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When Should You See a Cardiologist?

Individuals with a diagnosed heart condition are typically under the care of a cardiologist. But for those who don’t have a known condition, figuring out when it is time to call a specialist can be tricky. Whether you know you are at high risk for heart disease due to family history or lifestyle or you’ve started wondering about your heart health, here are some ways you will know it’s time to make an appointment. 

A primary care physician refers you

Everyone should be under the care of a physician for annual checkups, routine illnesses, and other medical issues that may arise. A primary care physician is a great place to start for routine screenings and general problems. As soon as your primary care doctor identifies a potential heart issue that goes beyond the scope of their treatment, they will refer you to a cardiologist. 

You are experiencing heart-related symptoms

Heart-related symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, and chest pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be checked by a cardiologist. They may rule out heart disease, but seeing a specialist is an important starting point for those who are trying to find the cause of their symptoms. 

You have a family history of heart disease

Depending on your family history, a visit to the cardiologist may be a wise idea, even in the absence of symptoms. This is particularly true if you have several additional risk factors. Common risk factors for heart disease include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, and age. A cardiologist can help identify the risk factors you can change or educate you on what to watch for regarding early warning signs of heart disease.

A screening shows a potential problem

If you have a family history of heart conditions but have no other risk factors, you might talk to your primary care doctor about what screenings are right for you. Some of these are routine screenings for all patients, but they may occur earlier or more often for those with family history. If one of these screenings indicates a potential problem, a visit with the cardiologist may be warranted. 

  • Blood pressure screening, which typically happens at each annual physical and any time you are seen in your doctor’s office. 
  • Fasting lipoprotein profile, which your doctor will include in routine bloodwork at recommended intervals to check your cholesterol levels. 
  • Blood glucose test to screen for diabetes, which can also indicate a higher risk for heart disease. 
  • Atrial fibrillation screening, a non-invasive screening that typically begins around age 50 but closer to age 40 for those with risk factors for AFib.
  • Annual physical, where your doctor will assess your general risk factors for heart disease and discuss lifestyle choices that may increase or decrease your risk.

While the above reasons are all good signs to make an appointment with a cardiologist, peace of mind is a valid reason as well. If you are experiencing symptoms of heart conditions or have other questions about your heart health, contact our team at Oklahoma Heart Hospital to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today.