Worried About a Heart Diagnosis? U.S. Board-Certified Cardiologists Can Help
Get expert medical guidance for your loved ones with a second opinion from U.S. doctors
Introduction:
In today’s world, many people are suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, etc., that affect their lifestyle and dietary habits. It has been estimated that cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death globally. Around 17.9 million deaths occur every year. Hypertension is the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases. Typically, the individual will not experience any signs or symptoms related to hypertension. However, hypertension increases the occurrence of stroke, heart attack, etc.
Research studies show that simple tests such as blood tests can prevent the incidence of strokes and heart attacks by an early diagnosisWhen cardiovascular diseases are detected at an early stage, it saves costs and prevents the progression of the disease.
Common cardiovascular diseases:
Coronary artery disease (CAD):
In CAD, the plaque gets deposited on the walls of the arteries, which narrows the blood vessels and obstructs the blood flow. In certain cases, the plaque can develop into a clot, resulting in complete blockage of the artery. When arteries are blocked completely, it can result in a heart attack. You don’t experience any signs until the arteries are narrowed. Sometimes, you get chest pain during a physical activity or when you are stressed. This condition is known as angina.
Heart failure:
Heart failure is a chronic condition where your heart is unable to pump enough blood. When blood is not able to move through the heart, it gets accumulated in other body parts, such as the legs or feet.
Congenital heart disease:
Congenital heart diseases include birth defects that prevent the flow of blood through the heart. Such conditions can arise due to the presence of a hole in the heart or problems with the blood vessels. The risk factors include smoking, genetic history, medicines, diabetes, etc.
Cardiomyopathy:
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the myocardium, which is the heart muscle. The heart is not able to pump enough blood due to stiffening.
Hypertension:
Hypertension is caused by a rise in blood pressure. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases and renal problems. It is important to control blood pressure through the intake of medicines that lower blood pressure.
How do U.S. Board-certified cardiologists ensure patient care?
After completing medical education, doctors pursue certification through certain medical boards. It is important to pass the examinations in their field and display essential skills. Even though all doctors practice medicine, board certification can be considered a professional achievement.
Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Becoming a cardiologist is a tough journey that requires commitment, patience, and training. To ensure the board certification, the cardiologist must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Cardiovascular Disease Certification Examination.
If a person experiences chest pain, breathing difficulties, fluctuations in heart rate, etc., it is important to consult a cardiologist. The latest innovative approaches, such as CT scans and wearable devices, have aided in identifying cardiovascular conditions with accuracy.
The cardiologist will conduct a detailed clinical examination and will also carry out certain tests to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm. It is also important to get a medical opinion from a cardiologist if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.
After the examination, the cardiologist will decide upon treatment options such as stenting, angioplasty, valvuloplasty, etc. They also think about conservative management, like focusing on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and medications.
Role of telemedicine in cardiology second opinion:
Telemedicine provides the facility of virtual consultations/remote second opinions by connecting patients with U.S.-trained cardiologists. For example, an individual with cardiovascular disease can seek a second opinion from another cardiologist if their primary doctor recommends an invasive surgical option.
Getting a cardiology second opinion can make you aware of conservative management or less invasive treatment options. With the help of virtual consultation, it is possible to get a cardiology second opinion online.
Generally, elderly patients who are diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions feel tired due to the symptoms. They might not be comfortable traveling long distances to consult a cardiologist.
With the help of virtual platforms, the patient can discuss the symptoms with the cardiologist and obtain a treatment recommendation from the comfort of their home.
Importance of a second opinion in cardiology:
The symptoms of cardiovascular conditions can mimic other health issues, which can make the diagnosis confusing. Through seeking a second opinion, patients can confirm the initial diagnosis. The cardiologists propose treatment plans based upon their experience and knowledge. A cardiology second opinion can give you a comprehensive understanding of treatment options, from medicines to minimally invasive procedures.
A second opinion can improve your peace of mind and boost your confidence by providing a clear idea about various innovative treatment approaches.
Receiving medical opinions from different experts can reduce your anxiety and make you comfortable. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments that result in side effects. A second opinion can reduce the chance of diagnostic errors or misdiagnoses that may prevent unnecessary treatment approaches.
What are the measures taken to maintain your heart health?
It is important to focus on a balanced diet, which is rich in vegetables and fruits. Reducing the intake of saturated fats is beneficial for your heart health. You can focus on reducing your weight through regular physical exercise.
Exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and reduce the incidence of hypertension. Regular health checkups play a crucial role in monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease can be an overwhelming experience. Treatment options can vary from invasive surgery to conservative approaches. U.S. board-certified cardiologists have relevant expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.
Trusted platforms like My American Doctor connect patients with top specialists and get their medical advice without the need to travel. These services give people more belief in their treatment options, which ensures they receive the most effective care.
At My American Doctor, we put international patients in touch with the top U.S. doctors so that they can get skilled medical advice online. You or your loved one can get the best possible care through our platform, which gives you safe and easy access to top medical professionals. Don’t leave your loved one’s health to uncertainty—seek a second opinion today!
References:
- Public Health England. Health matters: preventing cardiovascular disease [Internet]. London: UK Government; 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-preventing-cardiovascular-disease/health-matters-preventing-cardiovascular-disease
- PreCardix. Heart health matters [Internet]. Halifax (NS): PreCardix; [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://precardix.ca/heart-health-matters/
- Sup.ai. The timeline to becoming a cardiologist: education and training requirements [Internet]. [place unknown]: Sup.ai; [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://sup.ai/articles/health/the-timeline-to-becoming-a-cardiologist-education-and-training-requirements
- Medicover Hospitals. Advantages of seeking a second opinion in cardiology [Internet]. [place unknown]: Medicover Hospitals; [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/articles/advantages-seeking-second-opinion-cardiology