Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Australia. If you don’t have any known heart condition, knowing the ideal time to see a cardiologist can be bewildering. Here are 10 reasons to see a Sydney cardiologist.
Chest pain
Chest pain is can be a symptom of a heart condition. You should be particularly concerned if you experience chest pressure that occurs or is exacerbated by activity, as this could indicate that your heart is not getting enough blood.
Physician Recommendation
If your doctor recommends that you consult a cardiologist, you shouldn’t put it off, or else you might regret it.
High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure is a risk factor risk for stroke and heart disease. Knowing your blood pressure numbers is therefore vital in preventing cardiac events.
Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, or Palpitations
These symptoms can signal coronary artery disease or abnormal heart rhythm. A cardiologist can help you figure out if a heart issue is the cause of these symptoms.
Diabetes
There is a clear correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Poorly managed blood sugar impacts the functioning of blood vessels and can increase your vulnerability to coronary artery disease.
Congenital Heart Disease
Even after congenital heart disease has been fixed in childhood, continued care is necessary. Routine checkups with a cardiologist during adulthood can greatly increase the quality of life of individuals who had CHD surgery during childhood.
Smoking
Smoking is a big heart disease risk factor. It increases blood pressure, blood clotting, and heart rate. Besides, it lowers the amount of oxygen that flows to the heart, as well as damages the cells that line the arteries.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a significant heart disease risk factor and therefore controlling your cholesterol numbers is vital. However, an increase in cholesterol levels doesn’t present symptoms and can be tricky to manage, which is why it’s important to see a cardiologist.
Family History
Some heart conditions can be genetic. If your relative has developed early-onset heart disease (below the age of 65 for women and 55 for men), a cardiologist may order testing and help you figure how this impacts your risk as well as recommend preventive measures.
New Exercise Routine
If you’re planning to start a moderate to highly intense exercise routine, after a period of inactivity or if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, you should see a cardiologist first.
Conclusion
If you have these risk factors or symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a Sydney cardiologist as soon as possible.
