenic shock
- Endocarditis
- Heart valve issues
- Heart abnormalities
- Myocarditis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital conditions (since birth)
- Aorta problems (aneurysm, stenosis)
- Arteries problems (peripheral, subclavian, renal, and coronary artery diseases)
- Stroke
Tests Cardiologists May Order
A cardiologist may order the following tests, but other health care providers may perform some of these tests:
- Chest x-ray
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac CT scan (computed tomography)
- Stress tests
- Coronary angiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- Event monitor
- Holter monitor
- Implantable event recorder / loop recorder
Time To See A Cardiologist
Your primary health care provider may refer you to a cardiologist if you have a heart or blood vessel problem that requires additional attention. For example, you may need to see a cardiologist if you have chest pain, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Your cardiologist can keep working with you for a long time while managing your conditions.
What To Expect At Your Cardiologist Consultation
Your cardiologist will perform a physical exam, especially listening to your heart. For example, they can listen to how well blood flows through your heart and if you have an irregular heart rhythm.
Preparing to answer questions about your family history and medical records would be better. For example, your cardiologist will want to know if your siblings, parents, or other family members have had heart conditions. This information may help your cardiologist understand what types of heart issues you might experience.
Your health care provider may ask you:
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- What do you feel when you have symptoms? Mild pain? Severe pain?
- What were you doing when the symptoms started? Resting? Straining?
- Is there anything that helps you feel better when you have symptoms?
- Have you undergone heart surgery or procedure in the past?
- Do you have records of any scans?
- What medications are you taking now?
When the cardiologists have the equipment at the location, they may perform an EKG to get a quick reading of your heart rhythm. They may also schedule a separate appointment for tests that take a little longer and require special scanning machines that only hospitals have.
Kinds Of Cardiologists
There are at least twelve different types of cardiologists. They specialize in various heart and vascular issues, such as cardiac imaging or cardiac rehabilitation.
Although all cardiologists are experts in understanding the heart and blood vessels, they can narrow their expertise even further. The types of cardiologists include:
- Intensive care cardiologist
- Clinical cardiologist
- Specialist in heart failure
- Cardio-oncologist
- Interventional cardiologist
- Congenital heart disease specialist
- Cardiac imaging specialist
- Preventive cardiologist
- Peripheral interventional cardiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Geriatric cardiologist
- Electrophysiologist
- Cardio-rheumatologist
- Intensive care cardiologist
Top Cardiologist
A cardiologist specializes in heart diseases; studies show that heart conditions are the leading cause of death in the United States of America. Cardiologists may work in even more specialized areas of heart care, such as treating heart failure, heart rhythm issues, or congenital conditions (from birth).
At Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, The Woodlands, Texas, private practice, you may be checked by our top cardiologists and have your tests or procedures done.
You may need a cardiologist if you have an issue with your heart or blood vessels. Depending on your circumstances, you may need a precise type of cardiologist who is an expert in your condition.
When your primary health care provider refers you to a cardiologist, it is your right to feel comfortable with the cardiologist your health care provider selected. However, if you think they do not communicate well with you or you don’t feel comfortable, you surely need to consider replacing a provider who does.
At Modern Heart and Vascular Institute in The Woodlands, we are here for you and will make you feel confident and comfortable.
Talking About Insurance Companies
When you are ready to see a cardiologist, we advise you to check with your insurance company to ensure if you need to get a referral from your primary health care provider. Depending on some insurance plans, some companies require you that referral.
Checking with your insurance company for details can help you avoid a higher bill’s unpleasant and unexpected surprise than you expected when seeing a cardiologist.
It is generally more expensive to see a specialist such as a cardiologist than your primary health care provider, but following your insurance company’s rules may save you money.
Top Cardiologist
Top Cardiologist In The Woodlands
The specialized team of cardiovascular physicians and nurse practitioners is available at The Woodlands. We seek to assist you in handling and understanding your heart-related medical issues regardless of your inquiries.
Our trusted cardiology and cardiovascular medicine experts, with more than sixty years of combined experience, are Dr. Rajiv Agarwal, Dr. Michael Siropaides, Dr. Percy Morales, and Dr. Ricardo Bellera, who lead the practice. Dr. Agarwal is the region’s only Level 3 certified cardiovascular CT scan imaging specialist.
We specialize in a broad range of cardiac conditions. Our team carefully diagnoses and treats congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, high cholesterol, and more.
We also help manage cardiac or metabolic conditions in patients with diabetes, kidney conditions, high blood pressure, obesity, genetic risks for heart disease, or other complicating risk factors.
We use modern technology at Modern Heart and Vascular to diagnose and treat our patients. We are committed to placing our patients first and providing all the answers to your questions about heart health and heart conditions. We are accepting most major insurance companies, including Medicare. Some appointments are available.
We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice. For more information, contact us.
Every heart has a story… What’s yours?
CARDIOVASCULAR CENTERS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
Modern Heart and Vascular, a preventive cardiology medical practice, has several offices around Houston. We have locations in Humble, Cleveland, The Woodlands, Katy, and Livingston.
We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice.
Every heart has a story… What’s yours?
Book an Appointment Today
At the Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, we offer state-of-the-art cardiovascular care with innovative diagnostic tools and compassionate patient care. Our priority at Modern Heart and Vascular Institute is prevention. We help patients lead healthier lives by avoiding unnecessary procedures and surgeries.
Contact us online to learn more and book an appointment. If you’d like to learn more about our practice, read our providers’ bios.
This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need cardiovascular care, please call us at 832-644-8930.