When Should You See A Cardiologist?

You and your primary care physician may have talked about your risks for heart disease, including high blood pressure or a family history of heart attack or stroke.

Still, there may come a time when you should begin seeing a cardiologist for specialty care. Since prevention is key to your best heart health, seeing a cardiologist before you have a heart attack or stroke or develop heart failure is the best strategy.

"Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in men and women in the United States. It is important to optimize your cardiovascular risk factors to decrease the likelihood of an adverse event," said cardiologist Ryan P. Daly, MD, of Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians. "A cardiologist may assist you in controlling and monitoring these risk factors."

Reasons To See A Cardiologist

You should consider making an appointment to see a heart doctor if:

• Heart disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure, runs in your family. Both lifestyle and genetics play significant roles in your cardiovascular health.
• You have been told that you have heart valve disease or an abnormal heart rhythm.
• You want a second opinion regarding your heart condition.
• You received an abnormal calcium score of 100 or higher after having a heart scan screening. In patients with these elevated scores, it may be appropriate to seek specialty care, especially if you have score of 300 or above.
• You have high total cholesterol or high blood pressure. These are two major risk factors for heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
• You have diabetes. Diabetes significantly increases your risk of heart disease, and a cardiologist can help you keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease.
• You are or were a smoker or vaper. Smoking affects the flow of oxygen to the heart and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of blood clots. It also damages the lining of the arteries..

Do I Need A Referral To Se A Cardiologist?

If you are concerned about your risk of heart disease, the best step is to ask your primary care doctor about seeing a cardiologist. Your doctor can put in a referral to connect you with a cardiologist near you. You may be able self-refer, depending on your insurance, and make an appointment directly with a specialist