7 Reasons to See a Cardiologist

If you believe there is no reason to see a cardiologist until you notice symptoms of a possible heart problem, you may want to think again. There are many reasons to consider visiting a cardiologist for preventive measures. Let’s take a look at seven reasons you may want to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist sooner rather than later.

Seven of the top reasons to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist are:

A family history of heart disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Being a smoker (current or former)
Gum disease
Diabetes
Starting a new exercise routine

These are seven reasons to see a cardiologist, however, this is not an exhaustive list. If you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health, it’s always better to go ahead and schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.

Let’s delve deeper into why each of these seven reasons indicates a need for a cardiologist visit.

1. See a Cardiologist if You Have a Family History of Heart Disease

If you have heart disease or any other heart-related problems that run in your family, it’s best to schedule a visit with a cardiologist before you notice any symptoms. When you’ve had one or more family members with heart disease, that puts you at a much higher risk of also experiencing heart-related problems. If one of your parents experiences heart disease prior to age 65, your risk of developing heart disease can be as much as 75 percent higher.

Preventative care can help find heart problems before they can start or become more advanced. A cardiologist can perform an exam and run some tests that can find early indicators of cardiovascular problems. They may also suggest you make some changes in your diet and exercise regimen to decrease your risk of developing heart disease.

2. High Cholesterol is a Good Reason to Visit a Cardiologist

If you have high cholesterol, it’s a good idea to meet with a cardiologist. Of course, if you feel that your unhealthy cholesterol levels may be related to diet and lifestyle choices, take action to choose better habits to help reduce the risk of complications from high cholesterol. As a precaution, you still may want to see a cardiologist so they can determine if there is a need for medication to control your cholesterol.

In some cases, your high cholesterol may actually be caused by familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited form of high cholesterol. With this condition, the best diet and lifestyle may not be enough to decrease your cholesterol to healthy levels. A cardiologist can help you manage this condition with medication.

3. Check with a Cardiologist if You Have High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. Often, you may not experience any symptoms of heart disease other than elevated blood pressure, so you need to get it checked out. It’s important for your blood pressure to be monitored to keep an eye out for an upward trend.

Without proper management, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease or stroke, so it’s crucial to have it under control. Over the long-term, high blood pressure can also have a negative impact on your brain, kidneys, and eyes so you shouldn’t hesitate to take care of it properly. A cardiologist may prescribe medication to regulate blood pressure while also suggesting some diet and lifestyle changes.

4. Cardiologist Visits are Important if You’re a Current or Former Smoker

Smoking constricts the blood vessels causing circulatory issues that can lead to cardiovascular disease. This bad habit can also cause an irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. If you smoke, you should definitely see a cardiologist to get examined. It’s better to locate any cardiovascular issues early to possibly prevent or slow down further complications.

Since smoking can cause a multitude of health problems, including those involving the heart, you should definitely see a cardiologist if you’re a smoker. Even if you quit smoking, your heart can still experience the negative effects of the old habit.

5. Gum Disease is One Unexpected Reason to See a Cardiologist

Believe it or not, your oral health can have a direct impact on your heart health. Bacteria from gum disease can actually travel through your body and cause inflammation and damage to your blood vessels. This could lead to a heart attack or stroke if the inflammation is not addressed.

If you have or suspect you may have gum disease, it’s important to make an appointment with your cardiologist and your dentist to get your oral health under control and prevent possible cardiovascular complications.

6. A Diagnosis of Diabetes Warrants a Visit to the Cardiologist

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, your chance of developing heart disease or having a stroke doubles. You’re also at a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease earlier in life. The reason diabetes affects the heart is because long-term high blood sugar levels can be damaging to the blood vessels. This can mean higher blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

When you have diabetes, it’s important to schedule regular visits with your primary care doctor and cardiologist to help you manage your condition. They will both most likely recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help stabilize your blood sugar and, in some cases, you may need the assistance of insulin.

7. A Cardiologist Appointment is a Smart Precaution if You’re Starting a New Exercise Routine

When you’re interested in starting a new exercise routine, it may be a good idea to check in with a cardiologist for an exam. Especially if you’re over 40 years old, obese, or have led a sedentary lifestyle, you should get your heart looked at before starting an exercise program. A cardiologist can determine if it’s safe for you to start a new exercise program and recommend the right level of intensity for your workouts, so you don’t overdo it.

Generally, it’s recommended to start out gradually with any new exercise regime to prevent injury. Also, warming up and cooling down properly can help protect your muscles, including the heart.

Summary

Now you know some of the reasons to set up an appointment with a cardiologist for the benefit of your physical and mental wellbeing. You also know the signals your body may be sending out to tell you that it needs some additional support for your cardiovascular health. Sometimes, it’s not as obvious as chest pain so knowing some of the health conditions that can affect your heart can help you to be proactive in protecting your cardiovascular health. As always, follow a heart-healthy diet, manage your stress levels, and exercise regularly (under your doctor’s guidance).

While a healthy diet and lifestyle are extremely helpful for a strong cardiovascular system, it’s important to seek out professional care if you have any of the above conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor cardiovascular health that don’t respond to diet and lifestyle changes, contact us today to book an appointment.