1. Doctor Recommendation: If your family doctor recommends you see a cardiologist, do it. Don’t put it off.
2. Heart Pain: This is pretty much a given. If you have any doubts about whether or not you are experiencing a symptom, however, get checked out.
3. Family History: If anyone in your family has or has had heart problems, you should be aware of heart disease symptoms and consider talking to a cardiologist about them.
4. High Cholesterol: Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. The higher your total cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease (a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher).
5. High Blood Pressure: You have high blood pressure or a high systolic number. The systolic number on your blood pressure reading is the first number. For example, if your reading is 120/80 (120 over 80), your systolic blood pressure is 120.
6. You are (or were) a Smoker: Smoking is a huge risk factor for heart disease. It lowers the flow of oxygen to the heart and increases blood pressure, heart rate, and blood clotting, and damages the cells lining the arteries.
7. Diabetic: Unfortunately, diabetes can contribute to heart disease. If you experience symptoms of heart problems and are diabetic, you should see a cardiologist.
8. Difficult Pregnancy, Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is often a hidden risk factor for heart disease. The two times a woman is most likely to develop heart disease is during pregnancy and post-menopause.
9. Starting a New Exercise Program: You are over the age of 40 and starting a new exercise program. You may already be working with a doctor on being more active, but a cardiologist can check your heart health and recommend exercises that would be good for your heart.
10. Gum Disease: Believe it or not, gum disease can happen when the body is inflamed. Patients with swollen gums often have heart disease.
