It’s good for everyone to see a heart doctor periodically and maintain their heart health on a daily basis. However, if you have certain factors that put you more at risk for heart problems and complications, it is crucial to establish yourself as a patient with a trusted cardiologist.
Discover these four signs that indicate your need to make an appointment with a heart doctor soon.
1. You Have High Blood Pressure
When you have consistently high blood pressure, your heart works harder to circulate your blood. This can wear out your heart and put you at risk of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Anything above 120/80 mm/Hg is considered high blood pressure. You should have yours checked at least twice a year and speak to a cardiologist about your heart health risks if your blood pressure is consistently high.
2. You Have High Cholesterol
High cholesterol, or the accumulation of cholesterol in the body, is very common and has a significant impact on heart health. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad cholesterol,” builds up plaque in the arteries. Eating excessive amounts of “bad cholesterol” can increase plaque buildup.
Foods with “bad cholesterol” include:
- Processed meats
- Fried foods
- Desserts rich in carbs and sugar
If you have high cholesterol or a family history of high cholesterol, it is vital to keep an eye on your diet and talk to a cardiologist about your risks for heart issues.
3. You Have Other Chronic Health Conditions
If you have other diagnosed or suspected health conditions, you might be at a higher risk of experiencing heart problems.
Some common conditions associated with heart issues include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Connected to high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Increases your risk of coronary artery disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Issues with arteries in other areas of the body can affect the heart
If you have developed conditions like these, speak with your cardiologist about how you can still safeguard your heart.
4. You Have a Family History of Heart Problems
While anyone can develop a heart problem, a history of such issues in your family can make you more likely to suffer from one, as well. If you know of a family member that had a heart attack before age 50, you should pay special attention to your heart health.
Some heart conditions that can be genetically passed on include:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmia
- Marfan Syndrome
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
Additionally, health conditions associated with heart problems can run in families, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
If any of these factors apply to you, it might be helpful to speak with your cardiologist, who can help you create a plan to keep your heart healthy or manage any heart conditions.
Are you looking to see a cardiologist in Middle Georgia? The cardiovascular specialists at Middle Georgia Heart can help.
Our team can help you maintain long-lasting heart health, whatever your ailment or concern might be. We perform thorough diagnostic testing and use the latest cardiovascular technology to create a patient-centered treatment plan just for you. Schedule an appointment with us today: 478-207-5224