Cat care-always take notes at the vet; always get copies of results and findings and blood work; keep a file-you'll need one in which to keep records, in order by date. Your regular vet may be the primary for now but you'll need to always consult with the vet cardiologist for any other meds not prescribed by the cardio or for the heart or any procedures the regular vet suggests (for example, HCM cats cannot usually survive surgery and should NEVER take steroid based medications or inhalers for example).
But as the heart disease progresses, you may find that you'll need to see the cardiologist more often, at which point, the cardio becomes the primary care vet (although they typically don't do vaccines.) The cardio will check pulse, breathing, heart rate, look at eyes and ears and mouth-they look for any signs of any other disease and dehydration and any other heart related issues that show up in other parts of the body (lack of oxygen, blood, poor circulation, etc.)
AND always make sure the cardio gets the regular vet's paperwork; and that the regular vet gets sent copies from the cardio or any other vet your cat sees. If your cat goes to the ER, have them send copies to both the cardio and the regular vet and give you copies as well. Vets should consult each other when seeing your cat if they have any questions about care. It helps them review for continued care, to review for any complications or to figure out next steps. It helps to keep track of when were last blood tests and results, if certain procedures or tests were done and when.
We always made sure Myrna's cardio and vet had the same records. And having them yourself, just helps you learn more. And the more you know, the better the care will be that you give.
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