A cardiologist is a specially trained doctor who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and other heart-related, circulatory, and blood vessel conditions. Cardiologists undergo advanced training to care for the complex, powerful pump that is your heart.
Consider this: every minute, your heart circulates approximately five quarts of blood through an incredible network of blood vessels that, if stretched out and laid end to end, would be a whopping 60,000 miles long. This means that it moves the equivalent of two thousand gallons of blood through every area of your body every single day.
Consider too, that according to the American Heart Association, one in four Americans will die from heart disease. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one of the leading risk factors for a heart attack or stroke. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- Being overweight
- A family history of heart disease
- Pre-diabetes or Diabetes
- Smoking
When You Should Visit a Cardiologist
Your primary care doctor may advise you to see a cardiologist if they suspect you have any form of heart disease or circulatory system disorder. You should also be aware of the symptoms and signs of heart disease so that you can seek immediate medical care when necessary.
Heart Attack Symptoms include:
- Mild to severe pressure, squeezing sensations, pain or other discomfort in the chest area (Some patients also experience upper back pain or pain between the shoulder blades)
- Pain that radiates to the arm or into the jaw
- Chest pain that grows more intense or is not relieved by rest (Chest pain that is relieved by rest should also be evaluated)
- Chest pain that includes sweating, dizziness, cool or clammy skin, paleness or shortness of breath, nausea and/or vomiting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, trouble swallowing, anxiety, spikes or drops in blood pressure, weakness and fatigue, or heart palpitations
- Other symptoms of heart disease can include swelling of the legs and feet, heart area pain, high blood pressure, and gum disease. Believe it or not, research has shown a strong link between gum disease and heart disease.
When it comes to your heart health, you cannot afford to ignore any symptoms. If your doctor has recommended you see a cardiologist, you need to make an immediate appointment.
Additionally, if you suspect that you are having a heart attack, do not delay treatment. Go immediately to the nearest hospital. Heart attack symptoms can range from mild to severe. Women, for instance, often do not seek medical treatment because they do not always have the classic symptoms associated with a heart attack such as pain in the chest or arm. When in doubt, see a doctor. A cardiologist understands the complex nature of your heart and that may just save your life.
If you are looking for excellent cardiac care for yourself, or your loved ones, call Intercoastal Medical Group today for an appointment with one of our highly qualified, caring physicians. Contact information can be found on our Contact Us page. New patients can also schedule an appointment online. Intercoastal Medical Group: dedicated to your wellbeing.
