Routine appointments with your doctor let you establish a baseline regarding your health. They also give you an opportunity to discuss any symptoms you've been experiencing. When these concerns relate to heart health and function, it's crucial that you bring them up with a medical professional as soon as you can. Here are a few signs that you should schedule an appointment.

What Heart Concerns Does Your Primary Care Physician Need to Know About?

1. Chest Pain and Discomfort

Chest pain is a common symptom of atherosclerosis, known as hardening arteries. This pain may not always be severe, and for some people, it might feel like a mild discomfort that doesn't mean much. When women experience heart issues, discomfort is often accompanied by significant fatigue and nausea. Regardless of their severity, any persistent symptom in this area should be checked out. 

2. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a serious health symptom that can result from a range of medical disorders. It's a factor in multiple heart conditions, including congenital heart defects, infections, and heart disease. 

If you experience severe shortness of breath, you're encouraged to seek immediate medical care. However, you should also follow up with your family doctor to determine the next steps. 

3. Fluttering in the Chest

Also known as heart palpitations, a fluttering feeling in the chest is sometimes caused by a heart arrhythmia. This can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or take on an irregular rhythm. 

Upon learning of your symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam and diagnostic testing, such as an EKG. Heart palpitations are often not a major concern, but it's important to pinpoint their cause. If an arrhythmia is determined to be the culprit, it can be treated with medication, a catheter procedure, or heart surgery, depending on the severity.

4. Persistent Dry Cough

While a persistent cough might not seem heart-related, it can actually be a sign of infection. Endocarditis is an infection that occurs in the lining of the chambers of the heart. It can also cause fatigue, skin rashes, and swelling in the lower extremities. When caught early, the infection can usually be treated with antibiotics. 

The heart is a vital health concern, so the doctors and medical staff at Palladium Primary Care encourage patients to ask questions and discuss symptoms during wellness exams. Along with their medical skill and deep experience, this health care team ensures patients throughout Guilford County, NC, and the surrounding communities can access quality care in a comfortable one-on-one environment. Schedule an appointment today by calling (336) 841-8500. You can also visit the website to learn more about the practice.