Non-Invasive Cardiology
Non-Invasive Cardiology at Carondelet Health: Your Partner in Lifelong Heart Health
As we age, our hearts deserve more attention. At Carondelet Health, we understand the scope of heart health and see patients in the Tucson area and Nogales who are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with a heart condition. That’s why our general cardiology team is here to guide you with experienced care, clear answers and a personalized approach to treatment.
Whether you're managing high blood pressure, concerned about irregular heartbeats or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues, our cardiologists are ready to help you take control of your heart health.
Why Choose Carondelet for Cardiology?
Choosing the right cardiology team can make all the difference. At Carondelet, we offer:
- Experienced cardiologists
- Advanced diagnostic tools
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
- Convenient locations and flexible scheduling
- A commitment to prevention and education
We’re not just here to treat heart conditions, we’re here to help you thrive.
Heart Conditions We Treat
If you have chest discomfort, tiredness, swelling or trouble breathing, it's a good idea to get your heart checked. Our experienced cardiology team is here to support you with a diagnosis and treatment or preventative plan to help keep your heart functioning at its best.
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Peripheral Artery Disease
Concerned about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? Carondelet Health Network can help. Get a diagnosis and treatment for symptoms like leg pain. Contact us today. -
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Don't ignore leg swelling or chest pain—it could be DVT or Pulmonary Embolism. Get urgent care at Carondelet Health Network. Schedule an evaluation today. -
Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease
Understand atherosclerosis & Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) symptoms, diagnosis, & care. Schedule a heart health screening with Carondelet Health Network today.
Determining a Treatment Plan
At Carondelet, we take a personalized approach to each treatment plan. After your cardiac consultation and diagnostic testing, your cardiologist will work with you to develop a plan that may include:
- Lifestyle changes – Diet, exercise, stress management and quitting smoking can all have a powerful impact on heart health.
- Medications – Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed medications to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, regulate heart rhythm or reduce fluid buildup.
- Monitoring and follow-up – Regular check-ins help us track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Referrals to specialists – If you need advanced care, such as interventional cardiology or cardiac surgery, we’ll connect you with the right type of provider.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to live a longer, healthier life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t wait for a heart attack to take your heart seriously. Consider scheduling a cardiac consultation if you:
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Experience chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are over 40 and want a heart health check-up
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes or kidney disease
Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
In most cases, cardiologists do not perform traditional surgery. Instead, they focus on diagnosing and treating heart conditions using medications, lifestyle guidance and non-surgical procedures.
However, some cardiologists, especially interventional cardiologists, perform minimally invasive procedures using catheters, as mentioned above. These are not considered surgery in the traditional sense because they don’t involve large incisions or general anesthesia.
If you need open-heart surgery (such as valve repair or bypass surgery), your cardiologist will refer you to a cardiothoracic surgeon, who is specially trained to perform surgical operations on the heart and chest.
Non-Invasive cardiology focuses on the overall health of your heart and blood vessels. A general cardiologist is your go-to physician for diagnosing and managing common heart conditions like high blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary artery disease. They use non-invasive tools such as EKGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests to evaluate your heart and guide treatment plans that may include medications, lifestyle changes, or referrals to specialists.
Interventional cardiology, on the other hand, is a subspecialty of cardiology that involves performing minimally invasive procedures to treat heart problems, especially those involving blocked or narrowed arteries. Interventional cardiologists use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) inserted through blood vessels to perform procedures such as:
- Angioplasty – opening narrowed arteries
- Stent placement – keeping arteries open
- Atherectomy – removing plaque from arteries
While general cardiologists focus on diagnosis and medical management, interventional cardiologists perform procedures that can restore blood flow and prevent heart attacks, often without the need for open-heart surgery.
A cardiac consultation is your first step toward understanding your heart health. During this appointment, your cardiologist will:
- Review your medical history and family history
- Discuss your symptoms and lifestyle
- Perform a physical exam
- Order or review diagnostic tests
- Begin developing a treatment plan
This consultation is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and learn more about your heart. It’s also a chance for your doctor to identify early warning signs of heart disease and recommend steps to prevent serious complications.
A general cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of the heart and blood vessels. Their role includes:
- Evaluating symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or palpitations
- Diagnosing conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and heart failure
- Managing chronic issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol
- Providing preventive care to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke
- Coordinating care with other physicians if advanced procedures or surgeries are needed
General cardiologists are also skilled in interpreting diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, stress tests and blood work. They use this information to develop a comprehensive picture of your heart health.
General cardiology is the foundation of heart care. It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. A general cardiologist is often your first point of contact when you have concerns about your heart or circulation. They are trained to evaluate symptoms, perform diagnostic tests and create treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
At Carondelet, our general cardiologists work closely with patients to manage chronic conditions, reduce risk factors and improve overall heart function. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want a heart check-up, general cardiology is where your journey to better heart health begins.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Heart
Heart Disease is Life-Threatening, but It Doesn’t Have to Be
Establish heart-healthy habits. Start with your diet by eating high-fiber foods, avoiding saturated fats, and limiting sodium and sugar, as well as alcohol consumption. Participate in regular exercise on a daily basis such as walking, running, biking, yoga, or whatever works for you. Diet and exercise are important components of maintaining a healthy weight. Avoid or quit smoking cigarettes as this action vastly increases your potential to develop heart disease.
Know your family history. If you have a relative who has any form of heart disease, this automatically increases your risk especially if they are a parent or sibling. You can’t control your family history, but you can be hands-on about your habits and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Stay on top of your medical conditions. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all risk factors for heart disease. You should take any prescribed medications as instructed and remaining vigilant about where your condition stands. Checking your cholesterol levels, controlling your blood pressure, and managing your diabetes will reduce your risk for heart disease immensely.
Schedule your cardiac consultation today. Your heart will thank you.