What are they going to do to me when i go to the cardiologist?

Question

I know they are going to look at my heart, but what exactly are they looking for and what procedures will they do on me? im really scared because i went to have a physical today and they thought there was something wrong with my heart or something so they want to check it because i have passed out 2 times during excercise. they think my dizziness could be related to a heart problem. thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hey,
I'm a heart patient. I have been my whole life. I go every 6 months. This is exactly what they do:
1. You get an EKG - they place stickers on your chest, attach them to a machine, you lay still for a minute, and they record the rhythm of your heart
Ouch factor is like a 2, when you peel the stickers off

2. You get an Echocardiogram (maybe) they put jelly on your chest and move a wand around to see your heart. It's really cool because you can actually SEE your heart beating on a screen and SEE the blood pumping through your heart. You can HEAR it too, it's awesome. And it doesn't hurt at all.

3. You talk to the doctor.

4. You get a stress test, they hook you up to machines and make you run...no big deal

5. Maybe, they'll do a tilt table test. All you do is lay on a table that they make move up right and then back down again.

6. Holter monitor, which is an EKG that stays on you for a day or two, to catch your heart rhythm 24 hrs a day

None of it is painful, and based on your symptoms, your condition is probably not serious. There a few things that could cause it.

If you want to talk about it, E-Mail me!

Answer 2

Hi, I have been a heart patient since 2004. I met a cardiologist after my baby was born, I have something called cardiomyopathy. I have to see him every 4-6 months depending how I am doing. First of all depending on the office usually you have paper work to fill out, then they weigh you and get your blood pressure. Depending on the doctor, they usually do a family history, ekg, or eeg, which those are totally painless, the only pain you will feel is if the stickers are too sticky and stick to hair, when they pull them off it could just be a little ouch. Then, they will go from there and fiqure out what could be done. Usually it's blood work, echocardiogram, stress test, even a chest X-ray. Some times they can even prescribe medicine. If they think diffrent specialist need to be involved in your care, they will offer recommendations. I wouldn't be too worried about it, I know the first time for everything is very nerve recking. Good luck.

Answer 3

Hi, don't be afraid. I have been examined by a cardiologist and still do so every six months. Your first time being examined by cardiologist, they will more than likely perform the following: EKG, blood work (even if you already had blood work by your other doctor, they will probably do more to check electrolytes, potassium level, etc.), and the cardiologist will listen to your heart, breathing, etc., and discuss the problems with you that you have been having. After that he/she will decide what tests to perform from there depending upon what he/she thinks may be going on.

If he/she thinks further tests are needed they will probably set up an appointment for a echocardiogram (which is painless), this just looks at the heart and valves and blood flow, it takes pictures. They could want to do a stress test where you walk on a treadmill or do a bicycle which is also painless but can be tiring, they monitor your heart and blood pressure during this. But these tests are normally not done on the first visit.

Depending upon the results of the above they may want to do other tests, but don't stress and worry. The first appointment is a breeze.

I think you are more worried about what could be going on. Unfortunately, none of us here can tell you that. Only the cardiologist can. I know it is hard not to worry, I have been through this many times, but try not to. Below is a definititon of each test with links provided at the bottom.

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.


Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test.

An echocardiogram (often called "echo") is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During this test, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers. This allows the technician, called a sonographer, to evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves.

Best wishes to you.

Click these links if you would like more info on the above tests:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/Electrocardiogram
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/stress-test%20%20(DUPE)
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/diagnosing-echocardiogram

Answer 4

They will probably start off with and ekg, then maybe a sonogram and may have you wear a heart monitor for a few hours or couple of day. Then it is possible that you may have to have a stress test done later with or without a contrast die. These websites can explain what these tests are. If something else is then needed they will explain to you, hopefully nothing will be wrong or you would only need to take a pill if so. Good Luck!

Answer 5

They could do an EKG, which is a very simple test. I just had one & it only took a few minutes to do. I didn't even have to get undressed for it. They also could do an ultra sound on the arteries going to & from your heart. I've had that done too & that's nothing to worry about either. Don't worry about anything. They'll find out w/your problem is & you'll be OK. Don't forget what I always say, 99.9% of what we worry about never happens!!! So just take it easy & wait until you get the test results back. Take care, honey...

Answer 6

I work for heart surgeons and usually when we send a patient back to a Cardiologist for testing on the heart...they do something like a treadmill test...If our patients are older and not able to run the treadmill...then they have other kinds of stress test available for those pt who can't do that.

Don't worry they are specialist if something is wrong with your heart that is why they are there to find out and they will be there if you get dizzy.

Answer 7

You don't have to be scared at all, followings can be the possible tests:
1) EKG./Holter's Monitor.
2) ETT (Exercise Tolerance Test) / tread mill test.
3)Echocardiography.
After establishing the diagnosis, they will recommend treatment OR they can advise a Thallium Stress Test.
They can advise you an angiography.
Don't be afraid with those big words, OK.

Answer 8

they will do a EKG and possibly take some blood
they might set you up for a 2D Echo ( no pain involved) and or a Stress Test ( in which you walk on a treadmill while they are monitoring your heart)
passing out could also be a sign or pernicious anemia

Answer 9

the doctor will ask for your medical history.. like what illnesses are there in your family..
if your really seeing a cardiologist, they will see you blood pressure if its normal then maybe your heart is normal and no irregularities.. or your not having a heart problem..