Your heart is one of the most important muscles in your body, beating more than 100,000 times a day, it is important that you take crucial preventative care of this special organ. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Several reasons it is time to start seeing a cardiologist include: 1. Experiencing chest pain Chest pain is one of the largest signs of a heart issue. While there are many causes of chest pain that are not related to the heart specifically, chest pressure that occurs or becomes worse with activity is particularly concerning to cardiologists and doctors alike, as it can be a sign that the heart is not getting enough blood to function properly. 2. High blood pressure Blood pressure is what forces the blood against the artery walls. Elevated blood pressure causes the heart to work even harder to circulate blood, and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with high blood pressure. 3. Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or dizziness Cardiologists can determine if a heart condition is the cause of your shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or dizziness. These symptoms can be a sign of abnormal heart rhythm or coronary artery disease. 4. Diabetes Poorly controlled blood sugar can affect how your blood vessels function and will greatly increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease in the future. Cardiologist can work with your primary care physician to help determine a treatment or prevention plan to help lower your risk. 5. History of smoking Smoking is one of the main preventable risk factors for heart disease and can help contribute to high blood pressure and cancer. Talk to your primary care physician about quitting today. 6. Chronic kidney disease Heart disease can increase if your kidneys aren’t able to function properly. Kidney disease is tied to high blood pressure as well as arterial disease. Cardiologist can discuss how your condition may affect your heart and how you can help to reduce your risk of heart disease. 7. Family history is kidney disease Unfortunately, certain types of heart disease can be genetic. If you have a relative with early-onset heart disease, cardiologist can help to determine how this affects your risk of getting it, as well as may order some tests and recommend preventative strategies. 8. Peripheral arterial disease The arteries in your body are the blood vessels that help to deliver oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If you have any known diseases in other arteries including leg arteries or the large blood vessels to the brain, you are more likely to also have coronary artery disease. 9. Inactive and planning to start exercising Exercise offers a large number of health benefits and helps to play a key role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. If you are considering a new workout regime after being inactive, it is highly recommended to talk to a cardiologist before starting.