A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in heart and vascular diseases. What is his role ? Do I need a prescription from my doctor? How is an appointment?
What is the role of a cardiologist?
The cardiologist East the doctor specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. “It also treats diseases of the pericardium (the bag inside is the heart), diseases of the heart valves, diseases of the aorta (eg aneurysm, dilation or dissection), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the arteries of the lung)”, says Pr. Claire Mounier-Vehier, cardiologist at the University Hospital of Lille and President of the French Federation of Cardiology. He takes care of adults and children. The field of action of the cardiologist is wide: he can be consulted in case of:
- chest pain,
- shortness of breath,
- syncope,
- heartbeat,
- hypercholesterolemia
- high blood pressure
- heart failure,
- after a myocardial infarction,
- endocarditis or arrhythmias.
For which indications to consult a cardiologist?
With the introduction of the coordinated care pathway, only the attending physician can refer a patient to a cardiologist. In this context, the consultation will be reimbursed by Social Security. It is therefore the attending physician who can decide to refer his patient to a cardiologist. Indeed, for some people called “at risk”, it is necessary to regularly monitor the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It’s the case for :
- diabetics,
- victims of arterial hypertension or hypercholesterolemia,
- overweight people,
- smokers.
“It is also useful to consult a cardiologist before certain surgical procedures (preoperative assessment), when resuming sport after 45 years in a rather sedentary man or woman and in the event of intensive sports practice (for example half-marathon, marathon)“, says Prof. Mounier-Vehier.
The consultation usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.
► During a consultation, the cardiologist always begins by questioning of the patient in order to know his personal and family history. He also tries to find out if he feels any discomfort such as shortness of breath, palpitations, pain in the chest on exertion or at rest. The doctor also takes note of the patient’s latest medical examinations, in particular his blood tests.
► He then proceeds to auscultation. For this he takes the peripheral pulse (arms and feet) and blood pressure in both armsauscultates the lungs, looks for the presence of a possible heart murmur or heart failure, thanks to the carrying out an ECG (electrocardiogram) rest.
► “If it seems necessary to him, he can prescribe various additional examinations such as a standard cardiac ultrasound or more specific (with effort, trans-oesophageal, etc.), fitting a holter (a box to measure the heart rate for 24 hours), a 24-hour blood pressure holter if he suspects nocturnal hypertension, a stress test, a stress scintigraphy, an MRI or a coro-scanner with study of the cavities of the heart and, if necessary, a coronagraphy when he suspects a coronary artery disease to be revascularized“, explains Professor Mounier-Vehier.
- Write down your symptoms
- List your family history: who has been affected by a cardiovascular problem in your family and at what age
- Bring your blood tests performed in the year and your urine test results
- List your regularly prescribed medical treatments.
What is the price of a consultation? Is it reimbursed?
If the allergist consulted is approved for sector 1, its price is 51 euros. Social Security then reimburses the consultation to 70% height of the contract price. If he is from sector 2, his fees are free.
What degree to become a cardiologist?
After 6 years of medical studies, the cardiologist enters a specialized course (cardio vascular DES) which lasts 5 years. He then chooses his mode of professional exercise at the hospital, in town or at the university hospital. He can over-specialize with additional diplomas (ultrasound, coronary angiography, arithmology, hypertension, vascular medicine).
Thank you to Pr Claire Mounier-Vehier, cardiologist at the University Hospital of Lille and President of the French Federation of Cardiology.