Every other day, statistics and news about heart diseases are on the rise. And that, for sure, is a matter of concern. Indeed, at one point in life, you must’ve thought about wanting to see a cardiologist. And chances are, you kept that decision considering that you are perfectly fit and healthy at the given moment. But did you know that visiting a cardiologist could help you detect a hidden health issue? Yes, you heard that right. Apart from existing heart problems, there are multiple reasons to see a cardiologist. So, let’s get into the details.
What is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a physician whose expertise lies in treating your heart and blood vessels. Their work ranges across areas of specialisation such as heart failures, abnormal heart rhythm and more.
What Does a Cardiologist do?
Primarily, cardiologists focus on the prevention and treatment of various cardiovascular problems. After four years of study in a medical school, they spend three years as a resident learning internal medicine. In addition, they also dedicate three more years to specialised training.
A cardiologist provides treatment for chest pain, blood pressure problems, heart failure, and heart valves, vessels and tissues concerns. Their diagnosis also involves tests like echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and more.
When to Consult a cardiologist?
While experiencing general discomfort or restlessness, start by visiting your general physician. From there on, if recommended, you must schedule an appointment to see your cardiologist.
Other reasons why you must see a cardiologist include the following:
Family History
Genetics is a significant cause of heart disease. Therefore, if your family has any history of the same, you shouldn’t ignore it at any cost. It’s always best to investigate if you notice a pattern of heart issues in your family and see a cardiologist at the earliest.
Chest Pain
One of the most common causes of heart issues, chest pain, goes unnoticed often. But that should never be the case. Of course, other reasons, such as indigestion, can also cause chest pain, but there’s no harm in keeping a check.
High Cholesterol Levels
The absence of visible signs is a primary concern for high cholesterol levels. So, even if your reports suggest a marginal increase, it’s always best to conduct regular checks. To clarify, high cholesterol is majorly associated with the risk of heart disease.
Smoking Habits
Another massive reason for heart-related issues is one’s smoking habits. It is a significant risk factor that can lead to increased blood pressure levels or other heart conditions. Always remember that you should make an effort to get rid of this habit. While you are in the process, keep seeing a cardiologist to keep a check on any symptoms.
High Blood Pressure
To keep your heart in a healthy condition, your blood pressure needs to be under control. So make a habit of scheduling monthly checkups and consult a cardiologist to check the possibility of other symptoms.
Diabetes
Yes, you read that right. Diabetes and heart issues are strongly interconnected. For the same reason, high or low blood sugar levels disastrously affect the heart’s functionality and blood vessels. Therefore, it is best to see a cardiologist for awareness of recommended preventive measures.
Kidney Diseases
If you have kidney disease, you are more prone to heart problems than an average individual. And as you know, prevention is always better than cure. So, wait no more and schedule that cardiologist appointment today.
Preeclampsia
This is a medical condition which leads to an increase in blood pressure levels during pregnancy. Eventually, it also leads to an increase in the chances of the development of hypertension or cardiovascular problems. Therefore, if you are a Preeclampsia patient, it's best to schedule the cardiologist visit at the earliest.
Starting Intense Exercise Routine
If you switch from an inactive lifestyle to an intense one, it’s best to see if your heart follows. A cardiologist can help check the possibility of underlying conditions that you might not be aware of and may trigger when you start exercising.
Gum Disease
No, we aren’t kidding. There is a relationship between your gum and heart disease. This is because the bacteria in your gums can make their way to your heart and cause inflammation and infection in your vessels and valves. Moreover, this can happen despite practising good oral hygiene. So, consult your nearest cardiologist today.
Congenital Heart Disease in Childhood
Regular visits to a cardiologist are necessary if you had CHD as a child. Don’t fall into the misconception trap and believe it’s gone for good. A cardiologist can take you through various rules and rituals that you must follow from time to time to ensure good heart health.
Related Symptoms
Apart from chest pain, various other symptoms are linked to potential heart diseases. Keep an eye out for extreme fatigue, breathing difficulty and constant stress. If these start happening frequently, it is advisable to see a cardiologist at the earliest.
What to expect at a cardiologist appointment?
The process starts with a physical exam wherein a cardiologist pays special attention to your heart rhythm. Next, you will be welcomed by questions regarding your family and medical history. Some common questions can include the following:
- How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
- What is the severity of these symptoms?
- Does anything help you deal with these?
- Have you undergone heart surgery in the past?
- Do you have any scan records?
- What medications are you taking right now?
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of good heart health is very vital. Neglecting it can lead to more significant consequences in the long run. Apart from the above-listed reasons and possibilities, many risk factors can lead to heart disease. Only a cardiologist can help you diagnose, prevent and treat those. Therefore, if you want to live a long and healthy life, befriend your cardiologist soon.
