A Mayo Clinic doctor has provided valuable insights on when an individual should consult a cardiologist, highlighting the various symptoms and treatment options for heart disease.
Vinayak Nagaraja, MBBS at Mayo Clinic, underscores the importance of vigilance in cardiovascular health. "Heart Month is a great time of year to remind people that not all symptoms are created equal when it comes to our cardiovascular health," he states. Further emphasizing the significance of proactive healthcare, he adds, "If you have any concerns about symptoms you may be experiencing, it's always a good idea to meet with your primary care provider to determine if you should be referred to a cardiologist."
As people age, understanding the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular conditions becomes increasingly critical. According to Nagaraja, who is also an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Health System: "It may seem daunting to think about being diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition that requires surgical intervention, but discovering and treating the issue early can save your life."
The Mayo Clinic news release suggests that while some level of discomfort can be normal with ageing, certain symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention. These include high blood pressure, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pains or ulcers caused by blood vessel diseases. In such cases, consulting a cardiologist can prove instrumental in devising an effective treatment plan for any cardiovascular condition.
For less severe heart conditions, lifestyle modifications are often recommended by cardiologists. The Mayo Clinic news release outlines these changes as including regular exercise—preferably thirty minutes most days—avoiding red meat consumption, adhering to a Mediterranean diet and maintaining a low-fat and low-sodium diet. Additionally, mindfulness and meditation practices can benefit many conditions.
In cases of more serious cardiovascular conditions requiring surgical intervention, patients are usually referred to a cardiovascular surgeon and subsequently monitored by their cardiologist post-surgery. The Mayo Clinic news release emphasizes that with adequate education and awareness of heart disease symptoms, patients can often avoid major surgical procedures and enhance their quality of life.
