Heart & Vascular Care
Treatment for the most complex, advanced heart, lung, and vascular disease problems.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. And Indiana has the 15th highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country. While the statistics are daunting, many cases of heart disease are preventable, and you can find support for heart health with a cardiologist.
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the heart and blood vessels. As the main pump of the body, the heart is responsible for delivering oxygen to all the vital organs. Cardiovascular disease describes disorders of the heart or blood vessels, such as heart attacks, arrhythmias (heart fluttering or palpitations) or heart failure.
When you experience concerning symptoms or have certain risk factors for heart disease, your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist. These symptoms may include:
You may be at risk for heart disease if you are diabetic, overweight, physically inactive or drink excessive alcohol. It’s also important to understand any history of heart disease in your family.
“The first step in assessing your cardiovascular health is learning your family history. Ask your most immediate relatives about any heart attacks, heart failure or heart arrhythmias they’ve had, especially if their conditions began at an early age,” said Dr. Aaron Whipp, a cardiologist at IU Health. “Even if you discover a family history of heart disease, don’t be discouraged. Many of the more than 200 cardiac risk factors for developing heart disease can be modified.”
Common risk factors that can be modified include losing excess weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, controlling cholesterol and hypertension and reducing sugar intake.
A cardiologist will speak with you about your risk factors to learn more about your lifestyle and family history. They may recommend screening for certain heart problems so they can better understand what’s happening in your chest. These tests may include:
Given how common heart disease is, it’s natural that many of us will visit the cardiologist at some point in our lives. Although cardiovascular disease is more likely to occur in someone age 65 or older, heart problems can begin in your 20s.
Start by discussing your concerns with your primary care physician. These ongoing conversations will make it easier for you to manage your heart health until you need specialized care. Your primary care physician will typically offer front-line screenings, such as blood pressure and health checks, to help you identify any issues early and proceed with a cardiologist’s care if necessary.
If you experience serious or concerning symptoms, such as sharp chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, light headedness, arm weakness, slurred speech or facial drooping, call 911. These could be signs of more serious cardiac events, such as a heart attack or stroke. The American Heart Association’s Don’t Die of Doubt program offers helpful signs to recognize serious symptoms that require emergency care.
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