Your heart works around the clock for you, so when something feels “off,” it’s important to pay attention. Many people aren’t sure when their symptoms or risk factors are serious enough to bring up with their primary care provider (PCP). The good news is, your PCP can evaluate your concerns and decide if a referral to a cardiologist is the right next step.

Here are some common signs that it may be time to start that conversation.

1. New Symptoms

Talk to your PCP if you’re experiencing:

• Chest pain, tightness or pressure
• Shortness of breath that feels unusual for your level of activity.
• Heart palpitations or the sensation that your heart is racing or skipping beats.
• Dizziness, fainting or feeling like you might pass out.
• Swelling in your legs or ankles
• Unexplained fatigue

2. Personal Health History and Family History

Your medical history plays a big role in determining your heart health. You should talk to your PCP if you have:

• A family history of early heart disease, such as heart attacks before age 55 in men or 65 in women.
• Diabetes, which significantly raises your risk for heart disease.
• High cholesterol that isn’t improving with lifestyle changes or medication.

3. Abnormal Test Results

Sometimes the first sign of a heart issue shows up in routine testing. Your provider may recommend a cardiology referral if you’ve had:

• Abnormal EKG
• Abnormal SBL Heart to Heart Screening
• Concerning findings on a stress test
• A high coronary calcium score
• Unexplained changes in blood pressure or heart rate

4. Managing Ongoing Health Conditions:

Certain health conditions increase your risk for heart problems over time, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Long-term tobacco use
• Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle combined with other risk factors

Your PCP can help you decide if a specialist’s input is needed.

An Easy Way to Check Your Heart Health

If you’re looking for a simple and proactive way to better understand your heart health, talk with your primary care provider about a referral to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center for a Heart to Heart (H2H) screening.

Heart to Heart is a comprehensive screening program designed to increase awareness of heart health and overall wellness. The program offers participants several cardiopulmonary screenings that can help identify interrelated and potentially life-threatening conditions early—often before symptoms appear.

In addition to the screenings, Heart to Heart includes an educational component to help participants understand their results and what they mean for their personal heart health. This information can be an important first step in making informed decisions and starting meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider.

Whether you have risk factors, are managing a chronic condition or simply want peace of mind, an H2H screening can provide valuable insight into your heart health and help guide next steps.