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., and Catherine Law, 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.
“Understanding the complexities of the heart and the critical role it plays within the human body can be challenging,” says Hlaing. “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.
Dr. Law is board certified in cardiovascular disease and echocardiography, and she specializes in general cardiology, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and preventive medicine. Her specialty interests include women’s health, cardiac imaging, coronary artery disease screening, and the evaluation of hypertension and lipid levels.
“The heart has always interested me—especially the mechanisms of how the heart functions and the pathology. Small aberrations in the mechanics and pathways within the heart can ultimately lead to significant physical changes throughout the body,” Law says.
She received her medical degree from Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH, before completing her residency and fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Dr. Law wants her patients to know she is compassionate, an effective communicator and a patient-oriented physician.
“I like to empower my patients through teaching,” she says. “Outcomes are better if patients understand their particular disease or structural defects. Knowledge equals power, and patients are encouraged and motivated to make better choices and lifestyle changes when they understand their particular condition.”
Dr. Hlaing and Dr. Law are accepting new patients at Physicians Regional Pine Ridge, Founders Square and Bonita Springs. For more information
visit PhysiciansRegionalCardioCare.com or call (239) 348-4120.