How do I find the best cardiologist for me?

[Lisa10020]

I have had 2 cardiologists that seem to follow the same program when it comes to treating patients who have had cardiac events that cause stents to be placed.  I am a woman with other health issues that do not seem to be taken into account and I am put on the same medication as any other person male or female that comes in for treatment. I am having a difficult time finding a doctor that will take my overall health into account as these other issues may contribute to my heart disease. How do I find a doctor or at least get one to listen to my concerns?

[achillea]

If you've gotten the same response from two different cardiologists, it sounds as though it's a communication problem.  Cardiologists (and doctors in general) go to school for a long time, and they actually learn stuff that is pretty darned difficult.  However, the art of talking with patients isn't much taught.  So, it becomes your job as a patient to try to find a way to state your concerns in a way that does two things: 1.  Make your worries clear without being offensive and doctrinaire (because after all, you don't know as much as the doc), and 2. Engage the doctor's sympathy to get a good, clear explanation for the best approach to your health.

Perhaps the responsibility should not have to rely on the patient, but often it does.  We may have to find a way to make a personal connection to get the best result.