Many individuals tend to visit the doctor only when their bodies have succumbed to illness. To prevent such a scenario from happening to you, it is crucial to undergo routine medical check-ups, which should include consultations with a cardiologist.

Explore the intricacies of heart examination procedures and book a consultation to discuss how this vital medical assessment can safeguard your cardiovascular well-being.

Why is Cardiology Consultation Important? 

The initial cardiology consultation serves as a vital preventive measure for everyone. Through this, individuals can assess their heart's current health, comprehend the risks associated with heart issues, and acquire knowledge about healthy lifestyle habits conducive to maintaining optimal heart health. 

Simultaneously, for individuals already diagnosed with heart issues, adhering to a routine cardiology consultation becomes imperative to monitor their heart conditions consistently. This ensures prompt intervention and necessary treatment when needed.

Beyond its role in diagnosis and treatment, cardiology consultations play a crucial part in educating patients about specific lifestyle habits that enhance the recovery process and ward off potential issues. These lifestyle adjustments encompass embracing healthy diets, steering clear of certain activities, and maintaining a healthy weight.

When is Cardiology Consultation needed?

Understanding when to seek an examination from a cardiologist is crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing potential complications. If you are experiencing conditions such as the following, it's essential to have a consultation with a cardiologist:

1. Family History

In some instances, genetic factors can contribute to the inheritance of heart conditions. Consequently, individuals with a familial background of this ailment are at an increased risk of encountering similar issues. 

Initiating discussions with your parents or other family members whether there is a history of sudden death, heart attack, high blood pressure, or cholesterol history within the family is a good starting point. 

If such history exists, the likelihood of you facing similar problems is higher. To ensure certainty, maintaining regular cardiology check-ups is crucial.

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain may arise from different factors, with indigestion being one of them. Nevertheless, if you frequently encounter chest discomfort, it often signals a potential heart attack. In such instances, it is strongly advised to seek guidance from a cardiologist.

3. High Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol is a type of fat, and moderate amounts of it are beneficial for your body. However, too much cholesterol in your body can be harmful. 

The fat can enter your artery wall and lead to the formation of hardened deposits called atherosclerotic plaque. This phenomenon is a significant risk factor for health problems such as: 

• Coronary heart disease -  blocked blood flow to the heart.
• Peripheral artery disease - blocked blood flow to legs and arms.
• Carotid artery disease - blocked blood flow to the brain. 

Thus, it’s essential to have regular visits to the cardiologist to monitor your cholesterol numbers and maintain them by adopting a healthy diet. 

4. Hypertension

Hypertension, defined as elevated blood pressure exceeding the normal range of 140/90, affects an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 worldwide. 

Regrettably, nearly half of the population is unaware of this condition, as it often manifests without noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to various health issues, such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. 

Therefore, people with this condition are strongly advised to have regular cardiology checkups so that they can reduce the risks of this silent-killer disease. 

5. Obesity

In this modern world, easy access to junk food increases the number of obesity both in adults and children. Sadly, this condition is a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. 

If you have this condition, routine cardiology consultation is essential to understand your health and adopt a healthy lifestyle to get back in shape.

6. Late Adulthood

Routine cardiology check-ups are crucial for individuals in late adulthood aged 65 and older. This age group is at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, developing coronary heart disease, or facing heart failure since their body has changed.

The aging process brings about alterations in the heart and blood vessels, limiting the heart's ability to beat faster during physical activity. Additionally, aging frequently leads to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arterial walls.

Cardiology Consultation Procedure

The procedure of cardiology consultation might vary; however, some typical steps are taken during the process. This guide will shed light on the systematic approach and essential elements involved in the process of consultation, empowering you to actively participate in your heart wellness journey.

1. The Preparation

Before the test, the cardiologist generally conducts an interview. To enhance the benefits of this session, it is advisable to prepare before heading to the hospital:

• Compile a list of any medications you are currently taking.
• Bring the results of any other medical exams and tests you have undergone.
• Detail the symptoms you are experiencing, including their severity and when they first appeared.
• Prepare a list of questions to discuss with the cardiologist.

If you experience difficulty swallowing, inform the doctor in the interview, as it could impact the chosen examination method. 

Depending on the examination type, the doctor might instruct you not to eat for a few hours beforehand. It is also recommended that you arrange for a ride home, especially if sedating medication is administered during the examination to help you relax.

2. The Examination

After the interview, you will soon start the examination process. The cardiologist will initiate the procedure by measuring your blood pressure, weight, and height. He might also draw some blood to measure cholesterol levels. 

Subsequently, an electrocardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG) may be performed to record your heart's electrical signals and rhythm to detect heart problems or monitor heart health quickly. 

Besides an electrocardiogram, the cardiologist might also perform an echocardiogram (ECHO) to generate images of your heart. 

This examination allows the doctor to assess how your heart is beating and pumping blood. It's important to note that the individual operating the device is not the cardiologist but a technician known as a sonographer. 

There are four distinct types of echocardiograms, and the choice of which one to undergo depends on the specific information your doctor requires.

• Transthoracic echocardiogram -This is the most common method used for heart examinations. Initially, a special gel is applied to the patient's chest skin, after which the transducer is pressed against the chest to capture the sound waves reflecting from the heart.  The computer then transforms these waves into moving images displayed on the screen, resembling the ultrasound process used for pregnant women.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram—If the transthoracic echocardiogram is unsuccessful or the doctor needs to see the heart sound waves in more detail, the doctor may recommend the transesophageal echocardiogram method. In this method, a flexible tube containing a transducer is directed down the throat through the mouth. This makes the capture of heart images clearer. Before the procedure begins, you will likely receive a spray or numbing gel for your throat. This will make you more comfortable during the examination process.
• Doppler echocardiogram - This device is used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the arteries of your heart. Sometimes, the blood flow shown on the monitor is colorized so that it is easier for the doctor to pinpoint any problems.
• Stress echocardiogram - Some heart issues occur only during physical activities. Hence, when undergoing this examination, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. If you are unable to engage in physical activities, you will likely receive an injection that makes your heart pump as hard as you are exercising.

The duration of echocardiograms might vary, but most take less than one hour. During the examination, you might be asked to breathe or move in a certain way to get the best image of your heart. 

3. After the Examination

If the examination result is good, you can continue your daily activities normally, and no further test is needed. If the results show signs of heart problems, you might need more examination and treatment. 

How many cardiology Consultations are there at Bali International Hospital?

The estimated average for cardiology consultation cost in Indonesia is around IDR 600.000 to 10.000.000.

At Bali International Hospital, we believe that wellness is unrivaled to heal your body, mind, and soul. Hence, being one of the centers of excellence, our cardiology installation center at Bali International Hospital is committed to prioritizing your heart health by offering comprehensive assessments and treatments.

Our services include early examinations, primary treatment, and after-treatment care of cardiology therapy with unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge medical technology right in the heart of Bali.

Secure your appointment at Bali International Hospital today for an unparalleled cardiology experience.