Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in St. Thomas and St. Croix is here to help you manage your health and wellness. Read about heart health and call your doctor if you're concerned about your heart.
Our hearts are always working hard to pump blood and supply our bodies with oxygen and nutrients. A healthy heart vital, and a cardiologist can be an important lifeline if you have a heart condition or have had a heart attack. A cardiologist specializes in treating the vascular system and has had at least three years of specialized training in cardiology. If there is a history of heart problems in your family or you are having symptoms of a heart problem you should see a cardiologist. The following symptoms can be signs of a heart problem:
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in heart rate or rhythm
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
If you are having any of these symptoms, it's important to see a cardiologist. Even if you are not having symptoms, you may want to see a cardiologist if you have been a heavy smoker, if you have diabetes, or if your family has a history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
At the first visit with a cardiologist you will discuss your medical and family history, so come to the appointment with as much information as you can. You'll also have a physical exam, and depending on the reason for your appointment, your cardiologist can order and analyze different tests to diagnose you. These could include blood tests, urine analysis, a stress test, and an echocardiogram or angiogram (different ways of looking at your heart).
A heart specialist can help manage heart conditions and advise you on how to prevent heart disease. The professionals at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine want you to have a healthy heart! Contact us in St. Thomas at (340) 714-2845, and in St. Croix at (340) 692-5000.