Many people are great about staying on top of preventative medical care appointments, but neglect to schedule a checkup with a cardiologist. It is not uncommon for people to think that they only need to see a cardiologist if they are having chest pain or have been diagnosed with a heart ailment.

While a primary care doctor is equipped to monitor basic cardiovascular issues, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, you may need to consult with a cardiologist if you have certain risk factors. Here are five reasons why you may need to add an appointment with a heart specialist to your annual list of checkups.

Genetic Predisposition to Heart Disease

A genetic predisposition to heart disease naturally puts you at an elevated risk of experiencing cardiovascular issues as you get older. This is particularly important to monitor if a close relative developed heart disease at a young age.

"Two groups who benefit most from preventive visits are people with a family history of heart disease, especially in parents or siblings, or who personally have risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension or high cholesterol,” explains Dr. Corey Bradley, preventative cardiologist at NewYork Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Bradley recommends evaluating your own cardiovascular risk at least one decade before the age your close relative was diagnosed. "The earlier the better. Heart disease develops over years, so the most effective way to prevent it is to manage the risk factors for disease as early as possible," said Bradley.

Although most cardiovascular issues are connected to risk factors such as high blood pressure, some inherited conditions are also at play. Cardiologists will be able to look at your whole family history and determine your individual risk so that you can take the proper preventative action.

New or Unusual Symptoms

Everyone knows that chest pain is a sign of heart trouble. But this is not the only symptom to be aware of. Other more subtle symptoms likely to present earlier than chest pain include shortness of breath or changes in exercise tolerance.

A racing heart rate for no reason is another sign that something could be amiss. Dr. Bradley notes that swelling in the legs is a sign that deserves to be checked out. Seek immediate attention if any of these symptoms are severe.

Concerning Numbers

Many people are referred to a cardiologist if some of the primary health indicators are not positive. These clues that something is amiss often present themselves at an annual physical and in lab results. First and foremost, cholesterol levels are particularly important. LDL cholesterol, known as "bad cholesterol," plays a big role in overall heart health. This is why it is so important to monitor these numbers.

When monitoring cholesterol levels, be sure to ask for your Lipoprotein(a) marker. This type of lipoprotein ferries cholesterol through the bloodstream. High levels of the particle are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Because it is largely genetic, you can be tested for this once to get a basic understanding of whether it will be something that you should take into account when prioritizing heart health.

High blood pressure is another notable risk factor, raising the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. Lastly, be sure to stay on top of blood sugar levels as you age. Elevated blood sugar is connected to both heart function and metabolic health.

Women Going Through Perimenopause or Menopause

Women going through perimenopause or menopause are inherently more likely to see changes in blood pressure or cholesterol during this time. These changes are tied to fluctuating hormone levels as the body goes through this major life transition.

For instance, LDL cholesterol levels often increase as estrogen levels fall. Women also tend to put on weight when going through this change, raising the risk of cardiovascular concerns. Doctors advise using this time of transition as an opportunity to review all of your health risk factors and fine-tune your preventative medicine plan moving forward.

Poor Lifestyle Habits

Although there is a definite genetic profile associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, poor lifestyle habits are also contributing factors. A cardiologist will encourage you to make changes to your daily routine so that you mitigate some of these risks while holding you accountable for the changes.

Some of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Following the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” is a good starting point for people looking to improve their cardiovascular health. These eight goals include maintaining a healthy weight, nourishing your body with good foods, getting regular exercise, avoiding nicotine, managing blood pressure, keeping cholesterol in check, getting adequate sleep, and keeping tabs on blood sugar.

According to Dr. Manesh R. Patel, American Heart Association volunteer president and Duke chief of cardiology, “Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease." Patel reminds people that "Many of the conditions that lead to heart attack, stroke, and heart failure develop silently over years before symptoms appear.”

The good news is that over 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable, meaning that there is a lot under your control. Having a trained heart specialist in your corner can help to manage most of these risks. In other words, there is a lot you can do to protect your heart.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.