If you have a heart condition or symptoms of a heart condition such as obesity, atrial fibrillation, stroke or heart murmur, your local family physician will refer you to a local cardiologist. A local cardiologist is a medical provider who diagnoses and treats diseases of the cardiovascular system and blood vessels. A local cardiologist may perform surgeries such as ablation, coronary angioplasty, stent implementation and pacemaker surgery. Or, they may refer you to a local cardiothoracic surgeon to perform the surgery. If you have a heart condition or are recovering from heart surgery, your local cardiologist may recommend heart medications and/or lifestyle changes like quitting drinking and smoking, getting more exercise or eating low-sodium, low-fat foods. A local cardiologist can also work with your other healthcare providers, from your local registered dietitian to your local Pilates instructor. If you’d like to learn how a local cardiologist may help you manage your heart condition such as a genetic cardiac condition or COPD, talk to your local family physician.