Don't take your health for granted
- Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease symptoms:
- Sudden onset of chest pains, especially at rest
- Sudden onset of shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Make an appointment to see your cardiologist if you:
- Have any signs or symptoms suggestive of heart disease.
- Have concerns regarding your heart health.
- Have risk factors for heart disease including:
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
- Are overweight or obese. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors.
- Are physically inactive. The lack of exercise is associated with many forms of heart disease and some of its other risk factors, as well.
- Are making poor diet choices. A diet that’s high in trans-fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol can contribute to the development of premature heart disease.
- Are undergoing excessive chronic stress. Unrelieved stress may damage your arteries and worsen other risk factors for heart disease.
- Are on certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy for cancer. Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapies may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- During the cardiology review, you may be asked to:
- Undergo an evaluation for heart disease and its risk factors
- Map out your management plan with your cardiologist.
- If there is no heart disease, you can still talk to your cardiologist about steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk as you grow older.
- Heart disease is likely to be easier to treat when detected early.