February is heart month.  Heart experts at Prairie Heart Institute share five reasons you may want to see a cardiologist. The biggest reason to see a cardiologist is if your primary care physician or provider asks you to.  As your doctors know your health history, lifestyle, and current health concerns, this may warrant an appointment.

Always check for your symptoms of heart disease. Some symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion or heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath, a fluttering feeling in the chest, or swelling of the feet, and ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins. 

You should see a cardiologist if you have a family history of heart disease.  Be aware of the symptoms of heart disease if it runs in the family.  This is something that can impact anyone so cardiologists urge you to pay attention to symptoms. 

Also check if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, as both issues are often treated by cardiologists and can put you at risk of heart disease.  This can be treated by your primary care physician or a cardiologist.

Finally, always see a cardiologist if you have risk factors for heart disease. Family history, type one and type two diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a history of smoking, or having congenital heart disease as a child can put you at higher risk for heart disease. If you have any of these risk factors, consider a check-up with a cardiologist or a primary care provider.  

To learn more about the doctors of Prairie, call 888-4PRAIRIE or visit www.prairieheart.org.