Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should I Start Seeing a Cardiologist at a Certain Age?

The answer you should know straight from a cardiologist

blood pressure check from doctor

Q: When should I have heart tests done regularly?

A: According to cardiologist Steven Nissen, MD, it’s both reasonable and recommended to have an annual physical examination from a primary care physician when you get into middle age.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

However, that doesn’t also mean that you should start testing (let alone regularly) for heart-related concerns.

Ask your doctor if you have concerning symptoms

“Although it’s natural that as you age you’ll start to wonder about your heart health, it isn’t the best route to worry unnecessarily either if you aren’t having any specific, concerning symptoms,” he says.

In fact, Dr. Nissen advises you to talk with your primary care physician about this question first before you see a heart specialist for any reason.

“I strongly warn people against going directly to a cardiologist and undergoing routine cardiac testing unless you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain,” he says. “Otherwise, you could end up undergoing a lot of unnecessary testing that may lead to unnecessary procedures.”

Should I get a stress test?

These are not recommended without concerning symptoms.

“Let’s say we perform a treadmill stress test in an otherwise healthy person and the results are abnormal — it’s quite likely that the test is a false positive,” Dr. Nissen says. “A false positive test is when the results indicate a condition or finding that does not really exist. Undergoing unnecessary treatments for something that isn’t there can be just as bad for you, if not worse.”

Should I get a heart scan?

Similarly, many people ask about getting a heart scan to look for calcium problems.

Advertisement

“If you’re otherwise healthy, we don’t recommend heart scans either,” Dr. Nissen emphasizes. “It involves significant radiation and is not in the best interest of most people to have this test.”

Tests recommended for your heart

Dr. Nissen recommends going other routes first before seeing a cardiologist or getting heart-related tests done. He says the only heart-related tests appropriate for most people who aren’t experiencing troublesome symptoms are those that measure your blood cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

“These blood tests are in fact very important numbers to know and you should have these done annually,” he says. “If the numbers show concerning information, they’ll prompt you to make changes to adjust your diet and lifestyle to start proactively living in a more heart-healthy way. These tests may also indicate a need to start cholesterol or BP medications.”

What should I do to keep my heart healthy?

“Cultivating good health habits is a much better approach in the long run than undergoing routine testing to look for heart conditions that may or may not exist,” Dr. Nissen recommends. “It’s never too late to start following a heart-healthy dietexercise regularly, avoid stress and get better sleep — all excellent ways to keep your heart in good shape.”

Your best health is always our goal and we’ll always recommend what we think is your best path forward, especially when it comes to what keeps you ticking through your life, he adds.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath or feeling faint, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Smiling Person briskly walking outside on sidewalk, jacket tied around waist
September 18, 2024/Heart Health
Can Walking Speed Be a Sign of Your Heart Health?

Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease

Older person with can, sitting down on bed
September 16, 2024/Heart Health
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival

Person standing on scale in their bathroom, with measuring tape around waist
August 16, 2024/Heart Health
Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?

Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks

Oversized medical chart, glucose meter, pill bottle, with a normal-sized healthcare provider giving thumbs up
August 14, 2024/Heart Health
What’s the Connection Between Statins and Diabetes?

Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need

Person in dentist chair receiving an exam from dentist, oversized heart nearby
August 12, 2024/Heart Health
Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?

Research points to an association between the health of your gums and cardiovascular disease

Person lifting barbell in gym at night, with clock on wall
July 23, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Does It Matter What Time of Day You Exercise?

Factors like temperature, energy levels and sleep quality play a role in determining whether working out in the morning or evening is best for you

Smiling people riding bicycles on sunny day, blue sky
July 17, 2024/Heart Health
5 Ways To Increase HDL

Lifestyle adjustments can help you raise your HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad