Our Services / Cardiology

What is cardiology?

Cardiology is a medical specialty that involves the diagnosis, study, and treatment of the heart and blood vessels. 

MIG providers have extensive training and offer comprehensive cardiology care.

When should I see a cardiology specialist?

It's time to schedule a visit with a MIG cardiology specialist if you have symptoms such as:

• Chest pain

• Chest tightness

• Feeling of pressure in your chest

• Dizzy spells

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea

• Growing tired very quickly

• Heart racing 

• Slow heartbeat

• Breathing difficulties

• Fainting

• Persistent cough 

These symptoms can potentially indicate problems such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart failure, blood clots, tumors, or structural problems inside the heart. 

What are the different types of cardiology testing?

Some of the most common cardiology tests are:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG is a painless test to measure the electrical activity of your heart. It can help to detect arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), diagnose the cause of chest pain, identify damage from a heart attack, and assess the effectiveness of some heart disease treatments. 

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound test that creates moving images of your heart. The test can evaluate your heart structure and function. An echocardiogram can also diagnose heart failure, locate blood clots, find aorta problems, identify tumors, diagnose coronary artery disease, and identify heart valve problems. 

You may also need other cardiology tests like cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) or nuclear stress test, depending on your symptoms and suspected issues. 

If you’re at risk of developing heart disease, you may need a heart health screening as recommended by your MIG provider. 

What are the major cardiovascular disease risk factors?

The three key risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. Fortunately, those risk factors are controllable. 

Other conditions can also raise your risk of heart disease. For example, if you have diabetes, your risk of heart disease increases dramatically. Other risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular problems and age over 65.

How are cardiology issues treated?

Treatment depends on your condition, symptoms, health problems, and many other individual factors. Your MIG provider can personalize a treatment plan for you, ranging from lifestyle changes to weight management, medication, and minimally invasive cardiac procedures like angioplasty, stenting, and cardiac catheterization. 

For all-encompassing cardiovascular care from a caring expert, contact a Midsouth Independent Group cardiology provider now.