Your cardiologist

Valve Replacement Forums

Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Midpack

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2012
Messages
185
Location
Argentina
Hi!

Just a quick question. Is your current cardiologist specialized in valvular problems or an "all around" one?
 
Hi!

Just a quick question. Is your current cardiologist specialized in valvular problems or an "all around" one?

My last cardiologist was an interventionalist generalist but moved to another hospital so I had to change cardios. Looking back, I realize he wasn't as comfortable answering my questions regarding my valve issues (and wasn't as up to date on info as I was!) as my current cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart issues.

I later found out my previous cardiologist's area of research was coronary artery disease. If I were to do it all over again, I would have changed cardios knowing what I know now.
 
Mine is general, but also specializes in electrophysiology. To me, the most important thing was finding a doctor I trust and had privileges at the best local hospitals. He referred me to a valve specialist (surgeon) for surgery.
 
I've had three cardio's. The first one, I fired after one visit. The second one did have a specialty in valve issues among younger (less than elderly) patients. When he left the practice and moved almost an hour away, he referred me to one of his associates. My present cardio is more of a generalist, but he seems very up-to-date in his knowledge of valvular problems. We often discuss various research papers he or I have found, and I think he is great.
 
I see a cardiologist in an adult congenital heart clinic at UCSF. Until I was 28 I went to the pediatric clinic. I have had three cardiologist in my life all at UCSF. I've been followed since birth. I stopped going to the pediatric clinic in my late 20s. I went for an appointment and was asked, "are you here to check in your child?" I laughed.

Edit: My cardiologist specializes in adult congenital heart conditions and valvular disease and specializes in the assessment of cardiac function using echocardiography. She was part of my surgery team and performed the echo in the OR.
 
My son's doctor is an all around ped cardiologist. He discovered my sons CoA and BAV when others overlooked it. Therefore, we assume he is knowledgeable in his defects. He also recommended one the best ped cardo surgeons in the state who specializes in those repairs.

Lets not forget he was from UNC and not Duke hehe.
 
My cardiologist is a general one. But I'm thinking of getting a second opinion with a cardiologist that specializes in valves.
 
My cardio is at Mayo, he is a valve and echocardiograph specialist. As a matter of fact he was part of the team that operated on me. He did the echo during surgery. I feel very lucky that he looking after me and hope that he never leaves Mayo.
 
My cardiologist and my surgeon are on the same valve replacement team. I researched surgeons and picked one out that was in my insurance network, and got a referral from my GP. After meeting with the surgeon, I asked him and his staff for a cardiologist recommendation. That way I could get someone who was used to working with each other.
 
Mine specializes in interventional cardiology and is head of the cath lab at our hospital. His stated career goal is "to put heart surgeons out of business".
Mark
 

Latest posts

Back
Top