Maybe you’ve experienced chest pain or pressure. Or perhaps you’ve had trouble breathing, felt heart palpitations, or become dizzy during physical exertion.
The aforementioned signs are just a few of the symptoms that can signal heart disease. It can feel frightening to contemplate this possibility, but your care team is here to help.
“Early detection and intervention lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your primary care provider,” says Dr. Ameer Kabour, a Cardiologist and Senior Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services for ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care.
Remember, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, age, unhealthy diet, and family history of heart disease.
Heart disease is highly preventable. Learn what to watch for and when you might need to see a cardiologist.
Tracking Symptoms
Take note of your symptoms. Track how often you experience them and what you’re doing when you notice them. Then speak to your primary care provider about what you’re experiencing.
Your provider likely will refer you to a cardiologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases or conditions related to the cardiovascular system. The cardiologist will identify what’s causing your symptoms and develop a plan to treat and prevent more serious problems from developing.
“Don’t ignore your concerns,” Dr. Kabour says. “Identifying symptoms promptly and responding to them can help prevent heart disease.”
Prepping for Your Appointment
An initial appointment with a cardiologist provides the doctor an opportunity to learn about your overall health and concerns. Bring along a list of your medications and write down any questions you may have in advance.
During the visit, you’ll have your vital signs taken. These include blood pressure and resting heart rate. The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and do a complete exam. They’ll also ask about your health history, medications, and any symptoms you’re having.
Depending on the findings, the cardiologist may order blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate your heart’s electrical signals, a chest X-ray to look at your heart and lungs, or other tests to learn as much as possible about your heart health.
Questions to Consider
At any point during the appointment, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Some possible questions include:
- What’s my risk of developing heart disease?
- What changes can I make to lower my risk?
- Are there any activities I should avoid?
- What treatment options are available?
- What symptoms should I be concerned about?
You’ll receive a written summary of your visit and information about upcoming tests. Some people also find it helps to bring along another person to serve as additional set of ears to listen what the doctor is saying.
“We know it can be a lot to take in,” Dr. Kabour says. “Our team is here to guide you through next steps.”
When to Seek Immediate Help
With some heart symptoms, you can’t afford to wait. Seek emergency care if you’re experiencing:
- Chest discomfort that can include sensations of pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, burning, or heaviness
- Upper-body discomfort affecting the neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, and/or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
Don’t risk it. Call 911 if you suspect a heart attack.
Stay Proactive
Talking to your primary care provider about your heart health is a great place to start. You can also schedule an appointment directly with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care. Call (920) 731-8900 or schedule online using MyThedaCare. Select ‘Schedule an Appointment,’ ‘Specialty Clinics,’ ‘Cardiology’ to see available options.
“Knowledge is power when it comes to your heart,” Dr. Kabour says. “Advocate for yourself, and speak up about any concerns you have. Your heart will thank you.”
Learn about the full range of treatments available through ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care.
