Cardiology

Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group provides cardiology care in Central Valley, CA for people with heart symptoms, known heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. Services may include non-invasive evaluation, diagnostic testing and interventional cardiology procedures when a less invasive heart treatment is appropriate.

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Heart Care for Every Step of the Journey

Cardiology focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease can include several types of conditions, and risk factors may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history.

At Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group, cardiology care may begin with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, family history and risk factors. From there, your cardiologist can recommend the next step, which may include non-invasive testing, medication management, lifestyle guidance, ongoing monitoring or referral for interventional cardiology.

Non-Invasive Cardiology

Non-invasive cardiology uses tests and exams to check your heart health. It does not require the use of surgery or catheter-based procedures. Your cardiologist can help determine which tests may be appropriate based on your symptoms, health history and exam. These services may be used to check symptoms, monitor an existing heart condition or better understand your risk for future heart problems.

Depending on your needs, your cardiologist may discuss non-invasive heart tests such as:

Electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG
Heart rhythm monitoring
Echocardiogram
Stress testing
Cardiac imaging
Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar evaluation

Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology uses specialized imaging, catheter-based techniques and other tools to diagnose and treat certain heart and blood vessel conditions. It may be used to evaluate blood flow and pressure in the heart and coronary arteries, and to treat some cardiovascular problems through catheter-based procedures.

If testing shows a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, your cardiologist may discuss a procedure such as angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Angioplasty may help improve blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and may include placing a stent to help keep the artery open.

Not everyone is a candidate for an interventional procedure. Your care team will review your symptoms, test results, health history and treatment options with you.

When to See a Cardiologist

You may want to talk with a cardiologist if you have symptoms or risk factors that could be related to your heart or blood vessels. These may include:

Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness, fainting or unusual fatigue
Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
Known coronary artery disease or another heart condition

Call 911 if you or a loved one experiences symptoms of heart attack or other heart-related event.

What to Expect at a Cardiology Visit

Your first cardiology appointment may include a review of your symptoms, medications, medical history, family history and previous test results. Your cardiologist may also check your blood pressure, heart rate and other measurements. The goal is to help you understand what may be affecting your heart health and what steps may help you manage your condition.

Your care plan may include:

Additional testing
Medication changes or monitoring
Lifestyle recommendations
Follow-up appointments
Referral to an interventional cardiologist or another specialist, if needed

Heart-Healthy Habits Matter

Your cardiologist may also talk with you about prevention and long-term heart health. Heart-healthy habits include eating well, staying active, avoiding nicotine, getting healthy sleep and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight. Ask your doctor what steps are safe and appropriate for you based on your health history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group can help connect you with cardiology care in the Central Valley. A cardiologist may recommend screening or imaging based on your symptoms, risk factors and medical history. Availability may vary by location, so confirm the site and service before your visit.

Referral requirements can depend on your insurance plan, medical group and reason for the visit. Some patients may schedule directly, while others may need a referral from a primary care provider. Check with your insurance plan and the cardiology office before scheduling.

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, medication list, recent test results, prior cardiology records and a list of symptoms or questions. It can also help to write down when symptoms happen, how long they last and what makes them better or worse.

Yes. A cardiologist can evaluate heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, especially when they are difficult to manage or occur with other heart concerns. Your plan may include lifestyle guidance, medications, monitoring and coordination with your primary care provider.

Catheter-based procedures are often less invasive than open surgery, but they are still medical procedures and may carry risks. Your cardiologist can explain why a procedure is being considered, what it may involve, what alternatives exist and whether you may be a candidate.

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