Top Reasons Patients are Referred to Cardiologists

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: July 15, 2020

referral to a cardiologist heart specialist Tampa cardio

Should you be concerned if your primary doctor gives you a referral to a cardiologist?

It may seem like it but it is a pretty common practice. A referral to a heart specialist will include a physical exam, blood work to check sugar levels and cholesterol readings. You may also be asked to perform a stress test where your EKG levels are monitored.

Depending on the results, you’ll either be referred for further testing, or sent back to your primary care doctor if no underlying issues are found related to your heart.

There are four main reasons to refer patients to heart specialists:

  • They have multiple risk factors
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Other pre-existing DISEASES

Many patients who are referred to cardiologists are older people with a history of things like congestive heart failure, heart attacks, otherwise known as irregular heart rhythms.

Genetic HISTORY

You may go to the gym and eat as well as possible, but family history still counts and is a contributing factor to your overall health picture.

A cardiologist will likely ask about questions about things like shortness of breath getting more pronounced over time, unexplained dizziness following exercise, or tightness in your chest. They may do calcium scoring to assess calcium deposits on your coronary arteries. A stress test may also be called for.

Complications related to pregnancy

Having pregnancy-related complications such as diabetes or preeclampsia increases the risk of future cardiac complications. Women have a wide range of complicated symptoms that can often mimic other conditions. It’s a challenge to diagnose sometimes

When it comes to heart health here are the most basic rules to follow:

Eat well – a balanced meal of non-processed fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and limited healthy fats.

Get moving – 30 minutes of exercise per day minimum. Stretch, bend, move! Cardiovascular health is vital so get that heart rate up.

Snooze Away! – Sleep on a regular scheduled for 8 hours a night if possible.

Smoking? – Quit. There is no permissible level of inhaled smoke when it comes to your heart. All of it can do damage.

Have you received a referral to a cardiologist in the Tampa Bay Florida area? We would love to see you in our office. www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

 

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: 15/07/2020

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