Struggling with heart health and unsure of where to begin? Dr. Zaki Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha at Gilbert Cardiology – your cardiologist in Gilbert, AZ – provide the answer in the guide below.
Understanding the Difference Between a Cardiologist and a Cardiac Surgeon
Though both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon work to treat issues of the heart, they do so in different ways. What are the differences? When might you need to see each one? Dr. Lababidi and Dr. Albasha at Gilbert Cardiology in Gilbert, AZ answer these questions and more below.
Cardiologist vs Cardiac Surgeon
When you have issues within your cardiovascular system, you’ll need to visit a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a doctor who has received specialized medical training to diagnose, treat, and monitor various heart conditions.
Most often, treatment includes dietary changes, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and the use of medication when necessary. In some cases, a cardiologist will provide a stent to help address blockages in your blood vessels.
When a condition requires more intervention, your cardiologist will likely refer you to a cardiac surgeon. A cardiac surgeon has specialized medical training in performing surgery on the heart. Their focus is on correcting the issue through surgical intervention.
Care After Surgery
If your condition requires surgery, you might wonder which of these specialists you’ll need to see after your surgery is complete. For a while, you’ll still see your cardiac surgeon. They’ll ensure that your surgery has completed its objective and that you are recovering properly.
You will still see your cardiologist, as well. They’ll follow your surgical process and continue to monitor your heart health. This will carry on long after your last visit with your surgeon.
This is because your surgeon’s job is to correct the issue via surgery and ensure you heal from that procedure. Your cardiologist, on the other hand, is a health partner. After surgery, they will work with you to not only heal but also keep your heart healthy.
Where Do I Begin?
Most people start their heart health journey with a trip to their general physician. After an exam and thorough discussion of your symptoms, your GP will determine if a trip to a cardiologist is in order. Your cardiologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. If surgery is necessary, they’ll refer you to a surgeon.
If you’re struggling with heart health and searching for a cardiologist in Gilbert, AZ, call (480) 786-9100 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lababidi and Dr. Albasha at Gilbert Cardiology today.