Cardiology Consultation

What is a cardiology consultation?

A cardiology consultation at Heart & Vascular Institute refers to the preoperative evaluation you need to have before undergoing surgery. Surgery of any kind stirs up many emotions, including fear and anxiety due to the risks related to the procedure, as well as concerns you may have about the recovery process.

Your cardiology consultation may ease some of your unrest. The purpose of your preoperative consultation is to ensure you’re at optimal health so you get the best possible outcomes from your surgery. 

Am I a good candidate for a cardiology consultation?

Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or primary care physician determines if you’re a good candidate for a preoperative cardiology consultation. You may be referred to the cardiology specialists at Heart & Vascular Institute for a consultation if you have a history of:

• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Peripheral artery disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Chronic renal disease

You may also need a cardiology consultation if the results of your electrocardiogram (EKG) are abnormal.

Certain high-risk surgical procedures also require a cardiology consultation, such as:

• Aortic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Lower-extremity revascularization
• Head and neck surgery
• Kidney transplant

You also may be referred to the cardiology experts if you’re undergoing a procedure that may cause major blood loss, which may include any general, gynecological, or urological procedure. 

What can I expect during a cardiology consultation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come in for a preoperative cardiology consultation at Heart & Vascular Institute. During your consultation, your cardiologist reviews your medical, surgical, and family history, as well as the types of medications and supplements you take. 

To assess heart health, your cardiologist may also recommend various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Bloodwork
• EKG
• Stress test
• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function test

If you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, your cardiologist also evaluates these devices. 

The goal of the consultation is to determine whether your heart is strong enough to handle the physical stress of surgery or if you’re at risk of developing any cardiac complications during the procedure. 

Based on the information gathered during your consultation, your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute determines if you’re cardiac cleared to proceed with your surgery. 

If your cardiologist determines that you’re not at optimal cardiac health for your procedure, recommendations are made to address your cardiac issues. 

To schedule your cardiology consultation, call Heart & Vascular Institute or request an appointment through the online booking tool.