Saturday cardiology consultation

Specialist cardiology is available on Saturdays

A visiting cardiology specialist sees patients on Saturdays. The physician and hours may change, so call the clinic before visiting. Ongoing hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia care is available through the lifestyle-related disease service.

Reasons to consult the clinic

Cardiovascular symptoms may come and go. Note when they occur, what you are doing at the time and how long they last, even if the symptoms have settled by the day of your visit.

• Palpitations or a fast, skipped or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath during walking or climbing stairs
• Repeated pressure, heaviness or discomfort in the chest
• Swelling of the legs or an unexpected increase in weight
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or near-fainting
• High blood pressure or an abnormal ECG noted at a health screening

What we review

The consultation covers the timing of symptoms, medical and family history, smoking and alcohol use, sleep and current medication. Previous ECGs, screening reports and home blood-pressure records are useful.

From consultation to a plan

• History: organize symptoms, screening findings and previous treatment.
• Examination: review blood pressure, pulse and relevant physical findings.
• Testing: consider ECG and blood tests according to the consultation.
• Plan: explain follow-up, additional testing or referral to specialist care.

Cardiovascular risk and lifestyle-related disease

High blood pressure, dyslipidemia and diabetes are associated with cardiovascular disease. We review these results together with age, family history, smoking and weight rather than as isolated numbers.

How to visit

General outpatient care does not require an appointment. Specialist cardiology is available on Saturdays. Call first to confirm the physician and consultation hours.

• Health insurance card or eligibility document
• Current medication list
• Screening report, home blood-pressure record and previous test results
• Patients under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian

Medical reference

General information about cardiovascular symptoms and testing also refers to guidance from the Japanese Circulation Society. The tests needed for an individual patient are decided from the history and examination.