Cardiologists and Heart Doctors
The Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute’s (LCVI) team of experienced cardiologists and certified technologists work tirelessly to provide the latest breakthroughs in heart medicine in comfortable, patient-centered environments.
What Is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a doctor trained to treat the diseases and issues of the cardiovascular system, comprised of the heart and blood vessels. They are qualified to treat conditions like heart attacks, heart valve disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia, and may also prescribe medications or recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
There are a wide range of symptoms associated with cardiovascular issues. Consider making an appointment with a cardiologist if you are experiencing:
- Chest pain, which could be due to a lack of oxygen to the heart
- Leg pain or ulcers
- Unusually rapid or slow heart rate
- Shortness of breath
If you’re experiencing sudden, severe chest pain or pressure in the center or left side of the chest, call 911 right away.
Contact the Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-855-332-8474.
What Diseases Do Cardiologists Treat?
Cardiologists treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Atherosclerosis – A condition in which fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the arteries, causing the blockage of blood flow. Atherosclerosis often has no symptoms until the plaque bursts, causing a blood clot. Sufferers may experience leg pain, poor wound healing, or stroke.
- Congenital heart disease – Refers to multiple defects in the heart’s structure that exist since birth. These affect the way blood flows through the heart, and can result in symptoms like abnormal heart rhythms, shortness of breath, and swollen tissue.
- Hypertension – Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension occurs when the force of blood flow against the artery walls is considered too high. If left untreated, the condition can cause more serious issues like stroke and heart attack.
- Ventricular tachycardia – A heart rhythm condition that is caused by atypical electrical signals in the ventricles, or the chambers of the heart. The condition causes the heart to beat very quickly, and symptoms can include chest pain, dizziness, and fainting.
What to Expect When Seeing a Cardiologist?
The diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition usually begins in consultation with your primary care provider, who will refer you to a cardiologist. During your first appointment, your cardiologist may perform a physical exam or request tests like electrocardiograms or blood tests. They will also ask about your medical history and any existing risk factors.
It’s also important to think about your concerns and the information you’d like to receive. Some questions you might consider asking your cardiologist include:
- What are my risk factors?
- What is the next step in my treatment?
- What measures can I take to reduce my risk for cardiovascular conditions?
Cardiologists and Heart Doctors Near Me in Rhode Island
The cardiac team at the Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute at Rhode Island, The Miriam, and Newport hospitals in Rhode Island deliver the highest level of cardiac care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To schedule an appointment, fill out our online form or call 1-855-332-8474.
Find a cardiologist quickly by clicking on one of these specialties:
Physicians
Brian G. Abbott, MD
Associate Chief of Cardiology, Clinical Excellence and Operations, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
MoreJ. Dawn Abbott, MD
Director, Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
MoreGaurav Choudhary, MD
Medical Director, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute Clinical Trials Office
MorePhilip G. Haines, MD
Director, Structural and Interventional Echocardiography and Associate Director, Echocardiography Laboratory, Rhode Island Hospital
MorePeter A. Soukas, MD
Director, Peripheral Vascular Interventional Laboratory, The Miriam Hospital
MorePhilip H. Stockwell, MD
Associate Director, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute Heart Failure Center
MoreAdvanced Practice Providers
Afshin Ehsan, MD, MBA
Co-Director of Quality, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute, and Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island and The Miriam Hospitals
MoreNeel R. Sodha, MD
Director, Lifespan Thoracic Aortic Center; Director, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit; and Surgical Director, ECMO and Mechanical Circulatory Support
MorePhysicians
Advanced Practice Providers
J. Dawn Abbott, MD
Director, Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
MoreMarwan S. Saad, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, FESC
Director, Interventional Structural Heart Research, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
MorePeter A. Soukas, MD
Director, Peripheral Vascular Interventional Laboratory, The Miriam Hospital
MoreSaraschandra Vallabhajosyula, MD, MSc
MorePhysicians
Advanced Practice Providers
Physicians
Afshin Ehsan, MD, MBA
Co-Director of Quality, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute, and Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island and The Miriam Hospitals
MoreMarwan S. Saad, MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, FESC
Director, Interventional Structural Heart Research, Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
MoreNeel R. Sodha, MD
Director, Lifespan Thoracic Aortic Center; Director, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit; and Surgical Director, ECMO and Mechanical Circulatory Support
MoreAdvanced Practice Providers
- Our Services
- Meet the Team
- Patient Stories
-
Cardiovascular Research
-
Cardiovascular Institute Current Studies
- Absorb III Patient
- Absorb III Physician
- SILVER-AMI Study Patient
- SILVER-AMI Study Physician
- Secret Trial Patient
- Secret Trial Physician
- Lutonix Patient
- Lutonix Physician
- ORBIT-AF II Patient
- ORBIT-AF II Physician
- RenalGuard Trial Patient
- RenalGuard Trial Physician
- Ischemia Study Patient
- Ischemia Physician
- Mind Your Heart Study II
- Clinical and Translational Research Center
- Research Interests
-
Cardiovascular Institute Current Studies
- Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute Awards and Certifications
- Schedule an Appointment at the Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
- Heart Health and Exercise
- What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
- Best Heart Health Foods
- Giving to the Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
- The Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute in the News