Expert care for the heart of the community
Your heart is at the center of everything you do. It is the steady rhythm behind your most important milestones—like walking a daughter down the aisle or finally taking that retirement trip. It is also there for the quiet, everyday moments at home, like a morning cup of coffee or a walk in the park with your dog. Every beat is a part of the life you’ve built.
To better serve those moments, NMC Health Cardiology Specialists is here to help.
We aren’t just treating symptoms or looking at numbers on a screen; we are caring for you as a whole person. We know that a heart condition can feel overwhelming, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options.
Our goal is to provide precision in every beat. We use advanced diagnostics to find the root of the problem quickly, ensuring your treatment plan is as unique as you are. Whether you need a routine check-up or specialized testing, you can rest easy knowing you are in safe, expert hands right here with Dr. Michael Ritchie and our Cardiac Cath Lab team in your neighborhood.
Precision in Every Beat
Don’t wait for an emergency to start taking care of your heart. Often, your primary care doctor will recommend a visit to us if they notice something during a regular check-up. However, you should also be aware of the signals your body sends you.
If you experience any of the following, it’s important to get checked out:
- Feeling pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest, especially during physical activity.
- Feeling winded or unable to catch your breath while doing simple tasks or even while resting.
- A feeling that your heart is racing, skipping a beat, or “thumping” in your chest.
- Feeling lightheaded or losing consciousness without a clear reason.
- Unexplained swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the NMC Health Medical Center Emergency Department.
Even if you feel fine, you may benefit from a consultation if you have certain health markers. We provide precision in every beat by looking at your unique history, including:
- A family history of heart disease or stroke.
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol that is difficult to manage.
- A history of smoking or a diagnosis of diabetes.
- Starting a new, intense exercise program after age 40.
A Healthier Heart, Close to Home
You want the highest level of expertise, but you also want a team that understands your life.
When you choose NMC Health, you choose:
- Faster Recovery: Being close to home means you can be near your support system of family and friends.
- Support When You Need It: Heart health is about staying ahead of changes. Being close by means you can get answers quickly if a new question or symptom pops up.
- Personal Connections: Our team lives and works in this community. We aren’t just your doctors; we are your neighbors. We take the time to know your name and your story.
FAQs
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm concerns, high cholesterol, and other heart conditions. We don’t just treat problems; we work with you to lower your risks and keep your heart pumping strong for years to come. Need a cardiologist? Dr. Michael Ritchie is accepting patients!
High blood pressure is often called a “silent” issue because you can’t feel it. Even a small increase puts extra strain on your heart over time. Seeing a healthcare provider early helps you manage it before it causes damage.
While lifestyle changes are incredibly powerful, they are usually one part of a larger plan. Healthy habits can stop heart disease from getting worse and, in some cases, improve your heart’s function. We work with you to find a balance between natural improvements and the medical support you might need to stay safe.
Not every heart issue starts with chest pain. Pay attention to unusual fatigue (feeling exhausted after a simple walk), swelling in your ankles, or a persistent cough that won’t go away. These can be signs that your heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should.
Most people feel a flutter or a “thump” at some point. Often, it’s just caffeine, stress, or a lack of sleep. However, if these palpitations happen often or come with dizziness, it is time to see a specialist. We can use a simple EKG to see exactly what is happening in those moments.
You should see a heart doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms like:
- Chest pain,
- Shortness of breath,
- Irregular heartbeat,
- Dizziness, or
- Fatigue.
You may also benefit from a visit if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, even if you feel well.
Your first visit will focus on you. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and order diagnostic testing if needed. You’ll have time to ask questions and leave with a clear understanding of your next steps and care plan.
Cardiac Care Library
Embracing Heart Health: Your Guide to Preventing Another Cardiac Event
8 Ways to Reach a Healthy Blood Pressure
5 benefits of cardiac rehabilitation
Happy Valentine’s Day: how to love your partner’s heart
Choosing the right heart-healthy meals
Get to know your cholesterol
Heart-healthy recipes: Confetti salad
Heart healthy recipe: Beef stew with fresh mango
Heart-healthy recipes: Matcha Mini Cakes
Heart-healthy recipes: Greek seven layer dip
Heart-Healthy Recipe: Chicken Wings with Cherry Sauce
Heart-healthy recipes: Spinach Souffle
Tropical Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Heart-healthy recipes: Spaghetti-Squash Spaghetti
Heart-healthy recipes: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken or Pork
The ABCs of Heart Health – Tips to Prevent Heart Disease
Heart-healthy recipes: Pico de gallo grilled chicken salad
Heart-healthy recipes: Savor the flavor of sweet & sour pork
Know your risks: How to prevent a heart attack
Heart-Healthy Recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Mini Macarons
Warm up with this heart-healthy recipe for turkey chili
How to kick the habit: Stress – is it hurting my heart?
Win big with these healthy Super Bowl snacks
NMC Joins National Heart Health Program
Cardiac Rehab: An Important Step to Heart Attack Recovery
NMC to Participate in National Healthcare Decisions Day
