Five reasons you may want to see a cardiologist
June 14, 2023
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Hospital News
A healthy heart is the center of a happy you! That’s why Prevea and HSHS St.Clare Memorial Hospital want to remind you of the importance of heart health. Oftentimes people are uncertain when to see a cardiologist (heart doctor). Here are five important reasons why you may want to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist:
1. Your primary care physician or provider recommends it.
Knowing your health history, lifestyle and current health concerns, your primary care physician may recommend you see a cardiologist. If so, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
2. You have symptoms of heart disease.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heart disease and listen to your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the following symptoms as signs of heart disease that should not be
ignored:
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Upper back or neck pain.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Upper body discomfort.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fluttering feeling in the chest.
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs,
abdomen or neck veins.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for further assessment and to help determine if a cardiologist consultation is needed.
3. You have a family history of heart disease.
Be especially aware of the symptoms of heart disease if it runs in your family. Heart disease can affect men and women. It is not a disease that only affects the elderly – even young adults can experience heart issues.
4. You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Both issues are often treated by cardiologists and put you at risk for heart disease. Your primary care provider may choose to work with you for these concerns, or you can see a cardiologist.
5. You have risk factors for heart disease.
In addition to family history, risk factors such as type one or type two diabetes, obesity, smoking or a history of smoking can put you at higher risk for heart disease. If you have these risk factors, consider a check up with a cardiologist or a primary care provider.
1. Your primary care physician or provider recommends it.
Knowing your health history, lifestyle and current health concerns, your primary care physician may recommend you see a cardiologist. If so, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
2. You have symptoms of heart disease.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heart disease and listen to your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the following symptoms as signs of heart disease that should not be
ignored:
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Upper back or neck pain.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Upper body discomfort.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fluttering feeling in the chest.
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs,
abdomen or neck veins.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for further assessment and to help determine if a cardiologist consultation is needed.
3. You have a family history of heart disease.
Be especially aware of the symptoms of heart disease if it runs in your family. Heart disease can affect men and women. It is not a disease that only affects the elderly – even young adults can experience heart issues.
4. You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Both issues are often treated by cardiologists and put you at risk for heart disease. Your primary care provider may choose to work with you for these concerns, or you can see a cardiologist.
5. You have risk factors for heart disease.
In addition to family history, risk factors such as type one or type two diabetes, obesity, smoking or a history of smoking can put you at higher risk for heart disease. If you have these risk factors, consider a check up with a cardiologist or a primary care provider.
Media Contact
Angela Deja
Director, Public Relations and Communications