Common symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations (feeling of the heart skipping beats or fluttering), dizziness or fainting, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, and fatigue. It’s important to consult a cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or severe.

To reduce your risk of heart disease, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular check-ups with your doctor and monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are also important.

Several tests can be used to diagnose heart conditions, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, blood tests, chest X-ray, and coronary angiography. Your cardiologist will recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history.

After a heart attack, it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes to prevent further heart problems. These changes include adopting a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, managing stress, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending cardiac rehabilitation programs. Regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist are also important.

You should see a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart disease, a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It’s also important to consult a cardiologist if you experience unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart-related symptoms. Early detection and treatment of heart issues can significantly improve outcomes.