Everyone deserves world-class care, no matter where they’re located or what their diagnosis is. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may be considering seeking a second opinion from another heart disease doctor, also known as a cardiologist.

Getting a second opinion from a heart disease doctor can help you feel confident moving forward with treatment. The hassle-free experience pioneered by The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic gives you direct access to top specialists in cardiovascular issues. Since 1995, Cleveland Clinic has been rated #1 by U.S News & World Report in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, making our specialists the clear choice for second opinions.

Why You Might Need a Cardiology Second Opinion

There are many reasons why you might seek a second opinion on a heart condition. Perhaps you’re not comfortable with the diagnosis you’ve been given. Maybe you want to explore all of your treatment options before making a decision. Or, you might simply want peace of mind knowing that you’ve seen more than one doctor about your heart condition.

Whatever your reasons, it’s important to remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion. Talking with a heart doctor who has experience with your specific condition can give you a fresh perspective and more insight into your diagnosis and treatment options.

Types of Cardiovascular Issues That Might Require a Second Opinion

There are many heart conditions that might require you to seek a second opinion. Some of the most common include:

• Aortic aneurysms – These are bulges in the aorta, which is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
• Aortic stenosis – This is a narrowing of the aortic valve, which controls the flow of blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Aortic stenosis can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart failure.
• Arrhythmias – These are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause a variety of symptoms, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
• Atrial fibrillation – This is a type of arrhythmia that causes a rapid, irregular heart rate. Atrial fibrillation can lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Cardiomyopathy – This is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
• Coronary artery disease – This is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease can cause chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure.
• Heart valve disease – This is a problem with one or more of the valves in your heart. Heart valve disease can cause chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – This is a thickening of the heart muscle that can make it harder for your heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause chest pain, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
• Mitral valve prolapse – This is a condition in which the valve between the heart’s left upper chamber and left lower chamber doesn’t close properly. Mitral valve prolapse can cause heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Your heart disease doctor can provide you with more information about these and any other heart conditions you may have so you can make an informed, confident decision about your care and your path forward.

Register Today for a Second Opinion on Your Cardiovascular Issues

If you’re considering a second opinion on your heart condition, The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic can help. Our virtual second opinions give you direct access to some of the world’s leading heart doctors without any associated travel costs or time spent gathering together your records. Our hassle-free process makes it easy to get the care you need. Register today for a heart doctor consultation and get the peace of mind you deserve.