Your primary care doctor is able to handle most health issues which can affect you or anyone in your family. However, there are some conditions that require specialized care.
For example, if your primary doctor suspects a heart problem, they may refer you to a heart specialist clinic in Singapore. But is this step always necessary? And what exactly happens at the heart specialist clinic?
We will be answering those questions and related ones on this page but first, some clarification. Heart specialist clinics focus on diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions.
As you’d expect, these clinics are staffed by heart doctors professionally known as cardiologists. Some clinics also have cardiac surgeons, nurses, and technicians who work as a team to provide advanced care that goes beyond what a GP can offer. That’s why a referral to a heart clinic in Singapore when necessitated by the condition you’re dealing with shouldn’t be ignored.
What Are the Signs That You Need to See a Cardiologist?
It is not always easy to tell when you should see a specialist doctor. This is why many people wonder; what are the signs you need to see a cardiologist? If you’ve experienced worrisome changes and unsure whether a heart specialist clinic in Singapore is the right place to visit, here are seven key indicators to keep an eye on:
- You Experience Chest Pain: Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of heart problems. It could indicate angina, which occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Sharp, burning, or tight sensations in your chest should never be ignored. A timely consultation with a cardiologist will help you tell for sure what caused the symptoms and how to prevent complications.
- You Have High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure remains consistently high despite lifestyle changes, it could be time to schedule a visit to a heart specialist clinic in Singapore. They can recommend treatments to control it effectively.
- You Have Shortness of Breath, Palpitations, or Dizziness: These symptoms may signal an underlying heart condition. Shortness of breath, for example could indicate heart failure or a valve problem. Palpitations—when your heart races or skips beats—might be due to arrhythmias. Dizziness or fainting spells can result from poor blood flow to the brain. A cardiologist can investigate these symptoms and provide appropriate care.
- You Have a Family History of Heart Disease: Genetics play a very important role in heart health. If close family members have experienced heart disease, your risk is actually higher. The doctors in your heart specialist clinic in Singapore can assess your risk factors and recommend preventive measures. Detecting heart issues early can reduce the likelihood of developing serious conditions.
- You’re Inactive and Planning to Start an Exercise Routine: Have you been inactive and planning to start an exercise program? Please, visit a heart specialist clinic first. Here’s why; starting an exercise program is great for your heart. However, if you’ve been inactive or have pre-existing conditions, it’s wise to consult a cardiologist first. They can evaluate your heart health and guide you on safe ways to increase physical activity.
- You’ve Been Diagnosed with Diabetes: You may have been informed about this when your doctor was revealing their diagnostic results for you but it is still worth a mention. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular issues. If you have diabetes, regular visits to a cardiologist can help manage your heart health alongside your condition.
- You’re Experiencing Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, or Feet: Swelling in the lower limbs may indicate fluid retention. In case you didn’t know, this is one of the tell-tale signs of heart failure. It occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. A cardiologist can determine whether your swelling is heart-related and provide treatment.
What to Happens at the Heart Clinic?
Now that you understand the specific situations that may warrant a referral to a heart specialist clinic in Singapore you must be itching to ask; what happens at the heart clinic? Here’s a quick summary that will answer that question;
To begin with, accredited heart specialist clinics are equipped with advanced tools and facilities to diagnose and treat heart conditions. When you visit a clinic, you can expect a comprehensive approach to your care.
The first step often involves diagnostic tests. These tests are performed to gain a deeper understanding of your heart health.
Common tests include ECGs, echocardiograms, and blood tests. Some clinics also offer advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs to assess heart structure and function.
In addition to diagnostic tests, heart clinics provide specialized treatments. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol for example, the clinic may offer medication management.
For patients with arrhythmias, procedures like cardiac ablation or pacemaker implantation might be recommended. Good heart clinics also provide care for chronic conditions like heart failure, and offer tailored therapies to improve quality of life.
Heart clinics emphasize preventive care as well. They may conduct risk assessments for patients with a family history of heart disease.
These assessments help identify potential issues early. Clinics also provide education to patients on lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors. This could include advice on diet, exercise, and stress management.
Patients visiting heart clinics benefit from a team-based approach. Cardiologists work alongside nurses, technicians, and other specialists to provide holistic care. This collaboration ensures that every aspect of your heart health is addressed.
Wrapping Up
Heart specialist clinics in Singapore help in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart conditions. If you experience symptoms like chest pain or have risk factors, plan to visit a heart specialist clinic as soon as possible.
These clinics offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care So, you can trust them for the best outcomes. If you’ve been referred to a heart specialist clinic, rest assured that you’re in capable hands. Book an appointment with a top heart specialist clinic in Singapore below;
Cadence Heart Centre (Dr Devinder Singh) | Heart Screening, Heart Check Up | Heart Arrhythmia
3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre, 14-13, Singapore 228510
Phone: +65 6369 8789