Critical Symptoms That Should Prompt You to See a Cardiologist

Posted on: 4 May 2018

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While setting an annual appointment with your GP is commonplace for most people, the average person will not typically think to visit a cardiologist at this same frequency. In fact, most people believe that they only need to visit a cardiologist if their doctor has expressly recommended it. And while most general practitioners will advise seeing this specialist when you have developed severe coronary problems, it is still advisable to know when you should seek out this type of doctor on your own accord. Catching the symptoms of cardiovascular disease early before they become progressively aggravated to threaten your health is critical in staving off a medical emergency. So here are some important symptoms that should prompt you to see a cardiologist.

Periodic chest pains

Most people are aware that chest pains are one of the signs of a possible heart attack. Nonetheless, individuals tend to assume that this only refers to sudden onset pains and end up overlooking other forms of chest pain. If you notice that you are experiencing periodic chest pains, it is best to be cautious and set up an appointment with your local cardiologist. A thorough physical examination will help in determining if your health is in critical condition or not.

A persistent cough

A surprising symptom associated with cardiac problems is the development of a cough that does not go away. Although coughs are usually related to respiratory issues, suffering from a persistent cough could be indicative of fluid accumulating in your lungs, which in turn could put you at risk of heart failure. In some cases, this cough could bring forth blood-streaked phlegm, and this is a sure-fire sign that there is a sombre underlying problem that needs medical attention. It is obligatory to schedule a visit to your local cardiologist at your earliest convenience to ensure that this fluid does not provoke a cardiac problem.

Unexplained shortness of breath

Although it is normal to experience shortness of breath when engaging in physically exertive activities, it should be cause for concern when you develop this symptom when being inactive. Shortness of breath may seem innocuous at the outset, but the reality is it is one of the leading symptoms of cardiomyopathy, which is a severe heart condition. Whenever you notice you are finding it harder to catch your breath, or if it is taking longer than average after being physically active, you should consider proactive measures by visiting your cardiologist.