When Should You See a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of heart-related health problems. Cardiologists can perform heart imaging, heart rehabilitation, or heart surgery. If an individual experiences cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, peripheral artery disease, or heart valve disorders, it is time to see a cardiologist to determine the issue or receive a diagnosis.
The cardiologists you visit will perform tests to determine the cause of any cardiovascular issue. Cardiologists specialize in various practices such as heart valve disorders, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. Depending on the symptoms you experience, the cardiologist you see will likely have expertise in the areas needed.
Recognizing Heart Problems
Before you see a cardiologist, make note of any symptoms you experience. A normal, healthy adult heart keeps the body running by helping various parts function. For instance, the right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, while the left side receives oxygen from the lungs and pumps it through the body’s arteries.
As we age, our bodies change, and the heart does not beat as fast during physical activity or stressful times. A heartbeat does not significantly change with normal aging. Chambers of the heart can increase in size over time. Valves that control blood flow between the chambers of the heart may become thicker and stiffer, limiting the flow of blood.
Signs You Should See a Cardiologist
According to the National Institute on Aging, there are numerous signs you should see a cardiologist. When you notice that your health is failing or recognize abnormal signs associated with your cardiovascular system, these are signs you should see a cardiologist.
Those with any of the below symptoms should see a cardiologist:
- Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Shoulder, arm, jaw, or neck pain
- Heart valve disorders
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- High cholesterol
- Congenital heart conditions
- Dizziness
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Anxiety
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Weakness
- Peripheral artery disease
These conditions are serious. In fact, any health issue involving the cardiovascular system should be taken seriously, as it can affect blood flow, pulse, and overall heart health. Signs such as the above can range in severity, which means you should see a cardiologist right away.
Medical Tests
When you see a cardiologist for your heart, they may perform specific medical tests. To determine if you suffer from heart disease, doctors may perform the following:
- Blood pressure check
- Cholesterol levels check
- Electrocardiogram that records the heart’s electrical activity
- Chest X-ray that can reveal whether a heart is enlarged or if the lungs contain fluid
- Series of blood tests to check for brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) and levels of protein
- Echocardiogram that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart while it is in motion to determine how well heart valves are functioning
Heart failure is a serious health concern. Heart failure can also be caused by diabetes, cardiomyopathy, heart inflammation, heart attacks, or the long-term use of alcohol. To keep your heart healthy, consider remaining physically active, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, and following a healthy diet.
Find a Cardiologist
At Apex Cardiology, our highly skilled, multi-board-certified physicians are available on-site for patient evaluations and consultations. If you have noticed symptoms associated with your cardiovascular system or you believe the symptoms to be heart-related, consider speaking with a cardiologist who can perform tests to diagnose your condition, if any.
There are a number of Los Angeles cardiologists who offer their skills at Apex Cardiology. Contact us today to speak with one of our professionals. Schedule a consultation to discuss your health issue with your doctor and learn about your treatment options today.
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