4 Reasons Why You Should Consult a Heart Specialist
A heart specialist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. Patients may be referred to one of these doctors for several reasons, from diagnosing a heart health issue to getting cleared for surgery. However, seeing a heart specialist is even more crucial for those either experiencing the signs of heart disease or at high risk for it.
What is a heart specialist?
A heart specialist is a common term for a cardiologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. They undergo extensive education and training to manage a wide range of cardiovascular issues, including heart failure, hypertension, congenital heart conditions, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.
4 Reasons to see a heart specialist
The following are four of the most compelling reasons to consult a cardiologist.
Experiencing signs and symptoms of heart disease
Those experiencing heart disease symptoms must be evaluated by a heart specialist as soon as possible. Symptoms of heart disease include the following
- Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting and/or dizziness
Symptoms of developing heart disease and an emergency heart attack can overlap. If these above symptoms are intense and sudden, it may be a heart attack, which warrants a call to 911.
High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and high cholesterol are both significant risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Both should be monitored regularly by one’s doctor because they may not be noticeable until significant damage has occurred. Working with a cardiologist can significantly reduce the likelihood of a cardiac event for those with both risk factors.
Having high-risk factors
Those with a family history of heart disease and/or multiple lifestyle risk factors for the disease should consult a cardiologist. High-risk lifestyle factors include the following:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Prolonged stress
- Chronic lack of sleep
- Heavy drug and alcohol use
- Poor diet and low physical activity
Many with the above risk factors will also have high cholesterol and hypertension. A doctor may refer patients with a number of these risk factors to a heart specialist to asses their heart health and help them with medication or lifestyle changes to help them reduce their risk.
Certain medical conditions
Certain medical conditions are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Those with diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of cancer may require specialized care from a cardiologist, especially if they have other risk factors. Pregnant women with complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia or women who experienced these complications while pregnant in the past are also at elevated risk for heart complications.
How much do you know about your heart health?
Many people are at risk for heart disease and do not even realize it. As a cardiology practice, {{DBA}} specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating heart disease and heart health education. Call us today to learn more about the services of a heart specialist.
Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Cardiologists use cardiovascular treatment to address any condition affecting any part of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Treatment is a broad term that can refer to various procedures or methods that range in invasiveness. Choosing one depends on your cardiovascular disease or condition, as well as the overall state of…
Cholesterol management is key to long-term heart health. Fortunately, there are many ways in which a cardiologist may approach high cholesterol. From routine monitoring to advice on healthier habits, learn how a cardiologist may improve heart health through a tailor-made cholesterol management plan.Cholesterol is a waxy but naturally occurring substance. According to the American Heart…
Your primary care provider may refer you to a cardiology specialist if there are concerns about your heart health. These physicians specialize in the health and care of the heart and blood vessels and not only treat cardiovascular problems but also help patients prevent them. This makes them an ideal source for heart health information,…
Coronary stent placement is a treatment for coronary artery disease, a buildup of plaque (fat and cholesterol) around the heart's arteries. Along with angioplasty, a stent helps restore blood flow to the heart, relieving symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath and helping prevent a heart attack. The following overview of coronary stent…