Why is an expert cardiology evaluation vital?
Conditions like difficult-to-control blood pressure, palpitations, or shortness of breath usually develop silently, raising the risk of severe complications and heart attacks if not managed by a specialist.
Minimizing these warnings or relying on quick medication adjustments without a thorough analysis only postpones a precise diagnosis, causing ongoing strain on your cardiovascular health.
A timely and comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Karla Castolo, a subspecialist trained at the prestigious National Institute of Cardiology, provides you with a clear, safe, and science-based plan to restore your peace of mind.
When is it convenient to schedule?
The cardiology consultation is the starting point. Whether you have new symptoms or a previous diagnosis that requires monitoring, the goal is to give you certainty about your health.
Schedule if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness during physical exertion or rest.
- Palpitations (feeling of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats).
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when walking or climbing stairs.
- Frequent dizziness or fainting (syncope).
- Resistant, difficult to control, or crisis high blood pressure.
- Family history of heart attacks or sudden death.
What does the consultation include?
Medical History
Complete evaluation of clinical history, lifestyle, and current symptoms.
Physical Examination
Review of vital signs, detailed cardiovascular auscultation, and general physical condition.
Review of Studies
Analysis of laboratory tests or diagnostic studies that you bring with you.
Treatment Plan
Precise diagnosis, customized medical prescription, and scheduling of diagnostic studies (if required).
What happens next?
Initial Cardiological Assessment
In-depth medical history, physical examination, and detailed review of your previous studies to stratify your cardiovascular risk.
Therapeutic Strategy
Based on your diagnosis, we define a personalized pharmacological treatment plan and practical lifestyle recommendations.
Targeted Studies (if required)
If additional diagnostic tests (such as ECG, Echocardiogram, Holter, or MAPA) are needed, they are scheduled and performed in the same office.
Follow-up and Control
Periodic visits to check the effectiveness of medications, adjust dosages, and monitor your long-term health evolution.
⚠️ Warning Symptoms (Medical Emergency)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not wait for a scheduled outpatient visit. Go immediately to the Emergency Department at Hospiten Puerto Vallarta (available 24/7 with advanced cardiac life support and JCI accreditation) or call 911:
- Severe, pressing chest pain or tightness radiating to the neck, jaw, or left arm.
- Sudden and severe shortness of breath or feeling of suffocation while resting.
- Fainting or sudden loss of consciousness (syncope).
- Very rapid heart palpitations associated with dizziness, cold sweating, or extreme weakness.
Health Insurance and Reimbursements
Care is provided through direct payment, and you may request reimbursement according to your Major Medical Insurance policy. We issue a CFDI invoice and medical report to support your claim.
Upon completion of your consultation, we will immediately provide you with:
- Electronic tax invoice (CFDI).
- Completed official medical report for reimbursement required by your insurance provider (such as GNP, AXA, MetLife, Seguros Monterrey, Blue Cross, Cigna, Allianz, etc.).
- Medical prescription and signed requests for additional studies (if required).
In-Office Diagnostic Studies
If additional tests are required after the physical examination to refine your diagnosis, we perform them directly in our office at Hospiten:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Immediate recording of the heart's electrical activity, included in your cardiology consultation.
Color Doppler Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to evaluate the heart's structure, valves, and pumping force in real time.
24h Holter Monitoring: Continuous recording of the heart rhythm during a full day to detect elusive arrhythmias.
24h MAPA (ABPM): Ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure to confirm hypertension or adjust medications.
Why choose Dr. Karla Castolo?
Dr. Karla Castolo
Certified Cardiologist
- Clinical cardiologist with a high specialty in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
- Care conforming to international standards in Hospiten Puerto Vallarta.
- Human approach: clear explanation of diagnosis, patience, and close follow-up.
- 100% bilingual care (Spanish / English).