Popular Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a Cardiologist?
Cardiologist (دل کا ڈاکٹر) are medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the cardiovascular system — including the heart and blood vessels. They help patients minimize their risk factors for heart disease, which are especially high in South Asian populations, and educate them about maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
What does a Cardiologist do?
Cardiologists are qualified to diagnose, manage, and treat disorders related to the heart and blood vessels. General physicians refer patients to cardiologists when a heart condition is suspected. To confirm a diagnosis, cardiologists may order tests such as ECG, exercise stress tests, blood markers, cholesterol levels, echocardiography, cardiac biopsy, or cardiac catheterization.
These evaluations help determine heart health and guide the treatment plan — which may involve medications, interventional procedures, or lifestyle and dietary changes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
These evaluations help determine heart health and guide the treatment plan — which may involve medications, interventional procedures, or lifestyle and dietary changes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
When should you visit a Cardiologist?
People with a family history of heart disease are more likely to develop symptoms early. Those who smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle are at greater risk and should get regular medical check-ups.
Common warning signs that require a cardiologist’s evaluation include:
• Shortness of breath (especially while lying flat or during mild activity)
• Dizziness or imbalance when standing up or exerting
• Chest pain or pressure (angina), often radiating to the arm or jaw
• Palpitations or fluttering sensations in the chest
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Untreated angina can progress to a heart attack, so timely evaluation is essential.
Common warning signs that require a cardiologist’s evaluation include:
• Shortness of breath (especially while lying flat or during mild activity)
• Dizziness or imbalance when standing up or exerting
• Chest pain or pressure (angina), often radiating to the arm or jaw
• Palpitations or fluttering sensations in the chest
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Untreated angina can progress to a heart attack, so timely evaluation is essential.
What are the main areas of concern for a Cardiologist?
Cardiologists treat a wide range of heart conditions, including:
• Congenital heart defects (ASD, VSD, TOF)
• Valvular heart diseases
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) and vascular diseases
• Heart infections
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Heart failure and heart attack
Interventional cardiologists also perform non-surgical procedures such as cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, where a drug-eluting stent is inserted to open blocked arteries.
• Congenital heart defects (ASD, VSD, TOF)
• Valvular heart diseases
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) and vascular diseases
• Heart infections
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Heart failure and heart attack
Interventional cardiologists also perform non-surgical procedures such as cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty, where a drug-eluting stent is inserted to open blocked arteries.
What types of Cardiologists are there?
• Clinical Cardiologists: Diagnose and treat common heart conditions.
• Interventional Cardiologists: Perform stenting and angioplasty.
• Cardiac Imaging Specialists: Use imaging like CT, MRI, and echocardiography for diagnosis.
• Electrophysiologists: Manage irregular heartbeats through ablation and pacemaker procedures.
• Cardiac Oncologists: Handle cardiac effects of cancer treatments.
• Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Perform surgeries like bypass and valve replacement.
• Interventional Cardiologists: Perform stenting and angioplasty.
• Cardiac Imaging Specialists: Use imaging like CT, MRI, and echocardiography for diagnosis.
• Electrophysiologists: Manage irregular heartbeats through ablation and pacemaker procedures.
• Cardiac Oncologists: Handle cardiac effects of cancer treatments.
• Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Perform surgeries like bypass and valve replacement.
How to become a Cardiologist in Pakistan?
After completing a 5-year MBBS degree and a mandatory house job, doctors enroll in a 4-year residency in cardiology with rotations in general medicine. They may then pursue fellowships or postgraduate training for advanced specialization.
What are Cardiologists called in Pakistan?
• Heart Specialist
• Cardiac Specialist
• Heart Doctor
• ماہرامراضِ قلب
• دل کا ڈاکٹر
• دل کا سرجن
• Cardiac Specialist
• Heart Doctor
• ماہرامراضِ قلب
• دل کا ڈاکٹر
• دل کا سرجن
Why choose dilkadoctor.pk to book an appointment with Cardiologists in Lahore?
You can easily book in-person or online video consultations with Lahore’s top cardiologists via dilkadoctor.pk.com, Pakistan’s first heart-focused healthcare platform.
It’s fast, affordable, and convenient.
To book your appointment: Call 0334-1224466 or click Book Appointment — with no additional charges.
It’s fast, affordable, and convenient.
To book your appointment: Call 0334-1224466 or click Book Appointment — with no additional charges.
What is the fee range for Cardiologists in Lahore?
