Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day. It works tirelessly to keep you alive, and that is why taking care of your heart is essential for a long, healthy life. But how do you know when something is wrong and it's time to see a cardiologist?
The answer lies with your primary care provider.
The Role Of Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your first stop for general health concerns.
During your appointments, it’s important to share any personal and family medical history. For example, if you have a close family member who had a heart attack at an early age, your PCP can identify if you’re at high risk of heart disease.
Your PCP also utilizes your routine check-ups to keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight—all critical indicators of heart health.
If you do have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, your PCP will help you manage them to prevent any complications.
By partnering with your PCP and attending regular check-ups, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your heart and overall health.
The PCP-Cardiologist Collaboration
Heart health often requires collaboration between your PCP and a cardiologist. Their collaboration ensures you receive the best care possible.
Coordinated care approach
If you have a condition like high cholesterol, your PCP may start a care plan for you by managing risk factors. This may include lifestyle changes or basic medication management. If you need any advanced diagnostics or treatments, then your PCP will bring in the cardiologist.
Communication
When it comes to sharing information and updates with providers, you play a key role. If you notice anything new with your health, share with your cardiologist and PCP.
Regarding your health records, many practices, including University Health, use an electronic system to share your health records with other health care providers.
This makes it easier for both providers to see records in real time and discuss any recommendations that align with both your heart and general health.
Follow-up care after cardiologist visits
Once you’ve seen a cardiologist, your PCP will monitor your progress after cardiology treatments or interventions, such as medication changes, surgeries or procedures like stent placement. If your condition changes or new issues arise, your PCP ensures timely referrals back to the cardiologist.
When Your PCP Might Refer You To A Cardiologist
Your PCP might refer you to a cardiologist if:
- Routine tests show signs of heart issues.
- You’re experiencing ongoing chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
- A close relative had heart disease at an early age.
- You have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that are hard to control.
Signs You May Need To See A Cardiologist
There are signs and symptoms you might be able to spot, letting you know you should see a cardiologist.
Consider seeing a cardiologist if you notice:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath, especially during activities
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in legs
- Dizziness or fainting
“Red flag” symptoms
Dr. Kit Powers, a cardiologist with University Health, says there are “red flag” symptoms you want to keep an eye on. Those symptoms include:
- Inability to catch your breath, even when you are resting
- Fainting and staying unconscious for a long period of time or getting injured when you faint
- Ongoing heart palpitations or feeling like your heart beat is out of rhythm
- Persistent or escalating chest pain, especially if you feel sick, sweaty or short of breath.
If you experience any of these “red flags,” call 911.
What To Expect At Your Cardiology Appointment
An appointment with a cardiologist is similar to your primary care visit.
The cardiologist will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam and order tests to see how your heart is doing. The tests you might experience can be a stress test, blood test or an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Once your lab results are in, your cardiologist will walk you through a treatment plan. It may include prescribed medication or lifestyle changes.
Insurance Considerations
Heart health care often involves multiple appointments, tests and sometimes specialist referrals. This is why it’s important to check your insurance policy.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth process.
- Understanding what your insurance covers.
- Receiving a referral from your PCP if needed
- Confirm your provider is in-network with your insurance company
- Know the costs you’ll need to pay before scheduling an appointment, including co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
It’s also good practice to save copies of your referrals, bills and explanations of benefits in case there’s a billing issue.
Financial assistance
If costs are a concern, ask your provider’s office about financial assistance programs or payment plans. At University Health, we offer CareLink to help our patients afford the health care they need.
Your Path To Better Heart Health
Being proactive in your health is key. Regular check-ups with your PCP and paying attention to any unusual symptoms can help catch heart issues early.
Remember, your heart is at the center of everything you do—take good care of it.
Heart care resources at University Health
At University Health, we are taking steps to address community needs within Bexar County. This is why we are excited to offer resources for patients and non-patients. Visit our Institute for Public Health to find heart health resources.
You can also learn more about the heart care services we offer.
