Primary cardiologist consultation (regions)

A follow-up consultation is a new visit to the same specialist within 10 working days from the previous consultation for the same medical condition.

The primary cardiology consultation is a specialized medical evaluation performed by a cardiologist, aimed at identifying, preventing, and treating cardiovascular diseases. It includes the analysis of symptoms, risk factors, and medical history, followed by a clinical examination and, if necessary, the recommendation of specific investigations.

Purpose

• Early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
• Assessment of individual cardiovascular risk.
• Development of a personalized prevention and treatment plan.

Role

The primary cardiology consultation is essential for preventing serious complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure) and for establishing an accurate diagnosis based on clinical evaluation, risk factors, and objective data.

Main objectives

• Detailed collection of personal and family medical history.
• Assessment of symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, etc.).
• Identification of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, etc.).
• Cardiovascular clinical examination.
• Recommendation of paraclinical investigations.
• Establishment of a treatment or prevention plan.

Consultation stages

• Complete medical history (current symptoms, associated diseases, treatments, lifestyle).
• Physical examination: cardiac and pulmonary auscultation, blood pressure and pulse measurement.
• Assessment of risk indicators (BMI, waist circumference, etc.).
• Explanation of possible diagnoses.
• Prescription of additional investigations (ECG, echocardiography, stress tests, blood tests).
• Discussion of lifestyle changes or treatment options.

Indications

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, palpitations.
• Arterial hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus.
• Family history of heart disease.
• Cardiovascular evaluation prior to surgery.
• Monitoring and treatment of already diagnosed cardiac conditions.

Procedure

• Initial discussion and symptom assessment.
• Complete physical examination focused on the cardiovascular system.
• Measurement of blood pressure and pulse.
• Prescription of additional tests if necessary.
• Discussion of treatment options or referral for specialized investigations.

Duration and scheduling

• Consultation duration: 30–45 minutes.
• Timeframe for additional investigations: 1–7 days, depending on availability.
• Follow-up visit: scheduled individually, usually within 2–4 weeks.

The primary cardiology consultation is an essential step in cardiovascular healthcare. Through a comprehensive and personalized evaluation, major complications can be prevented and effective treatment or prevention measures can be initiated.

 

Sources:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/cardiology/cardiologists/what-is-a-cardiologist
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21983-cardiologist
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/when-to-see-a-cardiologist
https://stgenhospital.sccgov.org/healthlink/Cardiology.pdf