When to See a Cardiologist

Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the heart and vascular systems. These doctors undergo rigorous training to learn about the heart and how it affects the rest of the body, and they are experts in their field. Your cardiologist can assess your risk factors and develop a treatment plan should the tests indicate you have heart disease. Self-management is essential, too, but your doctor can help you with evidence-backed research on what would be best for your unique situation. For instance, if you have coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or heart failure, your treatment will depend entirely on your individual circumstances and overall health, as well as your age, and many other factors.

You should see a cardiologist, particularly if your primary care doctor recommends that you should to improve your health. Heart disease is called a silent killer because it is often unnoticed and untreated until it’s too late to correct it and improve the chances you’ll have a better quality of life. The only way to ensure you don’t diminish your quality of life is to take proactive steps to lead a happier, healthier life free of heart disease. Of course, everyone eventually succumbs to their final heartbeat at the end of their lives, but we can help ensure that day won’t come prematurely.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Because there are so many symptoms that indicate heart problems, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your heart disease, if you even have it in the first place. It’s crucial to assess your risk factors, such as having heart disease that runs in the family, or if you smoke, drink excessively, live a sedentary lifestyle, or have poor health in general.

You may have heart disease if you notice:

• Leg pain even while at rest
• Leg numbness and weakness
• A sensation of pins and needles in the skin
• Slower toenail growth
• Skin wounds that do not heal
• Chest pain
• Unexplained pain in the chest, jaw, neck or arm
• You were born with a congenital heart defect
• You have heart valve problems
• You have a diagnosed heart murmur
• And many other symptoms

Is There a Cardiologist Who Can Help Me Have a Better Quality of Life?

Yes. Cardiologists aren’t just doctors concerned with your heart health, but your overall health. A healthy heart is critical to overall physical health and well-being. They can help you feel better about yourself, but only if you meet them halfway and help them help you. It’s possible to lead a better life even if you have more advanced heart disease. However, you will need to take necessary precautions to ensure you don’t backslide by taking the proverbial 2 steps forward and 1 step back, such as starting smoking after quitting.

Heart disease can cause heart failure, which gradually weakens the heart to the point that it can no longer function as it once died. Heart failure is incurable and irreversible, but ongoing treatment and making necessary lifestyle changes can and will improve your life and reduce the impact symptoms will have on you. Heart and vascular conditions affect not only your heart muscle, but the whole body. Fortunately, many of these diseases are highly treatable.

Cardiac Disease Consultations at CVIG

Whether you or the family doctor you see has a specific concern of a known or possible heart problem, or if you just want a general evaluation from a heart doctor, we can help give a second or confirmatory opinion. Our doctors will speak with you and evaluate you before conducting any further testing or initiating treatments, and we can work as a team with your primary care provider before any invasive or interventional heart disease treatments. Have faith and make sure you are kind to yourself in the battle against heart disease, because you are your own best friend when it comes to getting better.

Contact us at CVIG for a consultation. You can reach out online or call (469) 437-3560 to get in touch with us today. We are here to serve you and provide compassionate heart health services.