General cardiologists serve as primary care physicians for matters of the heart

Heart attack symptoms typically come to mind when you mention heart disease – chest pain, shortness of breath, radiating pain in the left arm, etc. Due to robust education, we all know to call 911 if these symptoms appear.

But what about occasional shortness of breath, a random feeling that your heart “skips” a beat, or other related symptoms that aren’t necessarily emergencies, but need to be evaluated?

That’s where general cardiologists like Physicians Regional Medical Group’s Thinn Hlaing, M.D., come into play.

Hlaing, who is board certified in cardiovascular disease and echocardiography, is often the front-door for cardiovascular care, as he evaluates, diagnoses and either treats patients, or coordinates their care with other cardiology specialists.

General cardiologists can be thought of as primary care providers for matters of the heart – addressing chronic heart diseases like heart failure, valve problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and more.

“I find helping patients with cardiovascular issues fascinating,” Hlaing says. “Understanding the complexities of the heart and the critical role it plays within the human body can be challenging, and it’s an honor to be able to diagnose and treat patients.”

His interests include heart rhythm disease, cardiac imaging, coronary artery disease screening, and preventive medicine including managing high cholesterol and blood pressure. Board certification in echocardiography means Hlaing is recognized as having extensive training and expertise in echocardiograms, a diagnostic echo (image/video) of the heart that helps identify any structural or functional issues.

Hlaing earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine in Mandalay, Myanmar, and completed residency at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. For more advanced training, Hlaing completed a fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center Program in Washington, DC.

He sees patients in Bonita Springs in addition to Physicians Regional Pine Ridge. Learn more at PhysiciansRegionalCardioCare.com or by calling (239) 326-0493.