General Surgeon
Thoracic surgeon
Cardiovascular consultation is the most important aspect of medical treatment. It is an opportunity for patients to discuss about their cardiac problems, current complaints, understand the risks and complications, and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
Specialists:
Thoracic surgeons are specialists who operate on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels inside the chest. They are often grouped with cardiac specialists for cardiothoracic surgery. In addition to these organs, thoracic surgeons also operate on the bony structures and tissues that form and support the chest cavity.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying every 36 seconds. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for men and women. These statistics emphasize the importance of cardiac care and thoracic surgery.
Why do you need to see them?
In most cases, your primary care doctor will refer you to a thoracic surgeon if you have an illness or condition that requires chest surgery. You may notice symptoms like:
- Chest pain that radiates into your arms, shoulders, neck, and jaw
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Frequent fainting spells
- Shortness of breath
- A cough (if you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer)
- Severe heartburn or acid reflux that is damaging your esophagus
Severe chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations can all be signs of a heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
What do they do?
Thoracic surgeons specialize in dealing with diseases or injuries to the structures inside your chest, including your:
- Heart
- Pericardium (the membrane around the heart)
- Coronary arteries, valves, and myocardium
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Esophagus (the tube leading to the stomach)
- Lungs
- Pleura (membranes around the lungs)
- Mediastinum (the area that separates the lungs and holds the heart)
- Chest wall
- Diaphragm
Thoracic surgeons oversee all aspects of related operations, managing treatment plans before, during, and after the procedure. They often build strong relationships with patients and their families, especially in emergency situations like heart attacks.
Physician consultation is a good opportunity and you should be prepared for it.
- Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It helps in better understanding your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests.
- Make sure you discuss your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you are taking.
- Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary habits and also about your profession. Your lifestyle and nature of job may be associated with the risk for cardiac diseases.