You should get a physical at least once a year. Depending on your physical health, you may need to see a specialist in addition to your primary doctor. For example, if you're showing signs of cardiovascular problems, it may be time for you to see a local heart physician. Your heart doctor will look out for a heart condition called CAD; here's how this type of professional can help you.

They Can Explain CAD

The Cleveland Clinic indicates that CAD stands for coronary artery disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 18.2 million adults age 20 and older have CAD (about 6.7%). The Cleveland Clinic also states that when someone has CAD, the major blood vessels to the heart become narrow thanks to inflammation or fatty deposits. Your heart professional can help you understand more about CAD when you speak to them.

They Can Describe the Symptoms

Do you sometimes have angina or chest pain that spreads across your chest? Do you end up having shortness of breath even if you didn't just exert yourself? The Cleveland Clinic states that if the coronary artery is completely blocked by fatty deposits, you may also end up with a heart attack. You should also look out for a rapid heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, and unexplained dizziness or weakness.

They Can Show You What Diagnostic Tools Are Used

If you think you may have CAD, your heart physician will conduct a thorough examination. They'll go over your medical history and note if there's anyone else in your family who also has heart issues. The Mayo Clinic also states that X-rays, CT scans, EKG tools, and nuclear stress tests are some of the methods used to properly diagnose a case of CAD. Your physician may also conduct a blood glucose test as well as a lipid profile test.

CAD is a serious diagnosis that affects your heart and veins, so it can greatly reduce your quality of life and life span. If you're having any of these symptoms or the medical history noted above, contact a local heart physician who can help you. Luckily, we have such doctors available, so you should contact Advanced Heart And Vascular Center of New Mexico today for an appointment.