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5 reasons to see a cardiologist

High cholesterol? Family history of heart disease? It might be time to consider a specialist.

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Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. In fact, one out of four Americans die from heart disease and about half of us have one or more of the top three heart disease risk factors: high blood pressure, high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and a history of smoking.

Your primary care physician (PCP) looks out for your overall health and canShow More

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You have symptoms that might indicate a heart problem

Heart palpitations, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness or even blacking out may signal a cardiovascular issue, says Roger Shammas, MD, a cardiologist at Mercy Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For example, angina causes chest discomfort or pain because blood flow to the heart isShow More

Man experiencing chest pain
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You’ve experienced a heart event

People who’ve had a heart attack are at greater risk of having another heart attack. If you’ve already had one, have developed heart failure or have a different heart problem, you’ll need the expertise of a cardiologist who can treat you and help you prevent further problems. The American CollegeShow More

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You have hard-to-manage risk factors

Most PCPs can help you manage heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, says Dr. Shammas. However, if you have diabetes or difficult-to-control blood pressure or cholesterol—or a combination of risk factors—your physician may ask a cardiologist or endocrinologist to step in.

For example,Show More

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You have a family history of heart disease

If someone in your family had heart disease, you could be at an increased risk. In fact, a 2014 study published in Conditioning Medicine found that among the 2,302 participants, those whose father had heart disease were 75 percent more likely to have heart disease themselves; people whose motherShow More

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You’re starting a new exercise program

If you’re over 40 and starting an exercise program for the first time, good for you. Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart.

However, it’s a good idea to talk to your PCP before you begin. Depending on your medical history and risk factors for heart disease,Show More

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How to prevent heart disease

You can lower your risk for heart disease by eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. It’s also important to track key indicators of heart health. The American Heart Association recommends adults try to keep the following numbersShow More

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