How Often Should I See a Cardiologist?

But how often should patients see a cardiologist? Well, that depends. We’ll try to answer this question by age groups. To be clear: age is only one factor. If you’d rather consult with a licensed heart doctor directly, then call Cardiovascular Specialists of York to schedule a convenient appointment today.

Young Adults (20-39 Years)

For young adults without any known risk factors or family history of heart disease, visiting a cardiologist is typically not necessary on a routine basis. However, it’s beneficial to establish a baseline heart health check-up in your early 20s.

For young adults with risk factors or symptoms, seeing a cardiologist every 2-5 years can be advisable. Here are some things to consider:

• Family history of heart disease.
• Unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting spells.
• High levels of stress, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Middle-Aged Adults (40-59 Years)

As people enter their 40s, the risk of heart disease begins to increase. Even in the absence of symptoms, a baseline cardiology consultation is recommended. For middle-aged adults, especially those with risk factors or a family history of heart disease, seeing a cardiologist every 1-2 years is advisable.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking are significant risk factors at this age that require regular monitoring. Regular screenings of heart health are crucial. Persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Seniors (60-79 Years)

Heart disease risk escalates significantly with age, making regular cardiology visits essential for seniors. Seniors should see a cardiologist at least annually, or more frequently if they have existing heart conditions or significant risk factors.

Routine tests such as ECGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests become more relevant. Those on medications for heart disease need periodic evaluations to adjust dosages and monitor side effects.

What to Expect When Seeing Cardiologist

A visit to a cardiologist typically begins with a detailed discussion of medical history, including any symptoms, lifestyle habits, family history of heart disease, and current medications. The cardiologist will conduct a physical examination, which may include checking blood pressure, heart rate, and listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. They may also assess other factors such as weight, body mass index (BMI), and signs of swelling in the legs or feet.

Diagnostic tests are often a key part of the visit. Common tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), and blood tests to check cholesterol levels and other markers of heart health.

Depending on the patient's condition, the cardiologist might order stress tests to evaluate how the heart performs under physical exertion, or advanced imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI.

Speak with a Member of Our Team

If you still have questions or concerns, you are always welcomed to call or message Cardiovascular Specialists of York. We look forward to helping you live a more vigorous and dynamic life.