Our Team Approach
Our comprehensive heart care is focused on a team approach, which means when you choose East Cooper Medical Center, you will work closely with a dedicated group of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, nurses and support staff in Mount Pleasant.
Each member of your heart team will give you specialized attention, carefully explaining your treatment options based on your condition and keep you as comfortable as possible. You and your heart will be in good hands with quality services and our team
of experts.
Comprehensive Heart Care, Close to Home
If you or your loved one is battling with a heart condition, such as high-blood pressure, coronary heart disease, angina or atherosclerosis, getting safe care may help you better manage your life or even restore your heart to its healthiest state. East
Cooper Medical Center offers innovative care delivered by cardiac care providers who work together to help treat various heart conditions.
Why Is Cardiovascular Health Important?
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for people in the United States, regardless of gender, race and ethnicity. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that one person dies from a cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds.
Therefore, it is essential to do what you can to help protect your heart health, such as regularly seeing a cardiologist in Mount Pleasant, eating a heart-healthy diet, doing cardiovascular exercises and more.
What Is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a heart doctor who has spent at least 10 years of education and clinical training to be able to specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and the prevention various conditions related to the heart, veins and arteries. This type of physician
has also passed a cardiology exam given by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
What Does a Cardiologist Do?
To treat and diagnose diseases of the cardiovascular system, a cardiologist reviews patients’ medical history, gives physical exams and carries out tests and may perform procedures.
Procedures Cardiologists Perform
Cardiologists often treat patients who have had a heart attack, heart failure or other type of heart problem. A cardiologist also can give advice about preventing heart disease.
When Is It Time to See a Cardiologist?
Aside from annual heart check-ups, please see a cardiologist as soon as you experience symptoms of a heart condition, such as the following:
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Jaw pain
- Nausea
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
We also recommend that you schedule a visit with a cardiologist if you are at a higher risk for a heart condition, whether it’s because of your lifestyle or a pre-existing condition. The risk factors may include any of the following:
- Clinical depression
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Eating unhealthy food most of the time
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Too much stress
What Is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab, an important part of recovery after someone has experienced a heart attack or other heart problem, may help prevent another heart attack and help build healthy habits. Cardiac rehabilitation, a supervised program led by a cardiac rehabilitation
specialist, includes
- Physical activity
- Education on how to live a healthy life, including healthy eating, taking medicine as prescribed and quitting smoking.
- Counseling to help the patient find ways to relieve stress and improve their mental health.