Keeping in regular contact with your cardiologist and GP is an important part of living well with heart disease
You will have met many healthcare professionals since your heart event or diagnosis. Each member of your healthcare team has a unique role to play in your care, depending on your specific needs and where you are on your heart health journey.
Let’s meet some key members of the team:
- Cardiologist – cares for you while you’re in hospital immediately after your heart event or diagnosis. Your cardiologist will then continue to monitor your heart health in the months and years to come. They will monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol, adjust your medicines, manage symptoms, and arrange any further tests or treatments you might need.
- General practitioner (GP) – coordinates referrals to other healthcare professionals and support services, provides advice on your medicines and writes prescriptions, and supports you to manage your risk factors and form heart-healthy habits. Your GP is also a great person to chat to about your mental health.
- Pharmacist – fills your prescriptions and provides advice on your medicines. This includes how and when to take them, what they are for and what to do if you get a side effect or miss a dose. If you’re having trouble taking your medicines, your pharmacist can help find a solution.
- Dietitian – provides tailored advice about heart-healthy eating, including changes you can make to help manage your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Exercise physiologist – guides you on what physical activity you can do after a heart event or diagnosis and supports you to safely build up your level of activity in the long term. They can give you an exercise program that is tailored to your needs.
Remember - it’s important to see your cardiologist and general practitioner on a regular basis, whether that’s in person or via telehealth. If you notice any new symptoms or have any concerns, reach out to them sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for a routine appointment.
Professor Raj Puranik and Dr Melinda Sullivan-Bunt explain why it’s important to stay in regular contact with your cardiologist and GP.
