REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT!

SCHEDULE NOW
×

When to Start Seeing a Cardiologist

When to Start Seeing a Cardiologist | CIS

If you are in your 30s or younger, you may not think of a visit to your cardiologist as an essential doctor's appointment. You may consider this only necessary for older patients or those with preexisting risks of heart disease. But when it comes to the question of when to see a cardiologist, the answer is the earlier, the better. Negative heart conditions can occur at any time, no matter your age or family history. And with regular checkups, you can help keep your heart healthy and catch any concerns as soon as possible. Here’s why it’s never too early to start seeing a cardiologist.

How Smoking Tobacco Negatively Affects Your Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, especially for those aged 60 years and older. And those risks increase exponentially once individuals reach 40 years of age. By middle age, it’s a great practice to begin annual cardiology checkups. But don’t let this be your starting point! A study from 2000-2016 has shown that heart attacks are occurring in young patients as early as those in their 20s. Even if you are in your 30s with no symptoms, consider your risk factors. Visiting a cardiologist in these early years can be an important step towards protecting your heart from disease. Even if you have a healthy lifestyle, you could still be at risk. It’s important to not only see a cardiologist for yourself, but for those you care for as well. Your loved ones care, and so do the specialists at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South. 

At an appointment, your cardiologist will check your blood pressure to test how much difficulty your heart undergoes when pumping blood. Blood tests are also a fantastic means for measuring the levels of minerals in your blood that may point towards organ dysfunction, heart failure, or high cholesterol. If any signs present themselves during your checkup, your cardiologist can determine the best course of action, from diagnostic testing to prescribing the appropriate medications to help reduce stress on your heart.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Heart disease can manifest in different conditions, including stroke, deep vein thrombosis, or even heart attack. Some of the most common symptoms of heart disease include changes in energy and discomfort in the chest and lungs. Consult with your cardiologist as soon as possible if you notice distressing or uncomfortable cardiovascular symptoms. Or, if you have any of the following symptoms, especially occurring simultaneously, contact emergency services immediately.

  • Fatigue or dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest

To prevent heart disease, start by reflecting on your daily practices. Exercise and a balanced diet are great places to start. These can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels; both will lower your risk of cardiovascular issues. And, abstaining from smoking is one of the first and primary forms of prevention you can practice. Start these lifestyle habits young to promote healthier aging, especially for your heart! Along with maintaining healthy habits, keep up with regular visits to your cardiologist so that you can prevent heart disease before it strikes. Don’t wait until warning signs are present to decide that it’s time to start seeing a cardiologist. 

The Time is Now

Cardiovascular Institute of the South knows how important it is to monitor your heart health. Don’t question when it’s time to start seeing a cardiologist. Start now by contacting the CIS clinic nearest you or schedule an appointment online. Our specialists can help you to better understand your risks and genetic factors and provide you with top-tier cardiovascular care. Say yes to prioritizing your heart health today, no matter your age.

Latest News

CIS Staff

Written by CIS Staff