5 Silent Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore: When to See a Cardiologist

We all have passions, obligations, and pursuits that keep us busy each week. That can make it difficult to recognize subtle signs of a heart health condition and can lead to delayed diagnosis or treatment. 

Here at Heart Care, we embrace our role as community educators on heart health. That’s why we created this blog as another way to share relevant, science-backed information with residents of Frisco, Texas, and beyond. 

So let’s talk about some of the less obvious signs that you might have a heart health issue that needs attention. Here are 5 silent signs that you should book a visit with one of our outstanding cardiologists at Heart Care:

#1: Chest pain

Chest pain can manifest in many different ways. While a heart condition can absolutely cause sudden, crushing chest pain, that isn’t always the case. Chest pain can be far more subtle and may feel like ongoing or intermittent tightness, tension, or dull aching. 

Some people experience random, brief chest pain that forces them to pause their activities. This is often accompanied by an inability to take a deep breath. These sensations sometimes last less than a minute and don’t recur for long stretches. But they still deserve a heart health specialist’s attention to rule out a serious problem. 

#2: Dizziness

One of the more subtle signs of a heart condition is recurring dizziness or feeling lightheaded. This can result from an inadequate blood supply to the brain, which could be due to blockages in your arteries. 

Of course, everyone experiences occasional dizziness, especially when you are otherwise ill or when you stand up quickly after sitting or lying down. But if you’ve noticed an increase in lightheadedness or have fainted recently with no clear cause, it’s time for a cardiology work-up. 

#3: Palpitations

Palpitations is the medical term for an irregular heartbeat. While it’s normal for your heart to beat harder and faster during times of physical exertion or stress, your heartbeat should remain relatively steady throughout each day. 

If you notice your heartbeat fluttering, skipping a beat, or beating harder than normal without a clear cause, you might be having heart palpitations. A specialist can determine if you have an abnormal heart rhythm and explain treatment options. 

#4: You are or were once a smoker

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits a person can have. While quitting can dramatically reduce your chances of serious health problems, you could still have lasting damage from the habits of years past. 

Smoking weakens your blood vessels and your heart muscle. That can cause problems even years after you’ve quit for good. A preventive assessment with a cardiologist can help determine your risk level and give you tools to improve your heart health. 

#5 High blood pressure or high cholesterol

Both chronic health conditions directly affect your heart health. High cholesterol can lead to blockages within your arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow throughout your body to nourish organs and other tissues. 

High blood pressure can damage the delicate walls of your arteries. Hypertension is often a sign of clogged arteries, and your heart has to work harder than it should to keep oxygenated blood flowing. If you have either of these conditions, seeing a cardiologist can give you a heart health baseline from which you can improve. 

Don’t be fearful of heart health visits

Far too many people put off seeing a cardiologist because they worry the process is invasive or complex. In reality, today’s technology makes it easy to determine how well your heart is functioning and to predict your risk of future heart problems. 

A visit at Heart Care is nothing to feel anxious about. Our team focuses on your specific concerns and helps you get on a path to great heart health. We can determine the cause of any of the changes mentioned above and tell you exactly what you can do to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. 

Begin your journey today by calling our office to schedule a visit, or by taking a few moments to book online.