If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat, it’s likely time to seek cardiology services for diagnosis and treatment. A medical professional may evaluate you and perform different tests to understand what is causing your symptoms. Here is more information about how a cardiologist diagnoses heart conditions:
Medical History and Symptom Review
Many heart conditions have genetic components, which means a cardiologist may check if your close blood relatives have a history of heart attacks and congenital heart defects. If family members experienced heart problems at an early age, it could indicate a possibility of risk. When you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, obesity, or autoimmune diseases, they may impact your heart health. During your appointment, a cardiologist may ask about the symptoms you’re experiencing, such as chest pain, palpitations, and breath shortness. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart murmurs, hypertension, or vascular issues, you should inform your care provider.
Physical Examination
By physically examining you, a cardiologist assesses how your cardiovascular system is functioning and if there are potential issues. Using a stethoscope, this professional listens to your heart’s sound to identify any abnormalities. This healthcare provider also uses a cuff or monitor to check for high blood pressure, which contributes to heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. If your blood pressure is low, it could be due to heart problems or issues with blood flow. A qualified cardiologist looks for swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, which could be an early sign of venous insufficiency. They also observe your breathing patterns to see if you have underlying heart health problems.
Diagnostic Tests
When you visit a cardiology clinic, a specialist may order blood tests to assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Overly high or low levels of these could indicate risk factors for heart disease. A healthcare provider also performs a stress test, which evaluates how well your heart works during physical exertion or simulated stress. To simulate stress, doctors will use medication and close observation. This test helps determine if you have blocked arteries, which reduce blood flow to the heart muscle when under stress. Using an X-ray, a medical professional can detect heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, or other abnormalities in the chest cavity. An electrocardiogram can be employed to determine if you have irregular rhythms or an enlarged heart.
Holistic Risk Assessment
Depending on your lifestyle habits, a cardiologist may determine whether you are at risk of developing a heart disease. This professional may ask if your diet includes saturated fats, high sodium, and added sugars, as these potentially expose you to heart illnesses. Lack of exercise and physical activity increases risk, while an active lifestyle strengthens the heart and improves circulation. If you smoke tobacco regularly, it damages blood vessels, accelerates plaque buildup, and increases blood clot risk. After assessing such risks, your doctor may advise you to eat healthy, stop smoking, and exercise routinely to improve your heart health.
Get Comprehensive Cardiology Services
Whether you’re experiencing mild or severe symptoms related to your heart health, see a cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment. This specialist discusses your symptoms and risk factors and offers the right remedies to improve your heart health. To learn more about the cardiology services offered, call a trusted clinic today.
