Do I need a heart doctor?

You know how important it is to keep up with your annual primary care visits, but how do you know when it’s time to see a specialist? You should discuss any new symptoms you’re experiencing during these yearly health check-ins, but specifically when it comes to the heart, there are some signs to look for that may warrant an appointment with a cardiologist.

“While it’s always a good idea to check with your primary care doctor, sometimes it might be more practical to see a cardiologist directly, depending on availability and schedules,” said Ravi Mareedu, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Baptist Heart Specialists. “Those situations include new onset of chest pressure or discomfort during exercise, or shortness of breath with no obvious pulmonary [lung] cause like a respiratory virus or asthma.”

Common heart conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying every 33 seconds.

The most common types of heart disease include:

• Coronary artery disease: The blockage or narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the heart.
• Atrial fibrillation (Afib): An irregular and often fast heart rhythm.
• Congestive heart failure: The weakening of heart muscle, affecting the organ’s ability to pump blood through the body.

“Symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pressure may indicate coronary artery disease,” Dr. Mareedu explained. “If you’re feeling heart palpitations or flutters, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia like Afib. These are symptoms that would warrant a referral to a heart specialist.”

Additionally, uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) or high cholesterol may be monitored and treated by a cardiologist.

A winning pair: cardiology and primary care

If you end up seeing a cardiologist, it’s still important to keep your primary care physician in the loop so he or she can support you through lifestyle modifications and other steps to manage your overall health.

“I truly believe that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Dr. Mareedu. “Many cardiac conditions can be related to lifestyle choices. Making some changes to your diet to cut down on red meat and add more fruits and vegetables, or incorporating light exercise into your daily routine, can go a long way.”

Nothing is more important than your heart. That’s why Baptist Health is at the forefront of innovative heart treatments, providing you and your family with quality cardiac care. To learn more, visit baptistjax.com/heart or call 904.720.0799. To find a primary care physician to work with you to promote your overall health, call 904.202.4YOU (4968) or visit baptistjax.com/newdoctor.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention