With heart disease being the number one cause of death amongst men and women especially in the United States. It is important to prioritize your heart health and pick up early signs and symptoms of heart complications before they worsen. Whether you are experiencing heart problems or related symptoms, have a family history of heart issues or just prefer to be on the safe side you may be wondering is a Cardiologist necessary?
Heart disease comes in all shapes and sizes but it is important to pick up on early signs and symptoms that may suggest cardiovascular disease. There is no particular set of symptoms but some of the most common symptoms that raise suspicion for cardiovascular disease include:
Weakness or Dizziness: If there is less blood to your major organs and muscles this can makes you feel tired and weak, or if there is less blood to the brain this can cause dizziness or confusion.
Neck, Jaw, and Back Pain:
Pain in the neck, jaw, or back can be a clear signal of a heart condition. If there are no specific muscles or aches and you can’t pinpoint where this pain is coming from then this can be a warning sign. Another indication would be if you experience discomfort while exerting yourself and then stops when you quit, you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
Visual Disturbance: high blood pressure can cause damage to the retina’s blood vessels, limit the retina’s function, and put pressure on the optic nerve, causing vision problems.
Severe headache: People who have migraines are less active and need to rest when episodes strike, which could increase the risk of blood clots. One potential mechanism may involve the sudden constriction of blood vessels in the brain that is thought to lead to migraines; this may also make a person more vulnerable to stroke. When blood vessels suddenly constrict, it is more difficult for blood to flow, which could lead to a lack of blood in parts of the brain.
Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is due to heart or lung conditions. Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues and removing carbon dioxide, and problems with either of these processes affects your breathing.
Heart Racing: Heart palpitations can range from feeling like your heart is skipping a beat to having changes in heart rhythm that can feel like your heart is pounding or throbbing. Your heart and body rely on a consistent, steady beat to best move blood throughout your body. If the beat gets out of rhythm, this could be a sign you’re having a heart attack.
Black out spells: are caused by a temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. This most often occurs when blood pressure is too low or also called hypotension and the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to the brain. It can be benign or a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Follow up with your physician to determine if you need to see a cardiologist. New Orleans East Hospital takes same day appointments! Call 504-592-6760.
