Medically Reviewed by Alan M. Blaker, MD

Dr. Alan Blaker, Executive Medical Director of McLeod’s Heart and Vascular Institute, discusses signs and symptoms that can be clues of heart disease.

The most common issue with the heart that we call heart disease is probably related to blockages in the arteries of the heart. However, you can also have problems with the heart muscle, arrhythmias, or valve problems—all of which could be termed heart disease. But I would say most people think of heart disease as blockages in the arteries of the heart.

The evaluation for heart disease really depends on what the underlying problem is. When we just refer to heart disease in general, there are so many different parts of the heart that could be causing a problem. That’s when we go back to asking, what is the primary symptom? What does the EKG look like? Does someone need an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart? Would they benefit from a stress test or a heart cath? Do they need an evaluation of their heart valves or arrhythmias? So a lot of the decision about how to handle heart disease really depends on the underlying symptoms and how long they’ve been there.

If someone is developing new problems, whether it’s related to shortness of breath, leg swelling, dizziness, fatigue or chest discomfort, it’s probably best to start out with their primary care provider, just because there are so many different issues that can cause problems that are not heart-related. For instance, anemia, thyroid issues and high blood pressure problems can all cause these symptoms. But certainly part of the evaluation should be to look at the heart; however, you have to discuss those other things first. So starting off with a primary care provider, if the symptoms are stable, is very reasonable.

If you’re already seeing a cardiologist, and you start developing some of those new symptoms, then making an appointment to be evaluated would certainly be a good idea. If someone has a new, unstable problem, I think starting off with a primary care provider, if you’ve not previously seen a cardiologist, would be the best way to go.”

If you’re concerned about heart disease, speak with a primary care physician near you.