Should I See a Cardiologist?

Should I See a Cardiologist

How do I know when to see a cardiologist? There’s a good chance that you’re reading this because you’re wondering when to visit a Kingwood cardiologist like our physicians at TCAH. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. It’s no surprise that people are concerned about their heart health. 

As Kingwood cardiologists, we focus on heart health. Whether you recently suffered a heart attack or feel concern about your heart, a check-up with a specialized doctor helps you stay on the right path to heart health. 

When to See a Cardiologist

There are many reasons that patients come to TCAH. Really, there’s no wrong time to see a cardiologist because not everyone knows they need one. Below, we discuss some of the common reasons people schedule appointments with our Kingwood cardiologists. 

Recommended By a Doctor 

When your family doctor sees a red flag during an exam, they might want to have a cardiologist take a closer look. Additionally, they might notice something in your family history or your own medical history that warrants a visit to a specialist focused on the heart. 

When your primary care physician recommends seeing a cardiologist, it’s important to follow their advice. Like us, they care about your health, and they want you to receive personalized care from experienced physicians. 

Family History of Heart Disease

Heart disease has a genetic component, so when you have a family history of heart disease, attacks, strokes, or other conditions, it’s important to stay vigilant. Take a look at your family tree and talk to your family about their medical history. 

Whenever you notice a pattern of heart disease, it might be time to see a cardiologist in your area. Signs to keep an eye out for are high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These might seem like nothing at first, but they are major contributors to heart disease. 

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension

From the age of 20 and onward, regular blood pressure checks are important. When you notice your blood pressure trending upward, it is essential to get a handle on it. If it’s always been high, it is crucial. 

High blood pressure presents an elevated risk for strokes and heart disease. Whether you have your physician check it or use a machine at a pharmacy, it’s important to know your numbers. If you notice hypertension, see a cardiologist so that you can get a thorough diagnosis. 

High Cholesterol 

While high cholesterol doesn’t cause a lot of symptoms, it can be hard to manage. Moreover, it is an incredibly significant risk factor for heart disease. That’s why it is so important to get your cholesterol numbers under control. 

If you are worried about your cholesterol, a good start to getting a handle on your numbers is a change in diet and physical activity. Read here for a few tips on lowering your cholesterol. See a cardiologist at TCAH for a personalized treatment plan to help you on your path to heart health. 

Preeclampsia

The Preeclampsia Foundation has presented research that shows women with a history of preeclampsia have double the risk of heart disease. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that occurs either during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. 

The risk is worse for those who deliver preterm babies or suffer with this condition multiple times. If you had preeclampsia during your pregnancy, see a cardiologist to get your heart health back on track. 

Smoking

At any point in life, smoking raises your risk for developing heart disease. If you are currently a smoker or were a smoker in the past, it’s a good idea to visit a cardiologist. Our Kingwood cardiologists pride themselves on providing personalized care to their patients. 

When you schedule an appointment with us, we want to ensure that your treatment plan matches your specific needs. Smokers face different risks, but smoking is just one risk factor. See a cardiologist soon to ensure you stay on the path to heart health. 

See a Cardiologist If You Are Diagnosed with Diabetes

Adults diagnosed with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease compared to adults without diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, diabetes is one of seven controllable risk factors that impact heart disease. When you see a Kingwood cardiologist, you take your first step toward controlling your risk. 

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

There is a common misconception among those born with CHD. Oftentimes, they believe that when it’s fixed, they don’t need continued care. This is simply untrue. With a routine check-up with a cardiologist, adults who had CHD surgery in their childhood see improved quality of life. 

New Exercise Routines 

For certain adults, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you see a cardiologist before you engage in moderate to high-intensity exercise when you currently have heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. They also recommend a visit to your doctor if you currently lead an inactive lifestyle. 

When you visit a cardiologist, they can check your heart health and see whether you have any underlying heart conditions. This helps your doctor guide you through a lifestyle change and ensure you don’t take on something too intense. 

Gum Disease

Did you know that there’s a link between gum health and heart health? Bacteria found in gum disease have the potential to travel throughout the body. When they do, they can cause infections in heart valves or inflammation in heart vessels. 

While it’s good to see a cardiologist, it is also important to practice proper oral hygiene and see your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and dental cleaning.  

See a Cardiologist If You Are a Cancer Patient or Survivor

All cancer patients and cancer survivors should schedule an appointment to have their hearts checked. Certain treatments for cancer cause damage to the heart or put a great deal of strain on blood vessels and heart muscles. 

These cardiac issues don’t impact every cancer patient, but it’s important to be vigilant. When you see a cardiologist regularly, your doctor identifies whether or not you are at risk. 

Ready to See a Cardiologist?

An important note before we part: You may have noticed that chest pain is not on this list. That’s because persistent chest pain or new chest pain should lead you to call 911. It’s vital that you seek emergency treatment in case this pain is the symptom of a heart attack. Afterward, schedule an appointment with your Kingwood cardiologist and see how to get your heart health on track. 

While it is important to see a cardiologist, it’s also important to make lifestyle changes. When you schedule an appointment at TCAH, our doctors will work with you to develop a personalized, comprehensive care plan that works for you. It’s never too late to develop a plan for a healthier life! Schedule your appointment today!