The consultation fee for top cardiologists in Lahore ranges between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, payable directly at the clinic.
Heart Diseases and Risk Factors
What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and related disorders.
What causes heart disease?
Major causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, junk or oily food, obesity, stress, and lack of exercise. Family history also plays a key role.
What are the common risk factors for CVD?
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease
• Obesity or being overweight
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease
• Obesity or being overweight
How can I reduce my risk of CVD?
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, manage stress, and control blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Can stress lead to heart problems?
Yes. Chronic stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can raise the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
What are the early signs of heart disease?
Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, or rapid heartbeat. Chest discomfort during exertion is a key warning sign.
Can young people have heart attacks?
Yes. Due to poor diet, stress, smoking, and inactivity, even people in their 30s can experience heart attacks today.
Diagnostic Procedures
How can I check if my heart is healthy?
Get basic tests such as ECG, Echocardiography, ETT (Treadmill Test), cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked regularly.
How are cardiovascular diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include ECG/EKG, echocardiography, cardiac stress testing, angiography, or blood investigations.
What tests are commonly performed by a Cardiologist?
• ECG: Checks heart rhythm
• Echo: Evaluates valves and pumping power
• ETT: Measures blood flow during exercise
• CT Angiography: Detects blockages in arteries
• Echo: Evaluates valves and pumping power
• ETT: Measures blood flow during exercise
• CT Angiography: Detects blockages in arteries
What is Angiography?
It’s an imaging test using contrast dye and X-rays to visualize coronary arteries and detect blockages.
What is High Blood Pressure (BP)?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. A normal BP is around 120/80 mmHg. Persistently high BP can damage the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Treatments and Procedures
What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries using a small balloon and metal stent, inserted via the wrist or groin.
What are the treatment options for heart disease?
They include lifestyle modification, medication, angioplasty, stent placement, CABG (bypass), valve surgery, or heart transplant in severe cases.
How is Cardiac Catheterization performed?
A thin catheter is inserted into the blood vessels to diagnose or treat blockages; sometimes stents are placed during this procedure.
What happens during Open-Heart Surgery?
The chest is opened to directly access the heart for procedures like bypass surgery, valve repair/replacement, or heart transplant.
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?
CABG creates alternate blood flow routes around blocked arteries using veins from the leg or chest.
What are ASD and VSD closure procedures?
These surgeries repair holes in the heart walls caused by congenital defects.
What are Structural Heart Procedures?
They treat valve diseases using minimally invasive transcatheter techniques without the need for open-heart surgery.
Cardiac Surgery
What is the difference between a Cardiologist and a Cardiac Surgeon?
• Cardiologist: Uses medicines or stents to treat heart problems.
• Cardiac Surgeon: Performs open-heart operations like bypass or valve surgery.
• Cardiac Surgeon: Performs open-heart operations like bypass or valve surgery.
How long does bypass surgery take?
Typically 3–5 hours, depending on the number of blocked arteries.
Is bypass surgery risky?
Modern techniques make it relatively safe, though risks depend on age, diabetes, and overall health.
How long is recovery after surgery?
Hospital stay is 5–7 days, with complete recovery in 6–8 weeks.
What care is required after cardiac surgery?
• Take prescribed medications
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Walk daily
• Attend follow-up visits
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Walk daily
• Attend follow-up visits
Which is better — Angioplasty or Bypass?
For one or two blocked arteries, angioplasty is sufficient. For multiple blockages, bypass surgery offers better long-term outcomes.
Can a person live normally after heart surgery?
Yes — with proper medication, no smoking, and controlled BP and sugar, most patients live long, active lives.
Lifestyle, Diet, and Prevention
What foods are good for heart health?
Eat fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, dry fruits, oats, and whole grains. Avoid fried and salty foods.
What are the dietary guidelines for heart health?
Follow a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods.
What role does exercise play in heart health?
Regular physical activity improves circulation, lowers BP, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
It drastically lowers the risk of heart disease — within one year, your heart attack risk drops significantly.
How can I encourage heart-healthy habits in my family?
Lead by example — promote balanced eating, exercise, regular checkups, and a smoke-free home.
Diabetes and Heart Connection
How does Diabetes affect heart health?
High blood sugar damages blood vessels and heart tissue, greatly increasing heart disease risk.
What are the early signs of Diabetes?
Increased thirst, frequent urination, constant fatigue, and blurry vision.
How can I lower my risk of developing Diabetes?
Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and get regular health checkups.