Keeping your heart healthy is important for your overall health, yet many people ignore early warning signs until a serious problem arises. A heart specialist can help diagnose and manage conditions before they become life-threatening.
But how do you know when it’s time to see one? Here are key warning signs that call for a visit to a heart specialist.
1. Persistent Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people seek a heart specialist Dubai. While not all chest pain indicates a heart problem, a tight, heavy, or squeezing sensation especially during physical activity – could signal angina or a blocked artery. If the pain is sudden and severe, it may be a heart attack, requiring immediate medical attention.
2. Shortness of Breath Without Explanation
Feeling breathless after climbing stairs or exercising is normal, but if you experience sudden shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity, it could indicate heart failure, arrhythmia, or a lung condition. A heart specialist can determine whether your symptoms are heart-related.
3. Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
Occasional skipped beats are usually harmless, but frequent racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) may need to be thoroughly checked by a specialist. If accompanied by dizziness or fainting, it could signal a serious condition like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or ventricular tachycardia.
4. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Unexplained swelling (edema) may suggest poor circulation or heart failure, where the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently. If swelling persists, especially with fatigue or difficulty breathing, consult a heart specialist.
5. Extreme Fatigue or Weakness
While fatigue can result from many factors, sudden tiredness – especially if it interferes with daily activities – may indicate heart disease, heart failure, or anemia. Women, in particular, often report fatigue before a heart attack.
6. Dizziness or Fainting Spells
Fainting (syncope) or feeling dizzy regularly could be due to low blood pressure, arrhythmia, or blocked arteries. If these episodes happen repeatedly, a cardiologist should investigate possible heart-related causes.
7. High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol
Even without symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure or cholesterol can silently damage arteries and increase heart attack or stroke risk. Regular check-ups with a heart specialist can help manage these conditions before complications arise.
8. Family History of Heart Disease
If close relatives have had early heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes, your risk increases. A heart specialist can assess your risk through tests and recommend preventive measures.
