3 Reasons To See a Cardiologist for Chest Pain

Visiting a cardiologist allows you to check whether your chest pain is related to an underlying heart condition. Many heart issues, including coronary heart disease, pericarditis, and aortic dissection, cause chest pain. You can also experience this symptom because of a gallbladder issue or acid reflux. Here are three reasons why you should see a heart doctor for chest pain:

1. Address Accompanying Symptoms

Chest pain can be caused by both heart-related issues and other conditions, such as pulled back muscles. If you experience pain with other symptoms of heart disease, see a cardiologist. Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat can signify a serious heart issue. Pain that worsens during periods of activity or causes varying intensities of discomfort also requires prompt care.

Other symptoms that warrant a medical diagnosis include swollen legs and feet, excess fatigue, sweating, and nausea or vomiting. A heart doctor can perform a physical exam or use an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or ultrasound to determine the underlying issue. You may also need urgent care if you experience the symptoms of a heart attack, including sudden chest pain with pressure or discomfort in your jaw, neck, back, or arms.

2. Prevent Diseases from Worsening

Heart issues are caused by many factors, including lifestyle and genetics. If you have a family history of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, your chest pain may be linked to a heart-related issue. Speaking to a cardiologist will help you review your symptoms and diagnose any underlying conditions. Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking may also warrant a visit to a cardiologist.

Detecting heart conditions early can prompt lifestyle changes and medical interventions that slow down disease progression and future complications. Your doctor also treats underlying issues, such as high blood pressure. The doctor can recommend a heart-healthy diet, exercise, weight loss, or other changes to improve symptoms and decrease the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

3. Create a Care and Management Plan

Cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, valve disease, and angina pectoris all cause chest pain. If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart disease, your doctor can provide personalized treatment and care to manage the condition. Heart doctors perform comprehensive testing, including stress tests and blood tests, to accurately diagnose underlying conditions. They also develop specialized care plans involving medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring.

Medication can treat the underlying condition and offer relief for your pain and other symptoms. The doctor may also perform further tests to assess the progression of the heart condition and schedule necessary procedures. Heart procedures range from angioplasty and stenting to catheter ablation and pacemakers. If you experience chest pain and other symptoms related to an existing heart condition, speak to a doctor to create a management plan.

Visit an Experienced Cardiologist

Chest pain can make it difficult to manage your daily activities. Speaking to a cardiologist allows you to receive a thorough evaluation and diagnose the cause of the pain. Your doctor can treat your symptoms and underlying conditions using a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and medical procedures. Speak to a cardiologist today to learn more about chest pain and related heart issues.

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