HEART/STROKE: THE HEALTHCARE TEAM
Know the specialists to whom you and your loved one will be involved
BY:BETH POLAZZO
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, arrhythmia or heart failure might save the life of a loved one or even your own life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.
Once you and your doctor have decided on the treatment best suited to the condition, you and your loved one will become involved with a team of specialists who might include:
Cardiologist—a doctor specializing in heart and blood vessel care. Identifies symptoms of heart disease and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty, and/or stenting procedures.
Cardiac surgeon—a doctor specially trained in the surgical treatment of heart disease.
Electrophysiologist—a cardiologist specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
Anesthesiologist—a doctor specially trained in anesthesia whose focus is on pain management and making sure that the patient is safe before, during and after surgery.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)—a specially trained nurse who assists and supports the anesthesiologist.
Radiologist—a doctor who works closely with the cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to provide images of the coronary arteries.
Nurses—a critical part ofthe surgical team, it is their responsibility to manage the patient's care and comfort at each stage of the procedure—from preparation through recovery.
Other team members could include:
Nutritionist
Physical therapist
Social workers