There are several reasons why your primary doctor may recommend a visit to a heart clinic in Singapore. Key among these is concerns about your cardiac health.
For example, you may be referred to a heart clinic if you get persistent chest pain, irregular heartbeats or shortness of breath. Beyond those potential indicators of cardiovascular issues, you may also be recommended a visit to a cardiology clinic if your doctor has noted or suspects elevated cholesterol levels, or high blood pressure or if they’ve confirmed that you have a history of heart disease.
If you’re an active smoker, a diabetes patient or live a sedentary lifestyle, you may be recommended regular visits to an accredited heart clinic in Singapore to monitor your heart health closely. In this brief guide, we explain what to expect at a heart clinic. We also touch on what questions to ask your cardiologist. Keep reading!
What to Expect at a Heart Clinic?
In the days leading to your visit to the cardiology clinic in Singapore, you may feel a little nervous which incidentally is normal. If you have any questions, don’t be scared to ask them as the health of your heart is important to the cardiologists.
A good cardiologist will try to answer all your questions and even give advice on how to best care for your heart health. Now, when you walk into a heart clinic in Singapore, you should expect a well-organized process which typically includes;
· Meeting with the Nurse
Upon arrival at a heart clinic in Singapore, you can expect to meet the nurse first to set the stage for your visit. This initial encounter involves checking vital signs.
Here, you can expect the nurse to check your blood pressure and weight. The nurse will also ask a few targeted questions to know if you’re currently on medications and what medications are those.
They may also ask if you’re using any supplements and inquire about your reason for the visit, and personal and family health history. These details are crucial for the cardiologist to tailor their treatment approach.
These details also help the cardiologist to understand your unique health context. It’s an opportunity to establish a baseline for your heart health evaluation.
· Meeting with the Cardiologist
When you’re done with the nurse and they’ve gathered essential information, you’ll proceed to meet the cardiologist. This interaction occurs in the doctor’s office or a patient’s room.
The interaction depends on the nature of the visit. Depending on the information already collected, the cardiologist may conduct a physical examination.
They may also discuss your medical history, and order diagnostic tests to comprehensively assess your heart health. Tests could range from blood tests to advanced imaging. In a good heart clinic in Singapore, these tests too are tailored and aimed at trying to identify potential issues or confirm your heart’s health.
· Diagnostic Tests
Understanding the diagnostic tests your cardiologist might order is essential. These can include blood tests, stress tests (on a treadmill or sitting), echocardiograms, and various imaging scans.
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms. Also, your medical history and the cardiologist’s diagnostic approach influence the types or diagnostic tests you get. To actively participate in your treatment, you may want to be informed about these procedures.
· Ending the Appointment
When everything is done and the appointment is nearing conclusion, ensure clarity on any instructions provided. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new prescription or a change in medication.
Try to understand these details. This is important as you may need to gather additional information for future visits or schedule follow-up appointments.
Promptly act on referrals for labs or tests to expedite the process. Prompt action will also ensure a swift and thorough assessment of your heart health.
· Scheduling Follow-up Appointments
If follow-up appointments are deemed necessary, try to schedule them before leaving the cardiologist’s office. Specialists often have busy schedules.
So, you may want to secure your spot in advance to facilitate seamless continuity of care. This proactive approach ensures that your heart health remains a priority, with timely assessments and interventions.
What Questions to Ask Your Heart Doctor
When visiting a cardiology clinic in Singapore, especially for the first time, it helps to approach the appointment with clarity and purpose. A proactive approach simply means coming into the appointment armed with important questions to help you get a comprehensive understanding of your heart health.
Thus, you may want to create a list of questions beforehand to ensure that you do not forget about the issues you need clarification on from your heart doctor. Also, you may want to carry a notebook or come with a loved one who will help you take note of the details discussed during the appointment so you can review them at a later time. That said, here are five important questions to ask your heart doctor;
- Could there be a problem with my heart? If there is a problem, what do you call it and what does it mean to my health? Your cardiologist should provide a straightforward explanation of any identified issues. This is important for you to comprehend your heart condition and its implications. This clarity lays the foundation for informed decision-making regarding your health.
- What could have caused the complication? There are several issues that may lead to cardiovascular problems and getting to the root of them is key in addressing heart health. It doesn’t matter whether the issue could have been due to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, or other influences. Understanding the origins of the issue helps the cardiologist tailor an effective treatment plan and also ensures that you can take the right precautionary measures to avoid exacerbating the issue.
- What do we do next?Do you recommend further tests or treatment? You will also want to know the roadmap ahead. Get clarity on the necessary diagnostic tests, potential treatments, and the timeline involved to ensure that you can be actively involved in your treatment journey.
- Can you recommend or suggest any resources to get more information on this condition? It would also help to improve your understanding by seeking reliable resources. Your cardiologist can guide you to credible materials, support groups, or educational programs.
- What do you recommend to improve my heart health and reduce the risks of complications? Actively engaging in your well-being is key. So, seek personalized advice on lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and exercise routines that can positively impact your heart health.
It’s a Wrap!
There are a lot of things that happen at the heart clinic but you can generally expect them to revolve around improving your heart health. In a good heart clinic in Singapore, the cardiologists you find there will be happy to address your concerns. So, feel free to ask any question about your cardiovascular health in general.
Do you still need more information on what to expect or want to schedule a visit to a heart clinic in Singapore now? Get in touch with our dedicated team of cardiologists and nurses to schedule your appointment. Call or visit us at;
Cadence Heart Center
Mt Elizabeth Hospital, 3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
(65) 8318 9884
(65) 6369 8789
(65) 6369 2789