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Latin American doctor on a house call performing a medical exam and listening to her heart with a stethoscope - healthcare and medicine concepts
Your heart health is central to overall good health. As the center of your cardiovascular system, it is vitally responsible for just about everything that gives your body life, ranging from the transportation of oxygen to the success of your immune system.
Cardiologists can evaluate your risk factors for heart diseases and work with you to develop a plan to improve your health. If you have any these signs, it’s easy to make an appointment with a cardiologist at Saint Mary Medical Center by calling 215-750-7818 or requesting an appointment online.
Someone in Your Family had Heart Disease
If you don’t know your family history, start with your immediate relatives. Find out if your brothers, sisters, parents, or grandparents had heart disease or stroke and how old they were when they developed these conditions. If you had a relative with early onset heart disease (under age 55 in men and 65 in women), then a cardiologist can help determine how this affects your risk and may recommend preventive strategies.
Diagnosed with Diabetes
Elevated blood glucose levels may lead to serious problems with your heart and arteries. A cardiologist can work with your primary care physician and help determine what treatment or prevention strategies can lower your risk.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which can decrease the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart. This can cause the heart to work harder to circulate blood and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High Cholesterol
With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Medications may help to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of serious problems.