November 19, 2020

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.

Advertisement

“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.

“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.”

Advertisement

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.

Related Articles

An illustration feautring a stethoscope listening to a human heart.
December 2, 2021
When To See a Cardiologist

Here's when seeing a doctor for your heart makes sense

athlete undergoing testing on heart
December 31, 2020
Can You Play Sports With a Heart Murmur?

Information you need, on and off the field

Person reading information on a computer tablet
December 24, 2020
Tips For Talking to Your Cardiologist

How to get the most out of your appointment

Illustration of types of cardiac doctors
November 4, 2019
What Type of Cardiologist Should You See for Specialized Heart Care?

Understanding who to see for the care you need

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad