Your heart disease may be diagnosed by your family doctor. Once the diagnosis is made, he or she will send you to a cardiology specialist. The cardiology specialist will further stratify your symptoms, perform further testing and narrow down your diagnosis. At that point you may need to see another type of heart specialist. Where 30 years ago the family doctor treated everything from the common cold to cancer, we are now in an age where physicians are further schooled to specialize in different areas of expertise. Can a general cardiologist treat your serious heart disease? Yes. Would you not rather see a physician who went to further schooling and has done more research in your particular type of heart disease?

You may have heart disease that involves your lungs as well. There is a specialist for that. A general cardiologist, while knowledgeable in “matters of the heart” may not be as knowledgeable in lung disease, but there is a specialist who is. You may have other problems going on simultaneously with your heart disease. You can see several different specialists and that may be the best way to go. However, there may be a physician who specializes in more than one aspect of heart disease, and may be just the right physician for your needs.

Being in charge of your care at all times will make your treatment work for you. Asking the right questions will give you the answers your need. Following the instructions of your physicians will make you healthier. It can even keep you from progression of the disease, or stop something fatal from happening. These decisions are too important to leave to chance. Research your type of heart disease, ask your physicians and find the right professional for your needs. If you trust your physician, you will feel more confident about your treatment and you will be more likely to follow his expert advice.