A cardiologist is a doctor that specializes in heart health and heart disease. A cardiologist does this by preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), congestive heart failure (CHF), and heart rhythms including atrial fibrillation. They also monitor the results of surgeries done on the heart. The cardiologist may also refer to doctors that work with cardiac surgery. Although they play a major role in healthcare, many people do not know when to see a cardiologist in Bakersfield, CA, since most cardiological conditions do not show symptoms until they reach the advanced stages. This article highlights some of the common signs of visiting a cardiologist.
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1. Chronic Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common sign that you should see a cardiologist. If fatigue affects your daily activities, including work, you are likely suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS has various symptoms, including extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, sleeping problems, and fever. These symptoms can be relieved through medications and seeing a cardiologist to help with chronic fatigue treatment.
2. Dizziness or Loss of Balance
Loss of balance is another common sign that you should see a cardiologist. It can be caused by various medical conditions, including anemia, ear problems, inner ear infections (labyrinthitis), heart failure, and stroke. Other causes may include multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. Chest Pain
Chest pain is often a sign of heart attack in men and women. The severity of the pain may depend on the extent of damage to the heart or when its supply of blood is interrupted or stopped. This can happen due to blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart (coronary artery disease). Other causes of chest pain include angina, aortic aneurysm, and pneumonia.
4. Swelling of the Feet or Legs
Another sign that you should see a cardiologist is swelling on your feet or legs. This may be caused by various medical problems, including heart failure, kidney disease, and lupus. Swelling may also be due to blockage in your veins, preventing blood from flowing back to your heart (venous insufficiency). Treatment for swelling may include medicines and surgery to unblock blood vessels or connect veins.
5. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another sign that you should see a cardiologist. It can be due to numerous medical conditions, including asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Other problems that may cause shortness of breath include heart failure, pneumonia, and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Shortness of breath can also be due to some medicines.
6. Fainting or Blackouts
If you have ever experienced fainting or blackouts, you should see a cardiologist as soon as possible. This can be due to various medical conditions, including epilepsy, heat stress, and anxiety. Other causes may include heart attack, lung problems such as COPD, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
In summary, a cardiologist is the best doctor to see if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. The earlier they can diagnose and treat your problem, the better. This is because most heart conditions worsen as time goes by without proper treatment.
