A local cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect the cardiovascular system and blood vessels. People who are obese are at risk of heart conditions such as heart failure, cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Obesity raises your risk of developing heart disease in a few different ways. It can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Obesity can also increase blood pressure. Depending on the heart condition you have, a local cardiologist may prescribe medication or products such as a blood pressure monitor; recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating less fat and choosing healthy carbohydrates; and getting more exerise. A local cardiologist may also recommend surgery such as coronary angioplasty, ablation, pacemaker implantation or stent implantation. Your local cardiologist (and/or cardiothoracic surgeon if you require one) can work with your other health care providers to ensure you have the optimal treatment plan for your condition. Other health care providers may include a local endocrinologist, family physician, nutritionist, acupuncturist, chiropractor or registered dietitian. If you’d like more information about how a local cardiologist can help you manage and treat obesity, talk to your local family physician.