Coronary Artery Disease: Roles of Different Doctors

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What health professionals are involved in taking care of people with coronary artery disease?

Following the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), you should visit your primary care physician every few months to track your condition and ensure that your treatment is going as planned. If you develop complications or need special procedures (such as cardiac catheterization or open-heart surgery), you may require treatment from a variety of specialists.

Understanding your health professionals' roles

Depending on the severity of your CAD and whether you have already developed complications, you may need a team of health professionals to help treat your disease and manage your treatment plan.

The following table outlines the types of health professionals who may be involved in the treatment of CAD and any related complications.

**Health professionals for CAD**
Health professional	Who are they?	What is their role?	When would you see them?
Primary care physician	Internist, family physician	Manage medical care	Regular visits (about 2 to 4 per year)
Cardiologist	Heart specialist	Provide specialty medical care	Sometimes for regular visits or whenever CAD worsens
Other physicians	Nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiovascular surgeon (heart surgeon), neurologist (brain/nerve specialist)	Provide specialty medical care for complications of CAD	Whenever complications arise or special procedures need to be performed
Nurse educator	Specific type of nurse	Educate you and help you take control	Whenever medications, diet, or self-management needs to be explained
Physical therapist or rehab nurse	Specific type of nurse or other professional	Help you to build strength and improve functioning for daily activities	During hospitalization and after discharge
Psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker	Mental health professional	Help you cope with psychological aspects of disease	Regularly (perhaps weekly), for as long as you need
Dietitian	Nutritional expert	Help you with heart-healthy diet	Initially, and whenever diet needs to be changed

Although you may not require assistance from all of these providers, it is helpful to be aware of the full range of professionals you may encounter at some point during the course of your treatment. If you need the assistance of other health professionals, you should keep in constant contact with your primary care doctor and report any changes in the way you feel or any medication-related side effects. Each individual's experience with CAD and its complications is different; your health professionals will help tailor your treatment to best suit your needs.

What is the role of a primary care physician in caring for people with coronary artery disease?

In some cases, your primary care physician (PCP)-usually an internist or family medicine physician-will serve as your care coordinator and be responsible for the day-to-day medical management of your coronary artery disease. In such circumstances, your PCP will be the one who evaluates your risk factors, performs diagnostic tests, and looks for evidence of other diseases.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 10, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.