When we think of living a “healthy” lifestyle, we often think of two things: eating right and getting exercise. Although these are two very important aspects of living a healthy life, they certainly aren’t the only factors. Another piece of the healthy life puzzle is knowing what medical specialist to visit and when. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at when you should see a cardiologist.
Family History
If your family has a history of heart issues, you’ll be at a much higher risk for developing a condition like heart disease. If there are problems arising, your cardiologist will be able to get an early start on addressing them.
You Smoke Or Have Diabetes
Smoking and diabetes are completely different things; however, they’re often clumped together with anything related to health and wellness. Why? Because they’re both known to put you at a higher risk of developing just about any systemic disease out there. Chief among them is heart disease.
You Have CHD
Contrary to popular belief, people who were born with congenital heart disease should continue to see a cardiologist throughout their lives. Unfortunately, CHD is a lifelong condition for most people, and those who choose to see a cardiologist regularly see improved quality of life.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. If your primary care physician notices an increase in blood pressure, they may refer you to a cardiologist. High cholesterol is also a risk factor for heart disease but shows no side-effects, so it’s important that you get your blood checked regularly.
Referred By Your Primary Care Physician
There are many other risk factors for heart disease like age, body weight, diet, anxiety, and physical activity. If your primary care physician refers you to a cardiologist, it’s in your best interest to take it to heart. Although it may not be serious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your heart health.
Stockton Cardiology
At Stockton Cardiology, we take every precaution when it comes to your health. Health issues often come at the most unexpected times, so we hope these tips will keep you aware of the warning signs before you’re faced with any serious heart health issue. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, give us a call today.