Have you ever stopped to think if there is a right time to look for a cardiologist? This doctor, in addition to treating patients with a history of heart disease, should also be consulted when making his check-up anualto prevent or detect heart problems early, such as cardiac insufficiency and hypertension.
If you want to better understand when to look for a cardiologist, the team at Cuidados Pela Vida interviewed an expert on the subject. Dr. Bruna Baptistini explained all the risk factors that indicate the need for a preventive evaluation, which exams are carried out in the cardiological evaluation and the importance of regular follow-up with this professional in the long term. Get ready to inform yourself and stay on top of this subject that is so important for health!
Symptoms may indicate when to see a cardiologist
The cardiologist is the specialist responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases that affect the heart muscle, its valves and the blood vessels that irrigate the heart, brain and upper and lower limbs. Dr. Bruna highlights the main conditions that can be treated by this professional:
– Coronary artery disease;
– rheumatic heart disease (rheumatic fever);
– cardiac insufficiency;
– arterial hypertension;
– congenital heart disease (malformations in the structure of the heart existing since birth);
– heart attack of the myocardium;
– cardiac arrhythmias.
It is important to note that heart and cardiovascular system diseases develop over time and, therefore, do not always show symptoms right at the beginning. This is the case, for example, of hypertension, silent disease call by many experts. Each of these conditions has specific symptoms and it is important to be aware and seek a cardiologist for a proper evaluation. Even so, Dr. Bruna recommends keeping an eye out for the following signs:
– Chest pain;
– swelling in the legs;
– shortness of breathe;
– palpitations;
– dizziness;
– fainting.
They symptoms can be indications of heart disease. Therefore, when noticing them, try to seek medical help as soon as possible!
Risk factors require frequent evaluations with a cardiologist
It is also important to mention that some risk factors may indicate the need for a preventive cardiological evaluation. Dr. Bruna reveals the main habits and characteristics that everyone should keep an eye on: “smokingexcess cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, stresssedentary lifestyle and diabetes”.
Patients who fit one (or more) of these profiles should include an appointment with a cardiologist in their annual check-up to assess their health and avoid any type of heart problem. And that goes even for cases that don’t show any symptoms! Prevention is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the heart and a good quality of life.
What tests are performed in the cardiological evaluation?
During a consultation with a cardiologist, the doctor will assess your health and may perform and order a series of tests to diagnose possible heart disease and assess whether the heart is working properly. “Electrocardiogram, exercise test, tilt test, myocardial scintigraphy, echocardiogram, coronary angiotomography, catheterization heart rate and holter” are some of the exams required for this analysis cited by Dr. Bruna.
Having the results in hand, the specialist will be able to carry out a complete analysis and recommend necessary measures for the prevention of heart problems and, if necessary, indicate the most appropriate treatment for each condition.
Why is long-term follow-up so important?
After the diagnosis and initiation of treatment for a heart disease, it is essential that the patient maintain long-term follow-up with the cardiologist. This is due to the fact that some diseases, such as high blood pressure and heart failure, are chronic and require continuous care.
In addition, regular follow-up allows the physician to be able to monitor the effectiveness of the indicated therapy and make adjustments whenever necessary. So no missing your appointment with the cardiologist! Remember that heart health affects the entire human body, being essential for a full and healthy life.
The post Care for Life.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
