A heart specialist is also known as a cardiologist. And just as the name suggests, these doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related complications.
You might need to see a heart specialist in Singapore if you experience symptoms that are suggestive of heart complications. Typical symptoms in this case include; shortness of breath, chest pains, high blood pressure or irregular heart beat.
Regular checkups with a heart specialist in Singapore may also be needful if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or live with conditions that may impact the health of your heart. These routine checkups will help in monitoring your heart health to prevent potential complications.
What do you say to a Heart Specialist?
If you’re visiting a heart specialist in Singapore following a recommendation from your doctor, you may feel a little more curious, nervous and even concerned. These visits are natural so you really don’t even need to panic about seeing a heart specialist.
However, to get the most out of the visit, you may be curious about what to ask them. Well, in most cases the heart specialist will lead the conversation so you really don’t have to worry much about what to say to them unless you have pressing questions or concerns you want to bring to their knowledge. That said, here are some of the questions that your heart specialist in Singapore may ask and what to tell them;
● Does anyone in your family, such as siblings or parents, have a history of heart problems?
During the consultation with your heart specialist in Singapore, they may inquire about your family history concerning heart issues. This question is important as genetics play a key role in heart health.
Understanding familial patterns helps the heart specialist assess potential risks for cardiovascular conditions. If your relatives have experienced heart problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, or strokes, it may increase your likelihood of developing similar issues.
To answer this question, provide accurate details about immediate family members’ heart health. Be specific about any diagnosed conditions, their age at diagnosis, and any treatments or surgeries undergone.
Also, mention lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and physical activity within the family. Even if family members are healthy, sharing this information will help the specialist in evaluating your risk factors comprehensively.
● Have you experienced any heart-related issues or illnesses in the past?
A heart specialist asking about your past heart-related problems wants understand your medical history thoroughly. This information is important as previous heart issues, like heart attacks, arrhythmias, or surgeries, offer crucial insights into your heart’s health.
Answer truthfully by providing details of any heart-related symptoms or conditions you’ve encountered previously. Mention the symptoms, when they occurred, and if you sought medical attention or received treatment. If you’ve had any heart procedures or surgeries, also describe them along with the dates if possible.
Being open about your past heart health will make it easy for your heart specialist in Singapore to assess potential ongoing risks or lingering issues. It helps create a comprehensive picture of your heart’s condition, and most importantly, guides the cardiologist in devising an appropriate treatment plan or preventive measures tailored to your needs.
● What specific heart conditions or diseases are prevalent in your family history?
Your heart specialist in Singapore might also inquire about particular heart conditions in your family history. The information you give in response to this question will help pinpoint potential risks accurately.
Different heart issues, like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart attacks, or heart failure, might have varying genetic links and implications. Identifying these specifics aids in creating a more tailored assessment of your cardiovascular health.
When answering this question, provide detailed information about any known heart conditions prevalent among family members. Mention the specific conditions, who in the family had them, and their age at diagnosis if available.
You may also want to include any treatments or procedures undergone for these conditions. Even if certain conditions seem unrelated, mentioning them can be essential for a comprehensive evaluation.
● What is it that you were doing when your started experiencing the symptoms started (resting, exerting yourself)?
Your heart specialist might inquire about the specific activity during symptom onset. This question is asked because different activities can trigger distinct heart-related issues.
Again the information you give here will help the specialist determine the nature and potential severity of the problem. To answer this question, try to recall what you were doing when the symptoms began.
Mention if you were resting, exercising, or engaged in any physically demanding task. Specify the intensity and duration of the activity.
For instance, were you walking, running, or lifting heavy objects? Describe this accurately to help the specialist understand if exertion or stress might have contributed to the symptoms you’ve been getting.
● Can you remember any scans you’ve had in the past? Do you have the records?
Previous imaging tests, like EKGs (echocardiograms), or CT scans, offer valuable insights into heart health. So, your heart specialist may ask this question to get an overview of your heart health.
Reviewing these records helps the specialist understand your heart’s history and any existing conditions. So when asked this question, try to recall and share details about any cardiac tests you’ve undergone.
If you have the records, provide them for the specialist’s review. Mention the type of scan, when it was performed, and where it was conducted. If you don’t have the records, inform the specialist about the tests you remember and where they were done.
Being forthcoming about past scans allows the specialist to gather a comprehensive view of your heart health. This aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. If you don’t possess the records, the specialist might request new tests or help you obtain the previous records to ensure a thorough assessment.
It’s a Wrap!
If you’re working with an experienced heart specialist in Singapore, you can expect them to frame the questions in the simplest way possible without any medical jargon. This is to ensure that you understand the information requested.
When answering the questions, be honest and try your best to be as detailed as possible with the explanations as this will help the cardiologist better assess your situation. If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with a reputable heart specialist clinic in Singapore, call or visit the Cadence Heart Center at;
Cadence Heart Center
Mt Elizabeth Hospital,
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
+656369 8789