Most people suffering from cardiovascular diseases do not realize that they are suffering from such severe ailment. They tend to ignore signals that their body sends them, telling them that it is time to see a cardiologist. And as time passes, it becomes the cause of their death. Heart diseases are becoming one of the prevalent illnesses among men and women under the 50 age range.
These diseases are often silent and do not generally show any significant symptoms. It is of utmost importance that you recognize the early signs and seek professional guidance to act upon before it is too late. We have rounded up eight vital signs, which indicates that you need to see a cardiologist.
Signs indicating it is time to see a Cardiologist
1. Chest Pain
One of the early signs is when you experience discomfort in your chest that escalates with strain. It occurs due to an inadequate supply of blood rich with oxygen to the heart muscle. This insufficiency may lead to pain in the shoulders, neck, back, jaw, and arms. Any discomfort should be checked with the cardiologist to be sure that there is nothing to worry about.
2. High Blood Pressure
When you chronically have high blood pressure, it will be wise to consult a cardiologist because it accelerates the risk of stroke and heart attack. Increased blood pressure makes the heart exert itself to circulate blood, which leads to the conditions mentioned earlier.
3. Diabetes
People who have diabetes are at a high risk of developing heart diseases when the blood sugar level is not adequately controlled, affecting the blood vessels’ functions. If you suffer from it, you should see a heart specialist at least once to take preventive measures to lower risks.
4. Acute Smoking
If you are a chronic smoker or had been in the past, then it is time to see a cardiologist. It is vital to do so because smoking increases heart disease’s risks. Also, it destroys the artery lining and accelerates plaque build-up, which may lead to harmful blockages.
5. High Cholesterol
Your body helps produce both good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). While the latter is responsible for plaque build-up, the former eliminates it from the body. The imbalance can lead to various heart issues and indicate that you meet a specialist.
6. Genetics
If there have been cases of heart ailments in your immediate relatives, there are high chances that you might develop it as well. It is scientifically proven that diabetes and high blood pressure are genetically passed on from generations. So, it would be best to consult a cardiologist if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases.
7. Gum Disease
If you are experiencing inflammation in the gums, it can signal risks to the heart. Even if you suffer from periodontitis, it would be best not to ignore such conditions. Because it produces harmful bacteria, which, when travels into the bloodstream, may cause inflammation in your other body parts as well.
8. Foot Swelling Or Leg Pain
Leg pain may be related to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which may increase stroke and heart attack risks. Also, swelling feet or ankles may cause varicose veins and venous insufficiency, leading to blood clots over time. So, it would be best if you never ignore these symptoms.
Conclusion
If you or your loved ones have got any of these signs, it is high time to make an appointment with the cardiologist. It is best to consult them as early as possible so that there is enough time to take preventive measures and receive the appropriate treatment. The saying, ‘it is always better to be safe than sorry’ is quite apt in such situations. We hope we could put forth the eight signs which should make you aware of visiting a doctor.
