A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists may work in a hospital setting, a clinic, or private practice. Some cardiologists may also work as researchers or professors. The best cardiologists in Los Angeles and beyond perform a number of procedures, including:
Angiography
This is a diagnostic medical test that uses x-rays to produce pictures of the blood vessels. It is used to help find and diagnose problems with the blood vessels, such as blockages, narrowed sections, and aneurysms.
There are a number of reasons why a doctor may order an angiography. The most common reasons are to diagnose or treat aneurysms, blockages, abnormal heart rhythms, or valve problems.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a medical procedure that uses a catheter to open a blocked or narrowed artery. The catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin area and passed through to the blocked artery. A small balloon is then inflated at the site of the blockage, which pushes the plaque against the artery wall and opens the artery.
The most common reasons for angioplasty include heart attack, stroke, chest pain, and peripheral arterial disease. Angioplasty is a safe and effective procedure that can help improve the symptoms of these conditions.
Stenting
This is a medical procedure in which a stent is inserted into an artery to hold it open and improve blood flow. A stent is a small mesh tube that is inserted into an artery using a catheter. The stent is then expanded to hold the artery open.
There are a number of reasons why a doctor may recommend a patient undergo a stenting procedure. Some of the most common reasons include need to open a blocked artery, preventing a heart attack, relieving chest pain, preventing an aneurysm, and preventing a stroke.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm can cause pain, shortness of breath, and other problems. If an aneurysm is small, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. This means you will have regular checkups to see if the aneurysm gets bigger. If the aneurysm gets bigger or is large already, you may need surgery. The surgery is called an aortic aneurysm repair.
Bypass Surgery
A bypass surgery, also known as a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart. The surgery involves grafting new blood vessels, usually taken from the leg or chest, around the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This “bypasses” the obstruction and improves blood flow to the heart muscle.’
There are many reasons why a person might need to have bypass surgery, but the most common reason is to improve blood flow to the heart. When the heart isn’t getting enough blood, it can’t function properly and the person can experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Bypass surgery creates a new route for blood to flow to the heart, which can help improve the heart’s function and reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart. The donor heart may come from a human donor, or from a animal such as a pig or cow.
The most common reason for a heart transplant is heart failure, a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Other reasons for a heart transplant include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart attacks.