What are 10 Reasons to See a Cardiologist?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Yet, even knowing this, it can be tricky for people with no identified heart disease to know when to see a cardiologist. Seeing a cardiologist isn’t so much about age as it is about how you feel. Of course, coronary disease is quite rare in people in their 20’s and early 30’s.
Cardiologists are physicians who are experts in heart and blood vessel diseases. They evaluate and treat heart disease, as well as help you prevent heart disease.
While a diagnosis of heart or vascular disease often begins with your primary care doctor, who then refers you to a cardiologist, here are 10 reasons you might want to be proactive and visit a cardiologist
1. Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the major signs of a heart problem. While there are other causes of chest pain that are not related to the heart – such as respiratory or digestive issues or muscle and bone injuries – it’s better to check it out rather than risk overlooking a potential issue. Particularly if you are over 40 years old with symptoms of chest pain or pressure.
Please remember: Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you think you are having a heart attack.
2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is the sensation that you are not getting enough air to satisfy your needs. There are many potential causes of this. These include heart disease, lung disease and anemia, to name a few. If you have unexplained shortness of breath, evaluation by a cardiologist should be considered.
3. High blood pressure
It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure over time increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people with high blood pressure don’t experience any symptoms. The most recent guidelines recommend that the resting blood pressure should be consistently less than 120/80. If your resting blood pressure is consistently greater than 120/80 (either number) evaluation begins with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a cardiologist, particularly if your blood pressure is difficult to control.
4. Palpitations
Palpitations is the sensation of your heart beating unusually. That includes the sensation of your heart beating fast, hard and/or irregular. Cardiologists are experts in the management of heart rhythms and can help you identify the cause, risks of and help with the management of this type of symptom.
5. Dizziness and/or fainting
The sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness has many potential causes including neurologic and cardiovascular disease. In severe cases, there may even be unexplained loss of consciousness known as syncope. Evaluation by a cardiologist can assist with discovering potential cardiac causes of your symptoms. If a cardiac cause is found, they can help you choose the best option for management specific to your needs.
6. Family history of heart disease
A family history of heart disease often puts you at a higher risk for a heart condition. A cardiologist can help you understand how this affects your personal risk. A cardiologist may recommend possible screening tests to detect issues before symptoms arise. They can also provide recommendations on how to reduce your risk.
7. History of high cholesterol
High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart attack and vascular disease. It causes plaque to begin and accumulate in the arteries. That leads to restriction in blood flow, thereby increasing chances of heart attack or stroke. Many factors lead to high cholesterol levels. A cardiologist can help you understand your personal risk of a cardiac event and discuss options for management, if needed.
8. Diabetes
Diabetes affects how your blood vessels function and greatly increases your risk for developing heart disease. Many of the medicines recently developed to treat diabetes have been found to have cardiovascular benefits. In fact, many of them have been found to reduce cardiac risks even in patients without diabetes. Diabetes often goes hand in hand with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
9. Peripheral arterial disease
If you have disease in arteries such as the leg arteries or the large blood vessels to the brain, you are more likely to also have heart disease. Your cardiologist will provide you with options for evaluation and help you along the decision process to better understand your specific cardiac risks.
10. History of smoking
If you are or have ever been a smoker, you should probably schedule a visit with a cardiologist. Smoking is a major preventable risk factors for heart disease, not to mention cancer. Smoking cigarettes damages your heart and blood vessels, which leads to heart disease.
If you have any of these symptoms or conditions, it could be time to see a cardiologist. VHC Health offers comprehensive cardiovascular services.
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