Lake View  Cardiology

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will Dr. Twohig start seeing patients in Amarillo?

  • February 2027. Call now (806)410-1992 to schedule ahead of the opening.

• Do I need a referral?

  • Please call Lake View Cardiology at (806) 410-1992 and we'll guide you through it.

• What should I bring to my first visit?

  • Your ID, insurance card, a list of all your medications, any prior heart test results, and a list of your symptoms and questions.

• When should I see a cardiologist?

  • If you have chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, a racing or fluttering heartbeat, fainting spells, blood pressure that's hard to control, or a family history of heart disease — or if your regular doctor sends you to one.

• What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

  • Chest pressure, squeezing, or pain; pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea; or lightheadedness. If you think you're having one, call 911 right away — don't drive yourself.

• What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

  • A heart attack is a blocked artery starving part of the heart of blood. Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether. A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, but they are different emergencies.

• What does an interventional cardiologist do?

  • Diagnoses and treats heart and blood vessel conditions using catheter-based procedures — opening blocked arteries with balloons and stents — rather than open-heart surgery.

• What is a stent?

  • A tiny mesh tube placed inside a blocked artery to hold it open so blood can flow normally. It goes in through a catheter, usually through the wrist.

• What is cardiac catheterization? Does it hurt?

  • A thin tube is guided through a blood vessel to your heart to find blockages. The area is numbed and you'll be sedated — most people feel some pressure but not pain.

• Will I be awake during my heart procedure?

  • You'll be in twilight zone & relaxed, usually not fully asleep, and you won't feel pain. Most patients are surprised how comfortable it is.

• How long does it take to recover after getting a stent?

  • Most people go home the same day or the next day and are back to normal activities generally within about a week. You'll take blood-thinning medication afterward to keep the stent open.

• What is high blood pressure and why does it matter?

  • It's blood pushing too hard against your artery walls. It usually has no symptoms, but over time it damages your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys — it's a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.

• What is cholesterol?

  • A fatty substance in your blood. Too much of the "bad" kind (LDL) clogs your arteries. It's managed with diet, exercise, and medication when needed.

• Can heart disease be prevented?

  • Largely, yes — not smoking, eating well, staying active, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control prevent most heart disease. Early artery plaque can even stabilize and partially shrink with aggressive intervention.

Dr. Ling Twohig, DO, MBA
Now scheduling ahead of our February 2027 opening in Amarillo, Texas.

Contact Lake View Cardiology Clinic

Address:  1901 Port Lane, Amarillo, TX 79106

Phone: (806) 410-1992