General Cardiology
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Whether you're having new symptoms, have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, or just want to better understand your heart health, a UVA Health general cardiologist can help.
General cardiologists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. They work with you to understand your heart health, identify the cause of your symptoms, and create a care plan that fits your needs.
Why Choose UVA Health for Cardiology?
At UVA Health, our world-class care combines with the latest tools and techniques to make sure you get treatment you need. Our specialists work together to make care plans centered on your unique heart health needs.
In fact, U.S. News & World Report has ranked 5 of our heart treatment services as "high-performing," which means they're among the best in the U.S. See awards and recognition we've received for our expert, compassionate heart and vascular care.
When Should I See a Cardiologist?
Your primary care provider may recommend that you see a cardiologist if you have symptoms that could be related to your heart or if you have risk factors that increase your chance of developing heart disease. It may be a good idea to see a cardiologist if you have:
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- A racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in your legs or feet
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol that's difficult to manage
- Diabetes or a family history of heart disease
- A history of heart attack, heart failure, or another heart condition
Even if you feel well, a cardiologist can help check your heart health if you have risk factors, a family history of heart disease, or questions about keeping your heart healthy.
General cardiologists diagnose and treat many common heart conditions, including things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart murmurs or other conditions or risk factors for developing heart and vascular conditions. We can also connect you with specialists for more advanced care.
Your Heart Keeps You Going.
You deserve the best prevention & care.
If you need more specialized care, your cardiologist works closely with other specialists across the Heart & Vascular Institute to make sure you receive the right treatment while continuing to coordinate your care.
What to Expect
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, family history, lifestyle, and medications. Your cardiologist will do a physical exam and recommend any testing that's needed to better understand your heart health. Not everyone needs the same tests. Your care team will recommend what's right for you.
After learning more about any heart conditions you may have, your cardiologist will explain the diagnosis, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a personalized care plan.
Personalized Treatment
Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms, overall health, and personal goals. Many heart conditions can be managed well with healthy lifestyle changes, medication, and regular follow-up care.
If you need more advanced treatment, your cardiologist will explain your options and connect you with the right specialists. Throughout your care, your cardiologist remains an important partner in helping you manage your heart health.
Coordinated Heart Care
Heart care often involves a team of specialists. Your cardiologist works closely with other experts across the Heart & Vascular Institute to provide seamless, coordinated care, from diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up.
With convenient locations throughout Virginia and regional partnerships across the state, many patients can get their heart care close to home while still having access to advanced specialty care when needed.
Whether you need help managing a common heart condition or care for a more complex diagnosis, we're here to help you take the next step toward better heart health.
Heart Disease Prevention & Support
Our cardiologists are available to help manage and lower your risk for developing heart and vascular disease. See how we can help.