Cardiologists are not just heart surgeons. They are doctors who specialize in the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. They are qualified to examine patients with various symptoms and issues, ranging from irregular heartbeats to high blood pressure to chest pain caused by coronary artery disease. So when should you see a cardiologist Bakersfield, CA?
We have discussed that below;
If you have an underlying heart problem
If you have any symptoms of a problem with your heart, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. The best time to see one is before these problems become severe and possibly life-threatening. Cardiologists can also check for risk factors for heart disease. These are things like diabetes or high cholesterol.
If you feel any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek the advice of a cardiologist. The first step is seeing a primary care physician. If they can’t identify the problem and recommend further testing, they should refer you to a cardiologist.
Symptoms of heart problems include-
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Arm or shoulder pain.
If your family has heart disease
If a loved one has been diagnosed with heart issues, you may wonder whether or not you are at risk for the same fate. Look into your family history. Although genetics do come into play, it is more common for heart disease to occur due to lifestyle and other factors rather than being inherited by blood. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to reduce your chances of developing heart problems, especially if they run in your family.
Regular exercise plus observing healthy habits help improve your general health. If you have any doubts about whether or not something is good for your body, consult a cardiologist before doing so.
When you have doubts about your doctor’s finding
Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from a cardiologist if needed. Most people don’t think about getting a second opinion from a doctor, but it is completely normal to do so. Not only can you get another doctor’s view on your medical condition, but you might discover that you have been misdiagnosed.
There can be many reasons for this, including the fact that sometimes doctors make mistakes. If the procedure or treatment recommended by your current doctor doesn’t seem right to you and the symptoms persist, feel free to seek out an alternative opinion. You have nothing to lose with a second opinion from another cardiologist.
It is crucial to get your annual physical exam done at least once every year to keep yourself safe and healthy. Going for regular check-ups will allow your doctor to keep a close eye on any changes that might occur with your body over time. You should pay attention to what is going on with yourself. Major signs of an underlying heart problem are feeling tired or having trouble sleeping for days at a time, coughing up blood, or swelling in certain parts of your body. Also, bruises that won’t go away easily could indicate something wrong inside you, and you should contact your cardiologist at Heart Vascular and Leg Center.
