What is Cardiology?
Cardiology is a medical speciality concerned with the cardiovascular system. It specifically researches and treats cardiovascular disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. As a cardiologist, Dr Mgidlana specialises in understanding, diagnosing and treating heart disorders, such as heart failure, valve disease and arrhythmia.
When should I visit a cardiologist?
Our cardiovascular system is not only integral to our functioning, but heart disorders are some of the most common conditions affecting adults. Cardiologists like Dr Mgidlana conduct consultations for early prevention of potential heart conditions and to keep patients informed about their health.
If you have a history of heart disease in your family, you may want to visit a cardiologist to ensure that you are taking care of your heart and cardiovascular system. This way, you can monitor your progress and get advice on how to ensure you keep your heart healthy.
It’s also essential to visit your cardiologist if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms such as chest pains, increased heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
What to expect during your consultation
During your consultation, Dr Mgidlana will ask you a series of questions about your medical history, medications you’re on, and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. He will then perform a physical examination to ensure that your cardiovascular system is functioning optimally.
The purpose of the consultation is to check your health and diagnose any cardiovascular conditions you may have, including:
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart diseases
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Arrhythmia and congenital heart disease
Depending on your case, Dr Mgidlana may prescribe certain medications or recommend further testing to understand your condition better.
Alternative tests that Dr Mgidlana performs during consultations include:
- Stress test
- Lung function test
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Angiogram
Outpatient
Outpatient refers to patients who are not hospitalised. These consultations will occur at Dr Mgidlana’s Herolim Private Hospital office.
Inpatient
Inpatient refers to patients who are hospitalised and require more frequent care. Dr Mgidlana provides consultations and regular rounds to patients in hospital wards, Coronary Care Units and other high-care units.
The primary purpose of inpatient consultations is to understand and diagnose your condition and monitor your overall progress. In addition, Dr Mgidlana will ask you questions about your health and symptoms and perform some tests to check your cardiovascular functioning.
