Latest news with #healthcheck
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 Signs You Should See a Cardiologist, According to Doctors
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S., RDHeart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Swelling, unexplained fatigue and chest pain are signs that you should see a cardiologist. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are key for catching hidden or less obvious disease affects roughly 127.9 million Americans over the age of 20, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, thanks to ongoing research, it's becoming easier to prevent, detect and treat heart disease sooner. However, signs of heart disease aren't always obvious. We spoke with six doctors to better understand eight signs that may indicate a problem and are worth talking to a cardiologist about. 'This is likely the most infamous sign of a heart issue. Chest pain may be described as pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning, and it can spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back. Not all chest pain is cardiac-related, but ignoring it can be dangerous,' says Blen Tesfu, MD. 'Sometimes it is important to see a cardiologist sooner [rather] than later. Some symptoms, such as chest pain, could represent a serious heart issue that requires urgent or even emergency care. Evaluating potential heart problems can prevent them from getting worse and maybe even save your life,' adds Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. 'If you feel you are short of breath doing regular activities like walking up stairs, carrying groceries or lying down, it could be more than being out of shape,' Tesfu explains. While being short of breath after physical activity isn't abnormal, if you notice a sudden change that doesn't improve over time, it's best to play it safe and talk with a healthcare professional. Tesfu adds, 'Shortness of breath may be a sign that not enough blood is flowing out of the heart, which can be a sign of congestive heart failure or valve disease. A cardiologist can check how well your heart is working and determine if there's an underlying cardiovascular problem that should be addressed.' 'Some other less common signs of heart disease include feelings of rapid heartbeat and dizziness. If someone has feelings of rapid heartbeat (also referred to as palpitations), especially during exertion, this may also indicate significant underlying heart disease,' says Sheharyar Ali, MD, an interventional cardiologist. 'While occasional palpitations are typically benign, experiencing them at high frequency or for a longer duration could be a sign of arrhythmias, [which are] irregular heart rhythms that could raise your risk of stroke or cardiac arrest if not addressed,' adds Tesfu. Chen highlights swelling of the feet or legs as another potential sign of heart disease. When your heart isn't working as well as it should, it can't pump blood efficiently and causes a backup of blood in your lower extremities, such as your calves or ankles. This can cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissues and result in a type of swelling known as edema. Temporary swelling in your lower legs is fairly common and typically harmless. Hot weather, injury, high sodium intake, certain medications, pregnancy and sitting for long periods (like when taking a long flight) can cause extra fluid to pool in your feet or legs. On the other hand, swelling in both legs (bilateral swelling) that does not subside after a few days—especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or fatigue—are signs that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It occurs when the force of blood pressing against your artery walls is consistently too high, making your heart work harder than it should. Over time, this added strain can weaken your heart and blood vessels and increase your risk of heart failure. 'High blood pressure does not always show symptoms, but over time it can quietly do damage and raise your chances of serious heart problems,' explains Michael Ross MacDonald, MD, senior cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. 'Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be evaluated by a cardiologist,' adds Sergiu Darabant, MD, cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. It's recommended that healthy adults have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, typically during their annual physical. You can also check your blood pressure using an at-home monitor or at your local pharmacy, though it's important to note that these methods may not be as accurate as having your levels tested by a trained healthcare professional. Unexplained lightheadedness, dizziness or ongoing fatigue may also be signs of heart issues. 'This dizziness happens due to the inability of the heart to increase blood supply to the brain during exertion due to severe underlying blockages in the heart arteries,' says Ali. 'Brain fog or trouble concentrating is another one. People often assume it's stress or poor sleep, and many times, that's exactly what it is. But if it comes with low blood pressure, dizziness or fatigue, I might look into whether the heart's pumping efficiently enough to keep the brain properly supplied with oxygen,' adds Asim Cheema, MD, a cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience multiple health conditions, known as comorbidities. Having comorbidities can increase a person's risk of developing other major health issues, such as heart disease. 'Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be evaluated by a cardiologist,' explains Darabant. Health issues that increase your risk of heart disease include kidney disease, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), peripheral artery disease and overweight or obesity. Having a family history of heart disease is another major risk factor for developing the condition and a good reason to book an appointment with a preventive cardiologist. 