Also known as cardiologists, heart specialists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and conditions related to the heart and cardiovascular system. They’re extensively knowledgeable in the field of cardiology.
To evaluate your heart health, your heart specialist in Singapore can recommend or help with various tests and procedures like the electrocardiogram (ECGs), echocardiogram, or stress tests. They can also interpret your test results, diagnose heart conditions, and develop a tailored treatment plan based on your individual needs.
How do you know if you need to see a Heart Doctor?
Recognizing the signs that may indicate a need to see a heart doctor isn’t really difficult as it may sound. And it is crucial for timely intervention and preserving heart health. Below are seven signs that should prompt you to consider seeking medical attention from heart specialist your heart specialist in Singapore:
- Chest Discomfort: Persistent chest pain, tightness, or pressure may indicate a heart problem. This pain may range from just a dull ache to a sharp, and discomforting stabbing sensation. The pain may radiate to the arms (typically the left arm), jaw, neck, shoulders, or back. This discomfort may be triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. It may subside with rest.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity or rest, can be a sign of heart issues. Shortness of breath may be brought about by the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively. It may also be caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Irregular Heartbeat: Sensations of rapid, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats are known as palpitations and may be indicative of an arrhythmia. You may feel as if your heart skipping beats or beating too fast or too slowly. Occasional palpitations are usually harmless, but persistent or recurrent palpitations shouldn’t be overlooked. If you experience them, be sure to get evaluated by a cardiologist.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, exhaustion, or a decline in stamina, particularly without a clear cause, should raise concerns. Your heart could be struggling to pump blood effectively due to cardiovascular issues, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the body’s tissues and fatigue.
- Swelling: Fluid retention can cause swelling in different parts of the body. The parts that are commonly affected include the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen. This swelling is known as edema, and may indicate heart failure. The accumulation of fluid occurs because the heart cannot keep up with the body’s fluid balance.
- Chronic Cough: A persistent cough, especially accompanied by pink-tinged or blood-tinged mucus also shouldn’t be overlooked. It may signify heart-related fluid accumulation in the lungs. This cough may worsen when lying down and can be associated with shortness of breath. It is important to differentiate this cough from other respiratory conditions, such as a common cold or respiratory infection.
- Risk Factors: Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. These include a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is important to regularly visit a cardiologist for check-ups and preventive care.
How can Doctors Tell if your Heart is Failing?
Determining whether your heart is failing requires a comprehensive evaluation by your health specialist in Singapore. They may need to use several diagnostic tests and assessments to evaluate your heart function and determine if heart failure is present.
This evaluation usually begins with a thorough medical history review. You will also need to undergo a physical examination where your heart specialist in Singapore may take your pulse, listen to your lungs for any abnormal or crackling sounds, or assess your breathing.
Your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. During the physical examination, they will also assess your overall cardiovascular health. To further evaluate the heart’s structure and function, your doctor may recommend additional tests, including:
- Echocardiogram: This is a non-invasive test that involves the use of sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It gives detailed information about the heart’s size, shape, pumping strength (ejection fraction), and the function of its valves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. It can help your heart specialist to identify abnormal heart rhythms, signs of previous heart attacks, and any stress on the heart.
- Stress Test: This evaluates how the heart performs during physical exertion. Your heart specialist in Singapore may ask you to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while they monitor you for any changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG.
- Cardiac Catheterization: In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is injected, allowing visualization of the coronary arteries and measuring pressures within the heart chambers.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure specific markers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), which can be elevated in heart failure. Other tests evaluate kidney and liver function, cholesterol levels, and the presence of certain enzymes related to heart damage.
- Chest X-ray: This can reveal enlargement of the heart, fluid accumulation in the lungs, or other abnormalities.
These diagnostic tests give your heart doctor a clearer picture of any underlying cause, severity, and progression of heart failure. They can also assist in developing an individualized treatment plan for managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving the quality of life.
Closing Thoughts
Prompt medical attention is crucial if you think that you may need to see a heart specialist after experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, swelling, or other signs mentioned earlier. Timely diagnosis and intervention are vital, as heart failure is a progressive condition, and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Remember, only a qualified heart specialist can accurately evaluate your heart function and provide appropriate guidance based on your specific situation.
Do you need to see a heart specialist in Singapore but are unsure where to find one? We’re just a message or call away! Contact us now to schedule your appointment!
Cadence Heart Centre (Dr Devinder Singh) | Heart Screening, Heart Check Up
3 Mount Elizabeth,
Medical Centre, 14-13,
Singapore 228510
