Chances are that, at some point in your life, you have thought about your cardiovascular health. With statistics showing that cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease, are a leading cause of death in the US, visiting a cardiologist is a thought that has undoubtedly crossed your mind. Cardiologists, such as Dr. Rishin Shah in Plano, are medical practitioners that specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart. Below are some of the circumstances under which visiting a cardiologist is essential.
You Have High Blood Pressure
If you are above 20 years old, it is imperative for you to undergo regular blood pressure checks. If your blood pressure is higher than normal or it is normal but showing signs of an uptrend, it is wise for you to get it under control. This is because high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors of both stroke and heart disease. A cardiologist can go a long way in helping you to manage your blood pressure and prevent any significant cardiac event.
Family History of Heart Disease
Heart disease is believed to have strong hereditary components. Therefore, to keep yourself safe, it is wise for you to do some digging and find out if there is a history of heart problems in your family. If there are members of your family who have suffered from cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, it is imperative for you to get regular checks by a cardiologist.
History of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia has to do with high blood pressure in the postpartum period or during pregnancy. Studies show that women who have had preeclampsia are at higher risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is wise for them to get regular checks by a reliable cardiologist.
High Cholesterol Levels
Higher than normal cholesterol levels is quite a significant risk factor of heart disease. Unfortunately, cholesterol does not come with any symptoms, and therefore, it can be difficult to manage. With the help of a cardiologist, it is much easier for you to keep your cholesterol levels under control and save yourself from a significant cardiac event.
You Have Been Smoking
Smoking is known to raise the risk of heart disease. In other words, it is a major risk factor. Therefore if you smoke or you used to smoke, it is crucial for you to get regular checks by a cardiologist so that any cardiac issues that may develop due to smoking can be tackled in their earliest stages.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that cardiac issues constitute a significant cause of death in the United States. Therefore, the services of cardiologists are incredibly essential. If you are looking for a reliable cardiologist, Dr. Shah, is your best bet. Rishin Shah is a highly trained cardiologist with over ten years of experience. From his practice, Prime Heart and Vascular, he diagnoses and treats a number of cardiovascular issues, including varicose veins, chest pain, heart attack, and heart disease, among others. Feel free to contact the facility for more information about the doctor and your cardiovascular health in general.