Dr Ashish Shankhdhar

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specialized in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and diseases. They analyze symptoms, perform tests like ECGs and echocardiograms, and develop treatment plans, which may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures like angioplasty. Cardiologists play a vital role in maintaining heart health and preventing cardiovascular issues.

Cardiologists treat a range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, congenital heart defects, and hypertension. They address symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats, aiming to manage conditions effectively through medication, lifestyle modifications, or procedures like angioplasty or heart surgery.

Heart disease is diagnosed through various methods, including physical exams, blood tests for cholesterol and biomarkers, electrocardiograms (ECGs) to assess heart rhythm, echocardiograms for imaging, stress tests to evaluate heart function under exertion, and angiograms to visualize blood flow in the arteries. These tests aid cardiologists in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history of heart disease. Managing these factors through lifestyle changes and medical interventions can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

To prevent heart disease, maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress effectively, maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and seeking regular medical check-ups.