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Cardiology is a specialty branch of medicine dedicated to the treatment and prevention of heart disease. Cardiologists help patients learn how to manage heart disease and better prevent future complications. Cardiologists also play an important role in the treatment of heart attacks and other cardiologic conditions like heart failure and heart rhythm disruptions. A cardiologist makes important decisions about patient care, including when to conduct heart surgery, catheterization, or other intervention. They work closely with other doctors to ensure patients are receiving optimal treatment and disease management.
Did you know…
that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S.? In fact, cardiovascular diseases account for approximately one in every four total deaths in America. The disease is not a discriminator of gender or ethnicity. Cardiologists help patients learn how to avoid becoming a statistic by reducing risk factors. A combination of medications, weight loss, and exercise can significantly reduce a patient’s chances of developing heart disease. Patients also benefit when they quit smoking, avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, and work to achieve lower LDL cholesterol levels.
You may be referred to a cardiologist if your doctor believes that you have a heart or cardiovascular condition that requires specialty care. Many patients are referred to cardiologists after experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pains. Others are referred to heart specialists for further evaluation of abnormal examinations. However, if you begin experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, or any of the other major signs of heart attack, bypass your doctor’s office and dial 9-1-1.
The nature of your visit with a cardiologist will depend on your reason for being there. Initial visits usually consist of a review of medical history, followed by an analysis of physical symptoms. You’ll probably have your blood pressure checked, and your cardiologist will most likely examine your breathing and heartbeat. If further evaluation is necessary, your cardiologist may suggest x-rays, lab work, an ECG, or some other type of specialized testing.
Your cardiologist may instruct you to make changes following your visit. However, your specific situation will be unique to you. Some patients are advised to make lifestyle changes, such as more balanced nutrition and increased activity levels. Others are prescribed medication to help prevent complications of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension.
Orthopedics is a specialty branch of medicine pertaining to conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Everyone is born with many muscles, bones and connective tissues that work together to form the support structure of the body. Orthopedists work to ensure these components remain strong and healthy, and the patients are free of pain and discomfort. The overall goal of orthopedics is to extend highly effective care and results using the conservative and minimally invasive treatments available.
Did you know?
An orthopedist treats patients of all ages, from birth to old age. Children are often born with physical deformities that require ongoing orthopedic care. Some people visit orthopedists after suffering a traumatic injury – perhaps in a car accident or while playing sports. Still, some patients do not require orthopedic care until much later in life, when arthritis often appears. Regardless of the reason for seeing an orthopedist or age, there are treatments available that can restore or repair the full function of the musculoskeletal system in many patients.
You may need to visit an orthopedist if you are suffering from any type of musculoskeletal disease or injury. Examples include osteoarthritis, torn ligaments, scoliosis, deformities, bone fractures, herniated discs, and compressed vertebrae. If you have not been diagnosed with any of these conditions but are suffering from joint pain, back pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or other musculoskeletal symptoms, schedule a consultation with an orthopedist to find out more about the cause of your discomfort.
It is true that orthopedics often perform surgery to restore a joint, repair severe fractures, or replace a damaged disc. But that doesn’t mean that all patients require surgical intervention. In fact, many patients are able to achieve less pain and fewer symptoms using far less invasive treatments, such as physical therapy, prescription medications, and joint injections. Talk with your orthopedist to find out which treatments could be right for you.
If you require orthopedic surgery, the thought of undergoing an operation may be intimidating. However, you can trust that many common orthopedic operations – such as knee and hip replacement – boast some of the highest success rates in modern medicine. Furthermore, today’s minimally invasive methods often mean a shorter recovery time overall. Speak with your orthopedic surgeon about any questions you have regarding the recovery period after your operation.
Physical therapy is a valuable tool to doctors and orthopedists who are helping their patients rehabilitate injuries or recover from major surgery. It is a non-invasive method that can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with other treatments. Physical therapy is a term used to describe a collection of therapeutic methods, such as exercise therapy, massage therapy, hot and cold therapy and electrical stimulation therapy. It is designed to challenge the body’s musculoskeletal system, pushing it beyond the boundaries caused by disease, deformity or injury.
Did you know…
that physical therapy is thousands of years old? Although there is no way of knowing exactly when it was first used, scientists do know that both Hippocrates and Hector advocated for its use as early as 460 B.C. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that formal schools of physiotherapy began to emerge, along with professional societies of physical therapists. By the 1950s, physical therapy began to spread outside of hospital settings and into outpatient centers and doctor’s offices where it continues today.
There are many people who could benefit from physical therapy. Examples include athletes with overuse injuries, patients with arthritis, joint replacement surgery patients, and anyone who is limited by chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, or motion range restrictions. Patients may also benefit from physical therapy if they are suffering from traumas to the body’s connective tissues, such as torn ligaments or tendinitis. To find out if physical therapy is right for you, contact your orthopedist to schedule a consultation.
Your orthopedist will prescribe physical therapy that will challenge you without over-working you. The long-term goal for many orthopedic patients is improved joint mobilization and less pain. You can expect your physical therapy sessions to gradually increase in difficulty, constantly challenging you to make progress toward your goals. Some patients require physical therapy for just a few weeks, whereas others need it for several years. Your exact experience will vary according to your needs.
It is not unusual for orthopedists to prescribe in-office physical therapy accompanied by at-home stretches or exercises. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be advised to adopt a more active lifestyle or perhaps avoid certain physical activity until you make a full recovery. The most important thing you can do to facilitate a better treatment outcome is to follow your orthopedist’s instructions exactly as advised.