Cardiology Services

What are Cardiology Services?

Cardiology services are the tests, treatments, and ongoing care for the heart and blood vessels. They evaluate problems and then manage them over time. A cardiologist is a physician with additional training in this system. An interventional cardiologist has further training in catheter-based procedures that open blocked arteries. In practice, cardiology care follows a path. It begins with a consultation and a physical examination. Testing comes next, and it measures the heart's electrical activity, structure, and blood supply. A treatment plan follows, and it may involve lifestyle change, medication, a procedure, or a combination. Prevention is a large part of the work. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes prevents more heart attacks than any procedure does. Dr. Vimal Nanavati, MD, FACC, is board certified in both cardiology and interventional cardiology. He has 32 years of experience, and he founded HeartCare4life, also known as Advanced Heart Care, Inc., in 1997.

Why Dr. Nanavati may recommend this

Some people are referred by a primary care physician. Others come on their own, because something does not feel right. Both are appropriate.

Consider seeing a cardiologist if you have:

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness, especially with exertion. Sudden or severe chest pain is an emergency, so call 911.
• Shortness of breath with activity, or breathlessness when lying flat.
• Heart palpitations, a racing pulse, or a skipped or irregular beat.
• Fainting, near-fainting, or unexplained dizziness.
• A heart murmur, an extra sound heard on examination.
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol that is difficult to control.
• Diabetes, which raises cardiovascular risk substantially.
• A family history of early heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
• Swelling in the legs or ankles, or a sharp drop in exercise tolerance.
• A known heart condition that needs ongoing management.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. That is the finding reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association outlines the risk factors that can be changed.

How to prepare

• Bring every medication and supplement you take, in the bottles if possible, including doses.
• Bring records of previous heart testing, hospital discharge summaries, and recent laboratory results.
• Write down your symptoms in advance. Note what brings them on, how long they last, and what relieves them.
• Note your family history, particularly heart disease, stroke, or sudden death in parents or siblings before age 60.
• Wear a two piece outfit. You may need to undress from the waist up for an examination or a test.
• Ask when you book whether testing may be done the same day. Some tests require fasting or avoiding caffeine.
• Write down your questions. It is easy to forget them once the visit starts.
• Bring a family member if you would like a second set of ears.

What happens during the procedure

A first cardiology visit is a conversation followed by an examination, not a procedure.

Dr. Nanavati reviews your symptoms in detail, along with your medical history, your medications, and your family history. Habits count too, such as smoking, alcohol, activity, and sleep. Small details matter here. The pattern of a symptom often points to its cause more clearly than any single test.

The examination covers blood pressure in both arms, along with your pulse and weight. Dr. Nanavati listens to the heart and lungs. He checks the neck veins and the pulses in the arms, legs, and abdomen, and he looks for swelling.

Testing answers a specific question rather than arriving as a package. In-office diagnostics include the electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and stress testing. We also offer vascular ultrasound such as the carotid Doppler, Holter monitoring, and advanced lipid testing. Other procedures happen elsewhere: coronary stenting and left atrial appendage closure are done at affiliated hospitals, not in the office.

You leave with an explanation of what is likely going on. You will also know what will be tested and what happens next.

Recovery and results

There is nothing to recover from after a consultation. You can drive and return to work directly, unless a test that day required sedation.

Results arrive on different schedules. An electrocardiogram is read immediately. An echocardiogram or vascular ultrasound is usually reported within a few days. Advanced laboratory panels and monitor downloads can take one to two weeks. You will be told which results to expect and roughly when.

Follow-up depends on what is found. Stable, well-controlled conditions are often reviewed every 6 to 12 months. A new symptom, a medication change, or a recent procedure calls for closer follow-up. We coordinate care with your primary care physician, so that everyone works from the same plan.

Our Bonita office is at 180 Otay Lakes Rd Ste 110, Bonita, CA 91902, phone (619) 585-0476. We also see patients at 5190 Governor Dr, San Diego, CA 92122. Our Redding office is at 2510 Airpark Drive Ste 205, Redding, CA 96001, phone (530) 433-5427. Details for each are on our locations page.

Risks and safety

A consultation carries no physical risk. The tests that follow range from completely harmless to modestly invasive. Dr. Nanavati discusses each one with you before it is arranged.

Noninvasive tests such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound involve no radiation, no needles, and no recovery. Blood tests carry the small risks of any blood draw. Some imaging tests use radiation or contrast dye. Coronary CT angiography and nuclear stress testing are two examples. They carry a small radiation exposure, plus a small risk of allergic reaction or kidney effects from the dye. Catheter-based procedures carry the highest risk, including bleeding, artery injury, and rarely heart attack or stroke.

The honest principle is simple: a test should only be done when its result will change what happens next. Being clear about that keeps risk and cost proportionate to benefit. Ask directly what a proposed test will show, and what will be done with the answer.

Related services and conditions

• About Dr. Vimal Nanavati, board certified in cardiology and interventional cardiology.
• Coronary artery disease, the most common heart diagnosis.
• Holter monitoring and other in-office rhythm testing.
• Frequently asked questions
• Request an appointment online