When to See an Interventional Cardiologist: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of health problems in the United States and the symptoms of cardiovascular disease can frequently go unnoticed. While it’s natural to experience occasional aches, pains, or bouts of fatigue, certain symptoms should never be ignored. 

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

If you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they are persistent or severe, it may be time to consult with your primary care provider or a cardiologist, who can then determine if a referral to an interventional cardiologist is necessary.

• Chest Pain (Angina): This is one of the most common and critical indicators of potential heart problems. Chest pain, also known as angina, can feel like heaviness, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. While many conditions can cause chest pain, severe or persistent chest pain, particularly if it occurs with physical activity or at rest, can indicate coronary artery disease (CAD), where arteries are blocked, limiting blood flow to the heart. If chest pain spreads to your arms, jaw, neck, or back, it could be a sign of a heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain lasts more than a few minutes and is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating.
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless, especially during activities that previously didn't cause it, can be a significant warning sign. This might indicate heart valve issues, heart failure, or narrowed coronary arteries. When the heart can't pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: While occasional dizziness can be harmless, prolonged or unexplained dizziness, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, could signal that your brain isn't receiving enough blood. This symptom can be linked to heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, or even an impending heart attack.
• Unexplained Fatigue or Weakness: Feeling constantly tired without an apparent reason, or experiencing extreme fatigue that impacts your daily routine, can be a symptom of various heart conditions, including an irregular heartbeat or even impending heart failure. If fatigue increases with physical activity, it could be a sign of heart failure.

Additional Concerns for an Interventional Cardiologist

Beyond these primary symptoms, there are other signs and conditions that may lead to a referral to an interventional cardiologist:

• Heart Palpitations: A sensation of a fast, strong, or irregular heartbeat.
• Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet: This can be a sign of congestive heart failure, where fluid builds up due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively.
• Changes in EKG Testing: Abnormalities in an electrocardiogram can indicate a blockage in the coronary artery.
• Diagnosed Heart Conditions: If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or congenital heart defects, an interventional cardiologist may be needed for specialized treatment.
• High Blood Pressure: Consistently high blood pressure, especially if uncontrolled, increases your risk of heart disease and may warrant further investigation by a cardiologist.

What To Do if You Have Symptoms

Typically, you would first see a general cardiologist if you experience symptoms of possible heart disease. After evaluating your medical history, performing a physical exam, and analyzing diagnostic tests such as an EKG, echocardiogram, or stress test, your general cardiologist may refer you to an interventional cardiologist if a more invasive approach is needed. This specialized care often involves procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or heart valve repair, performed using catheter-based techniques in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for managing heart conditions effectively. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, consult with your healthcare provider promptly to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

What Will a Visit With an Interventional Cardiologist Be Like?

A clinic visit with an interventional cardiologist involves a comprehensive evaluation of you as a person, including your current symptoms, past medical history, medications, lifestyle and family history. These in conjunction with a physical exam may lead to additional tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, stress test or CT scan. In some cases, this may lead to a cardiac catheterization, a procedure that would investigate for problems involving the heart and treat these conditions. 

What Does an Interventional Cardiologist Do?

An interventional cardiologist performs procedures that frequently involve small tubes called catheters to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, as the field of structural and interventional cardiology evolves, more advanced techniques of fixing problems that previously required surgery can now safely be treated in a less invasive approach. These specialized techniques often allows for procedures to be performed without the need for open-heart surgery, offering benefits like less pain and shorter recovery times. They address issues such as narrowed arteries, damaged blood vessels, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart defects.

If you have symptoms or additional questions, reach out to your provider to schedule an appointment.

Also, if you're wondering what your heart risk level is, take our comprehensive heart risk assessment today.