If you or someone you know is experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, you may be thinking about seeing a cardiologist. Seeing a cardiologist privately is usually quicker than waiting for an appointment on the NHS. Getting this advice, guidance and access to tests in a timely fashion can be very important if you think you have symptoms of heart disease
Once you have booked to see a cardiologist privately, it is important to plan the questions you might want to ask. In this article we outline some common questions. If you don’t remember to ask everything, don’t worry, your cardiologist will prompt you with relevant questions about your symptoms.
What’s a private cardiologist?
Private cardiologists specialise in finding, preventing, and treating issues in the cardiovascular system. In other words, they take care of your heart health. If you’re looking for a private cardiologist near Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside or Manchester, Venturi Cardiology is well located in the heart of the North West.
Planning your visit
Once you have booked an appointment, it’s good to prepare by planning what questions you might ask. Depending on your situation, these can give you essential answers and help your doctor understand what you need from the consultation.
Rest assured, as you relay your symptoms, the consultant will ask relevant questions to understand the best next steps for you and your heart health.
1. How does family history affect heart health?
Some heart diseases can be inherited, including congenital heart diseases, high blood cholesterol and cardiomyopathy. The cardiologist will get a good understanding of your family history. However, it is always worth mentioning if any of your family members, particularly immediate family, have suffered with heart disease or symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
2. Is my blood pressure normal?
High blood pressure can lead to a range of symptoms, including severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing and an irregular heartbeat. If you notice anything that worries you, your blood pressure is one of the first things to check with a cardiologist.
3. How does my cholesterol level affect my health?
Cholesterol affects your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol levels can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels, which can make it harder for blood to throw through your arteries. In addition, cholesterol can be affected by your diet, exercising habits and age, so be sure to ask your cardiologist about your cholesterol levels.
4. Does my age, gender, or weight affect the heart symptoms I am having?
The risk of heart diseases rises with age and often also goes hand in hand with obesity. So there’s a chance your symptoms are a natural result of ageing. Your doctor will advise you on how best to improve your heart health – despite factors that are out of your control.
5. Are my symptoms indicative of a heart attack?
Always give your cardiologist as accurate a description of your symptoms as possible. Your consultant will tell you if your symptoms indicate the risk of a heart attack.
6. Are my eating habits causing heart symptoms?
Diet can have a significant effect on your heart’s health. Relaying your dietary habits to your consultant can help determine if your eating habits have a hand in the symptoms you are suffering. If they are, the cardiologist will propose a healthier diet plan.
7. How are my exercise habits affecting my heart?
Regular exercise can positively affect your heart health, making it easier for muscles to pull oxygen out of the blood and reduce stress hormones. On the other hand, too little exercise, or alternatively too vigorous exercise, can impact your health. If you are unsure that you are doing the right amount or type of exercise, it is worth checking with the cardiologist.
8. What are the treatment options for my heart symptoms?
Once you’ve had a consultation, further tests may be required. Your doctor may also propose treatment options and help you plan out how to take the best care of your heart’s health going forward.
Armed with your questions, you should now be ready to book a consultation with one of our cardiologists
Book an appointment today to see one of our professional and friendly consultants. Venturi Cardiology is committed to providing you with all the answers to your questions, giving you the peace of mind, you need or supporting you with a treatment or lifestyle plan to get you back to full heart health.
