Should you see a cardiologist?
Many people find themselves in a conundrum after making significant improvements in their diet, exercise, and sleep/stress management but STILL can’t get their blood pressure or cholesterol numbers to move downwards. An email titled “test results” fills some of us with dread, even if you’re living a healthy, active life.
Since heart disease is THE number one killer, talking to your doctor about your concerns is worth it! I was embarrassed about my borderline “bad” numbers. Due to my family history, my doctor ordered a lipid panel annually (usually it’s every 3+ years). After a strange feeling in my chest, he referred me to a cardiologist.
My cardiologist was amazing! Even though my risk was low (2.5 out of 10 on a risk factor scale), she ordered a few tests from the list below. Cardiac tests measure the health of your heart in different ways to determine risk and best next steps.
Coronary calcium scan uses a CT scan to view calcium in the coronary arteries. Plaque and inflammation can attract calcium. The higher the amount of calcium found, the higher the risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to see the heart, the valves and how well blood is moving through the chambers, as well as any major blockages.
Nuclear stress test uses an injection in the blood to trace the flow of blood to the heart while hooked up to an EKG to compare results under stress (exercising) and under no stress. This shows if the blood flow is equal or adequate. If the areas are not getting enough blood flow, it could indicate a blockage.
Apolipoprotein B-100 (or ApoB) takes a deeper dive than a lipid panel. ApoB molecules carry lipids like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). By measuring ApoB molecules, you also measure the “bad” lipoproteins.
Lipoprotein A (or LPa) is usually a marker of genetic cardiac risk. High levels can cause plaque buildup, narrowing arteries and reduced blood flow which increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP ) If CRP is high it indicates inflammation. High sensitivity CRP helps doctors determine if inflammation is high in coronary arteries and indicates a risk of heart attack or stroke.
If you’ve had symptoms that are concerning or want to learn your risk factors for heart disease, talk to your doctor. It’s not as confusing as I once thought and it might ease your mind!
Resources:
Know the signs of a heart attack and how they differ between men and women
For heart healthy recipes and tips for a healthy heart check out the American Heart Association
Author: Shannon Svikhart, RDN