Heart problems are a most common cause of death worldwide and in Scottsdale too. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths each year.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the arteries that carry blood to your heart muscle, is the most common type of heart disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as smoking, diabetes, and obesity, have all been linked to CAD.
Although many people in Scottsdale with heart disease are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms early on, others may experience a variety of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue. A sudden loss of consciousness or fainting can be an indication that something serious is happening inside your heart.
You can find a good cardiologist by asking friends and family for recommendations, or you can search online for local Scottsdale cardiologists. You may also want to consider going to a hospital that has an affiliated cardiac center where you can get care from multiple specialists.
Before you make an appointment with a cardiologist, ask yourself these questions:
What kind of treatment do you need? If you have a heart attack or need surgery, your doctor will likely refer you to a cardiac surgeon or another type of specialist. But if you’re simply suffering from high blood pressure or other non-life-threatening conditions, your primary care physician may be able to help.
How much do they charge? Some doctors are part of large medical groups that offer discounts on certain procedures, while others charge more than their colleagues in the same field. Ask your insurance company if they cover out-of-network doctors and how much money they’ll pay toward their services before making an appointment.
Are they available when I need them? Make sure your doctor is available when it’s convenient for your schedule, don’t expect them to come in on nights or weekends unless there’s an emergency situation at hand.
