When Should I Have My Heart Checked – All Insurance Accepted

When Should I Have My Heart Checked – All Insurance Accepted

The question, when should I have my heart checked comes up a lot in cardiology. The reason behind this is that depending on who you talk to there seems to be multiple answers to go by. It is important not to get your heart checked unnecessarily. This article will go over some basic parameters to help you know if it’s time to see a cardiologist for further tests.

A Popular Myth

Since heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US, you will hear different statistics and facts about heart disease. The difficulty is, 9 times out of 10, you will be told to have your heart checked annually if you are over the age of 45.

This single misconception has led to a high percentage of unnecessary cardiac testing. Generally, there are only three reasons you should get a heart scan or undergo further testing with a cardiologist:

1.    You have already had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiac problem.

2.    You are showing symptoms of heart disease.

3.    Heart disease is in your family history.

These are the only parameters that qualify for more detailed cardiac testing.

On the Border of Risk

There are patients who are at borderline risk for developing heart disease. Believe it or not, this can be good news.

Why? It means that the condition might still be preventable, if not manageable. In many of these cases, a referral to cardiologists may not be needed. You can talk to your primary care doctor about making lifestyle and medication changes to lower and control your risk factors for developing heart disease.

If these factors are able to be controlled in time, it is possible to maintain good heart health without the involvement of a cardiologist.

The important thing is that now when someone asks you, when should I have my heart checked, you will be able to answer the question and pass along helpful information.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000.