Cardiology - Dignity Health - Santa Maria, CA

Cardiology focuses on your heart and blood vessel health. Comprehensive heart care may include checkups, diagnostic tests and treatment for heart and vascular conditions. It also includes guidance on lifestyle habits that support your heart wellness. A cardiology clinic provides compassionate care for concerns such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure.

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A cardiologist specializes in caring for the circulatory system, which includes your heart and blood vessels. They diagnose heart conditions, perform heart-related tests and help guide treatment plans.

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We offer referrals for heart care and treat patients for a wide variety of heart conditions, including:

• Arrhythmias

• Atherosclerosis

• Congenital heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Endocarditis

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Heart valve disease

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Your body may show signs of heart problems over time. Contact a cardiologist for guidance if you experience symptoms including:

• Chest pressure or discomfort

• Heartbeat changes, such as fluttering or racing

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the legs or feet

• Unexplained fatigue

Some of these symptoms can also be signs of a heart attack. If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department

During your cardiology visit, your provider will review your symptoms, medical history and overall health. They may check your vital signs, listen to your heart and recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or ultrasound imaging. The visit provides a supportive space to understand your heart health and create a plan for your care.

Whether you need a referral to see a cardiologist depends on your insurance plan. Many insurance plans allow you to schedule directly with a specialist at our cardiology clinic. Other plans may require a referral from your primary care provider (PCP). Your insurance provider can help confirm what your plan allows if you’re unsure.

At Dignity Health Cardiology in Santa Maria, our skilled health care providers and board-certified nurse practitioners focus on building long-term relationships with you and your family. Your care team includes:

• Cardiac electrophysiologists

• Cardiac rehabilitation specialists

• Cardiologists

• Cardiothoracic surgeons

• Interventional cardiologists

• Radiologists and other imaging specialists

Small choices can make a big difference in your heart health. Lifestyle changes that can improve your health and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease include:

• Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight — Our physicians and cardiologists can help create eating habits that include the right foods to improve and maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can relieve stress on your heart and lower your blood pressure.

• Reducing stress — High levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure. These are all common risk factors for heart disease. Learning stress management techniques such as guided meditation, deep breathing, walking and connecting with others can help reduce stress.

• Exercising regularly — People who have had heart attacks may increase their chances of survival if they change their habits to include regular physical activity. Exercise can help control blood fats and blood glucose, maintain weight and lower blood pressure.

• Not smoking — Tobacco use lowers your level of good cholesterol, raises your blood pressure and promotes clotting. 

• Control your cholesterol — Most heart disease results from cholesterol-rich, fatty buildup that narrows the vessels that supply blood to your heart. 

• Controlling high blood pressure — High blood pressure damages arteries, setting the stage for plaque formation. It also increases the stress on the heart muscle, which may cause damage to the organ.