A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels (e.g., arteries, capillaries, veins, etc). A cardiologist manages conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, and high blood pressure with medications, lifestyle changes, and various procedures.   

There are many types of doctors who help keep people’s hearts healthy. A cardiac surgeon, for example, performs surgeries on the heart, including heart bypass surgeries, valve repairs or replacements, and heart transplants. A cardiologist focuses on treating heart problems through non-surgical methods, such as medications, and surgical procedures, such as angioplasty. 

   A cardiologist treats many heart-related conditions, including:  

• Coronary artery disease 

• Heart attacks 

• Heart failure 

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 

• High cholesterol 

• Congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth) 

• Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle) 

• Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) 

• Endocarditis (heart valve diseases) 

You should consider getting a referral to a cardiologist if you experience the following: 

• Your primary care doctor recommends a heart evaluation 

• Chest pain or discomfort 

• Shortness of breath 

• Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeats) 

• High blood pressure 

• High cholesterol levels 

• A family history of heart disease 

• Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes both increase the risk of heart problems 

 Several tests can help diagnose heart disease, including: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart 

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart 

• Stress test: Assesses how the heart works during physical exertion 

• Cardiac catheterization: Involves threading a catheter to the heart to check for blockages 

• Blood tests: Measure levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and other markers 

• Holter monitor: Records continuous ECG over 24 to 48 hours (about 1-2 days) 

• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Provides detailed images of the heart and blood vessels 

Early signs of heart disease can include:  

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina) 

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity 

• Fatigue or weakness 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema) 

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations 

• Nausea or sweating, especially during a heart attack 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health outcomes and prevent serious complications. 

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

• Your primary care provider recommends it. 

• Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 

• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 

• You need specialized testing or procedures. 

• You want a second opinion.  

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

You can find a Cardiologist in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Cardiologist near New York, NY
Cardiologist near Los Angeles, CA
Cardiologist near Chicago, IL
Cardiologist near Houston, TX
Cardiologist near Phoenix, AZ
Cardiologist near Philadelphia, PA
Cardiologist near Atlanta, GA
Cardiologist near Boston, MA
Cardiologist near Dallas, TX
Cardiologist near San Jose, CA

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Cardiologist search results page. 

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

• Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 

• Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 

• Family history of disease 

• List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 

• Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  

• List of questions and concerns 

• Your insurance card 

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

Here are some sample questions: 

• Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 

• What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 

• What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 

• Are there other specialists I need to see? 

• What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Cardiologist search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Angina
Atherosclerosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary Heart Disease
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Endocarditis
Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Mitral Stenosis
Pericarditis
Peripheral Artery Disease
Cor Pulmonale
Stroke

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Cardiologist search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

Reviewed on: 11/07/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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