A cardiologist diagnoses and treats diseases related to the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists perform tests and procedures like heart catheterizations, angioplasty or inserting a pacemaker. Cardiologists also review the medical history of patients and carry out physical examinations to determine their overall cardiovascular health.

While visiting with patients, cardiology doctors check their patient’s weight, heart, lungs, blood pressure and blood vessels to ensure that everything is working properly. Cardiologists compile years of training in various aspects of healthcare because they’re also trained in internal medicine. To become a cardiologist in the United States, it is necessary to complete four years of medical school, three years of training in internal medicine, and at least three years specializing in cardiology.

Your cardiologist will work in tandem with your primary care physician to determine if you’re at risk for heart disease, and they will put together a heart care plan that’s right for you.

Heart disease is often referred to as a silent killer. It can emerge with no preemptive symptoms prior to the heart attack or stroke occurring. This is why it’s important to see a cardiologist in order to determine your risk factors and pursue preventative measures to avoid cardiovascular issues. Below are seven of the most common reasons for scheduling an appointment with your local cardiologist. 

You should see a cardiologist if: 

• You are experiencing chest pain 
• You have high blood pressure 
• You have a high cholesterol level
• You have gum disease 
• You have diabetes 
• You are a smoker
• You have a family history of heart disease

If one or more of these risk factors for heart disease apply to you, you should see a cardiologist about your heart health. Your cardiologist can pinpoint the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, diagnose whether you have a heart condition, and find a way to treat heart and blood vessels.

Cardiologists provide non-invasive cardiac care services that focus on screening and prevention. Other services include invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology that involves more advanced procedures like balloon angioplasty, stent placement or cardiac catheterization and angiogram, along with electrophysiology to track your heart rhythms, or something as simple as a chest X-ray.

Cardiologists also provide nuclear cardiology services that help diagnose heart disease in a non-invasive way. A coronary calcium score or a chemical stress test can provide critical information about your heart. You can even find out about your risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years.

The best way to find a cardiologist is to start with your primary care doctor’s recommendations. It’s also important to look for a cardiologist who is board-certified and local so that it’s easy for you to visit. You will want to check with your insurance carrier to make sure the cardiologist is covered by your insurance.