'If heart disease runs in your family, it is worth being extra cautious, even if you feel fine right now,' says MacDonald. Darabant agrees, adding, 'A family history of heart disease is another important reason since inherited risks can play a major role in future problems and can strongly influence heart health.' He also emphasizes the importance of prevention through a healthy lifestyle. 'Unhealthy habits like smoking, being overweight or not exercising regularly add to the risk and make early cardiovascular intervention even more important,' he says. Of course, regular check-ups are also a smart way to stay on top of your health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's best to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, ideally a cardiologist. 'In cardiology, we're trained to look for patterns—not just dramatic symptoms, but the quiet ones that often get overlooked. The tricky part is that a lot of these signs could point to something heart-related—or they could be from something else entirely. That's why context matters so much,' says Cheema. To help prevent or catch heart disease early, it's critical to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, such as a cardiologist or primary care physician. Heart concerns should always be taken seriously and discussed with a healthcare professional. While people associate heart disease with obvious symptoms, like sudden, sharp chest pain, it can also present in more subtle and even silent ways. Tesfu urges, 'If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms—or even if you are just at high risk because of age, lifestyle or family history—a visit to a cardiologist can be a life-saving move.' Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 45, reveals breast cancer diagnosis
's Monyetta Shaw-Carter revealed she is battling breast cancer. The reality TV star, 45, opened up about being diagnosed with with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in November 2024. 'I had a biopsy about 10 years ago and it came back benign,' she told People. 'Then last year in September I was doing a self-check because I felt this random sensation that I can't really describe in my left boob. 'It was like nothing I've ever felt before. It was literally like my body was alerting me that something was wrong.' She found the lump in her breast just one month after her annual mammogram. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Monyetta was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer in November 2024 After a lumpectomy in January and 16 rounds of radiation, she rang the bell on May 2 to mark the end of her treatment. 'Because I caught the cancer early, I will be here for my kids,' she said. 'There's nothing more important than getting checked often and early to protect your future. 'Our health is irreplaceable. I can't thank my exceptional doctors and nurses enough. They are our heroes!' Monyetta completed her treatment last month and is thrilled that part of her life is over. 'It was obviously one of the hardest and scariest moments of my life,' she said about the moment she got the call from her doctors saying she had cancer. 'Everything around me stopped. My heart dropped. I was afraid. I was angry. I was just numb,' she added. At first, Monyetta considered having a double mastectomy but since her results didn't mandate that she only had a lumpectomy. 'It's so important for me to share this story because I hope to inspire others not to dismiss their gut feeling,' Shaw-Carter told the outlet. 'Our body speaks to us and when it does we have to listen. It can be a matter of life or death.' Moynetta gained strength from her husband Heath Carter but she also needed to tell her her ex-fiancé, singer Ne-Yo, whom she shares daughter Madilyn 'Maddie,' 14, and son, Mason, 13. 'We actually told him when we were all there, my husband, and Ne-Yo, Maddie and Mason, and some of Maddie's friends, were at a bowling alley, celebrating Maddie's birthday,' she said. 'The kids were talking and playing and bowling. And we took him to the side and told Ne-Yo the news, and the shock that was on his face said it all,' she said. 'He was just super supportive. 'Ne-Yo was just showing up for me in a major way and just always asking and making sure everything was okay. He was like, "Oh, you're gonna beat this."' She also got a lot of support from her Real Housewives of Atlanta castmates – especially Kandi Burruss. 'When I told Kandi she immediately was like, "Oh, my gosh, what can I do?" She's been so super supportive. 'She came by, sent, like, the biggest stuff, like her, and my other friends are in competition with who can send me the biggest flower arrangements.' Sheree Whitfield has also been a lot of support for Moynetta during her illness. 'And she just gave me all kinds of like, "Oh, my gosh, girl, like, how? I couldn't imagine! Okay, let me go and make sure I check mine." 'I've just received huge support from the girls,' she said. 'I don't think any of the other girls know, so they will be finding out and I know I will be getting phone calls very soon to that effect.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Chris Hughes reveals terrifying cancer scare after finding a lump on his testicle
CHRIS Hughes has revealed he found a lump on his testicle in a terrifying cancer scare. The Celebrity Big Brother star told fans about going to be tested. 1 He said: "Boys, just had a check up on the balls, small lump, thankfully all clear and nothing to worry about. "Yes because of what my family has been through, the documentary we made I prioritise this, but keep them checked and get them looked at to be sure."
