Cardiovascular Health

If the doctor is checking you for heart disease, there are a number of possibilities for your treatment. During your consultation, they will ask you about your symptoms, family history, & any other relevant information related to your heart health. They may suggest that you have blood tests & an ECG (electrocardiogram), which can all be done in-house during your appointment. You may require a prescription for medication. For more intensive investigations, you may require a referral to a cardiologist. Prescriptions & referrals are included in the cost of your GP consultation.

Symptoms

In its earliest stages, there may be no symptoms alerting you to a heart condition. The best time to ask your doctor to check you for coronary disease is when you have no symptoms. This can help you to understand your risk of developing heart disease and, if necessary, take preventative measures. Men over the age of 40 are recommended to have regular cardiovascular health check-ups with their doctor.

Some of the most common symptoms of heart disease, which is important to be aware of, including the following:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest.
• Chest pain may or may not be accompanied by chest tightness, burning, or a feeling of pressure or heaviness on the chest. These symptoms can be caused by a blocked or narrowing artery. It may also indicate a heart attack.
• Digestive symptoms, such as nausea, heartburn, stomach ache, or indigestion.
• Although these symptoms are related to the digestive system, they can be a symptom of a heart attack.
• Pain that moves.
• If your chest pain radiates down your arm, or down the side of your body, this can indicate a heart condition. The pain may also move up into the jaw or throat.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• You might notice these symptoms if you missed a meal, or if you stood up quickly, but they can also indicate an underlying issue with your heart.
• Fatigue
• Feeling unusually tired, such as doing an activity that you normally have no trouble with. You may notice that you are easily out of breath or shortness of breath.
• Swollen feet, ankles or legs can indicate a problem with your circulation.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• This includes the heart skipping beats, a feeling of pounding or fluttering in your heart, or a slow heartbeat.
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Circulatory issues can cause a decrease in blood flow to the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Experiencing any of these symptoms means you should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Chest pain, however, as well as radiating chest pain, should be treated as a medical emergency