Top Ten Reasons to See a Cardiology Specialist

Who are cardiologists and what do they do?

Cardiologists are medical professionals who identify, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases affecting the heart and the blood vessels. The heart is a vital organ of the body that works relentlessly to supply blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to the various tissues via the blood vessels. The normal functioning of the heart is essential for our overall well-being, but, there are various factors such as genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can affect it, leading to the development of heart disease, which is now one of the leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide.

Cardiologists received extensive training in the diagnosis and management of all the medical conditions and diseases affecting the heart and the blood vessels. There are many sub-specialties in cardiology, that focus exclusively on the management of specific problems related to the heart and blood vessels such as Electrophysiology for the treatment and management of heart rhythm and rate problems, Interventional Cardiology for the treatment and management of heart problems with minimally invasive surgery, Heart Failure and Transplant Specialty for the treatment and management of heart failure and also for providing care and support for the recovery of the heart and the individual after a heart transplant operation, and many others.

What are the reasons to see a cardiologist?

A consultation with a cardiologist can be either for the evaluation of new symptoms or health problems that have developed recently, management of an existing or previously diagnosed heart condition, or as a precautionary exercise to prevent future complications and reduce the risk of the development of heart disease. The following are some of the reasons to see a cardiologist

1) Referral from a General Physician or Other Healthcare Practitioners:

A visit to a cardiologist or maybe an online consultation with a cardiologist may be required if a referral from a general physician is received based on a recent visit or the results of investigations done. A referral to a cardiologist may also be advised before a surgical, invasive procedure, or medical treatments are planned to ensure that the heart is functioning well and can endure these procedures or treatments, or will not be severely and adversely affected by them.  

2) History of Heart Disease in the Family or Hereditary Heart Disease:

Some types of heart disease can run in families, and individuals who have close relatives and family members with heart disease are usually at an increased risk of developing or suffering from the same. Therefore, even if the symptoms are not seen or apparent, it is always advisable to schedule regular consultations with a cardiologist to monitor the health and fitness of the heart and look for early signs of disease, which can then be promptly managed and treated to prevent the progress of the condition. A consultation with a heart specialist can also help in taking necessary precautions and measures to prevent the development of the disease in the first place even if there is an increased risk.

3) Presence of High Blood Pressure:

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often termed as a silent killer, as there are usually no apparent signs and symptoms until the disease has progressively worsened or is very severe. The risk of high blood pressure is also increased when there is a family history of high blood pressure, or other factors such as an unhealthy and high salt diet, lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle, high stress and work pressure, or increased mental stress due to factors such as relationships or financial issues. It is best to consult a cardiologist for blood pressure, as it will help to ensure that the condition is monitored, controlled, and its adverse impact on the functioning of the heart is monitored on a regular basis.

4) Presence of High Cholesterol or Lipid Disorders

High cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, high levels of VLDL and LDL, and low levels of HDL, familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, etc., are factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart disease. If blood tests such as a lipid profile have shown abnormal results, it is advisable to seek a cardiologist consultation so that appropriate medications and treatment can be initiated to reduce the risk of adverse events.

5) History or Present Habit of Tobacco Smoking

Tobacco smoking is one factor that is associated with a variety of adverse effects on the body such as the increased risk of cancer, lung disease, etc. Smoking is also implicated in the thickening and narrowing of arteries, increase in blood pressure, and increased risk of formation of clots, coronary artery disease, and heart disease. Individuals with a habit of smoking or a history of smoking should get regular consultations with a cardiologist, as they fall in the category of people who are at a very high risk of heart disease and stroke.

6) Presence of Chronic Kidney Disease or Lung Disease

Individuals with chronic kidney disease or chronic lung disease are also at an increased risk of developing heart disease as their other conditions progress or worsen over time. There is an intricate relationship between the health of the kidney and lungs and the heart, and it has been observed that deterioration of either of these affects the other. It is therefore advisable for people suffering from these conditions to also schedule regular visits to a cardiologist for heart health monitoring.

7) Presence of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic systemic disease that has a close association with heart health along with various other complications related to the rest of the body. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are at an extremely high risk of developing heart disease and also experience significant complications related to it. Individuals with diabetes therefore benefit from not only ensuring that they keep their blood sugar levels under control, but also having a regular consultation with a heart specialist.

8) History of Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes

Women who experienced pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) or developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy are also likely to develop heart disease and related complications later in life. Therefore, women with such history during pregnancy are advised to get regular consultations with a cardiologist on a regular basis to ensure that their risks are addressed, and heart disease can be prevented and monitored.

9) Poor overall health or gum disease

Individuals with poor overall health, poor nutritional status, immune system disorders, HIV infection, gum disease and poor dental hygiene are also at an increased risk of developing heart disease and related complications. While a visit to another doctor might come across as burdensome, it is indeed necessary for these individuals to ensure that they have at least a couple of consultations with a cardiologist every year, or more if required.

10) Heart disease that continues from childhood and Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Individuals with structural defects of the heart in childhood that continues into adulthood, or congenital heart disease that was treated in childhood via surgery are required to be careful about the status of their heart’s health as they are at an increased risk of experiencing some complications as they grow older, and require regular scheduled visits to cardiologists known as Adult Congenital Heart Disease Specialists.

In addition to all of the reasons mentioned before, individuals over the age of 40-45 years, even those not at risk of heart disease, will definitely benefit from an annual health check, and a cardiologist consultation, as the measures and lifestyle changes advised by them can help keep the heart healthy for a long time to come.