Signs It’s Time to See a Cardiologist and What to Expect at First Visit

December 2022 - Cardiologists specialize in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, treat coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, valve disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, problems with blood vessels and elevated cholesterol.

Cardiologists Are Part of Your Care Team

Your primary care doctor takes care of your overall well-being, but if he or she finds a potential heart condition, you will be referred to a cardiologist, who works as an extension to the primary care team and focuses on cardiovascular issues. Cardiologists spend an extra three to six years of training focused specifically on cardiovascular disease and, therefore, can offer more experience when treating heart and vascular disorders.

BJC Medical Group cardiologist Michael Missler, MD, says the patients he sees with high blood pressure are generally in their 40s and 50s, while those who suffer heart attacks are typically in their 60s. “The important thing to remember,” he adds, “is that heart disease can happen at any age.”

Although there is not a certain age to consider seeing a cardiologist, conditions that increase your risk of heart disease include:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy weight
• Diet high in fat and salt
• Excessive alcohol
• Family history of heart disease

Risk Factors or Symptoms That Indicate It May Be Time to See a Cardiologist

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in your legs
• Light-headedness
• Passing out
• Fatigue easily with activity
• Abnormally fast or slow heart rate

What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Cardiologist

Addressing the concerns that many first-time patients have, Metro Heart Group cardiologist Aaron Tang, MD, says, "Many patients are nervous and that is normal. We take time to put patients at ease by answering their questions when assessing their heart health and disease risk. Knowing what a cardiologist will do during your first visit and preparing in advance can help you relax and get the most out of your upcoming appointment."

Questions to ask your cardiologist:

• What lifestyle changes do I need to make?
• Will this medication have certain side effects I should watch for?
• Why did you order that specific test? What does it do or look for?
• Can you explain my test results to me?
• Should I make any changes to my daily activities?
• What warning signs should I watch for that indicate my condition is worsening?
• How will my condition progress?

Cardiac Surgeons Expand Their Office Locations to St. Charles County

If patients need more advanced intervention, our cardiologists routinely partner with surgeons from Missouri Baptist Medical Center to evaluate and perform heart surgery. Known for its exceptional heart surgery program, our BJC partners at MoBap are continually recognized for patient care, exceptional outcomes and early adoption of innovative procedures and research. The new clinic is conveniently located at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and patients can schedule a consultation and surgery follow-up visit with surgeons so they can stay close to home.