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Mobile mole check truck visits Barrie and Orillia
A dermatologist checks moles on a person's back in this undated file image. 'You should have that mole checked.' If you've heard that line before, Saturday or Sunday might be the day to quell those fears. Across Canada, May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma and skin cancer are one of the few cancers on the rise in Canada and worldwide. In 2016, CDC Statistics reported that incidence rates for new melanoma cases have been rising on average by 1.4% each year over the last ten years. One in three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men over 49 years of age and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in youth and young adults. If detected, early melanoma and skin cancers are largely treatable Both Barrie and Orillia are scheduled to have two dermatologists visits on Saturday and Sunday respectively, to check attendees' moles at no charge. A Mole Mobile will make its tour stop on Saturday at Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty - 355 Bayfield Street in Barrie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 at Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty at 450 West Street North in Orillia from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The skin checks are open to the public and no appointment is required.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Yorkshire cancer patient's 'gratitude' to 100-year-old charity
A grandfather whose lung cancer was detected as part of a charity screening programme has spoken of his "debt of gratitude" as the organisation celebrates its at the Old Medical School in Leeds on 21 May 1925, by the 1940s Yorkshire Cancer Research had grown from a small research laboratory into one of the biggest cancer research centres in the now funds the Leeds Lung Health Check, which invites those most at risk for regular checks at a mobile screening unit. David Sutcliffe, who was invited to take part as he had smoked as a teenager and into his 40s, said he was "very grateful" for the work carried out by the charity. "The first two scans were negative, then in 2022 after my scan I received a letter from the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) to say they had found something," the 76-year-old said."You can imagine that was quite a hammer blow, but it all happened very quickly and I was fast-tracked through the LGI chest clinic."He said a nodule had been found on his lung which was removed with keyhole surgery. "I was in surgery for about an hour, spent two nights in the Bexley Wing then was discharged home." Mr Sutcliffe said."I made a complete and rapid recovery."I am very grateful to Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Leeds Lung Health Check. I feel a debt of gratitude towards them." The charity marked its 100-year anniversary by recreating its initial meeting in 1925 - inviting a group of people who have made a significant contribution in recent years. One of those was Professor Philip Quirke, Head of Pathology and Data Analytics at the University of Leeds, who has partnered with Yorkshire Cancer Research for over 40 years. The charity funded his innovative bowel cancer research, which led to a significant increase in the number of people surviving bowel cancer in Yorkshire and beyond. He said: "Yorkshire Cancer Research is the reason why I'm still in Yorkshire. "Without the charity's vital support, my team and I would not have been able to develop our work in bowel cancer which has not only impacted the lives of people with cancer in Yorkshire, but around the world." Mr Sutcliffe also attended the event, along with Suzanne Rogerson, Lead Nurse for the Leeds Lung Health Check. Mrs Rogerson, 54, said: "We know lung cancer screening can help us detect lung cancer early, where there is a better chance of cure."Since 2018, when we started, we have screened over 8,800 people and in that time we have found more than 400 lung cancers."The charity said people in Yorkshire are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer than almost anywhere else in England, but they are dedicated to changing this. Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "Yorkshire Cancer Research is looking to the future and 100 years on, remains as committed as ever to the charity's vision of creating a Yorkshire free from cancer."Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Hosting Yorkshire Cancer Research's centenary at the Old Medical School is a celebration of the past and a statement about the future. "As we honour that legacy, we are transforming the Old Medical School into a vibrant health-tech hub where clinicians, academics, researchers and entrepreneurs work collaboratively to transform care for people across Yorkshire and beyond. "Marking 100 years of partnership, we're proud to continue the tradition of honouring yesterday's pioneers while building tomorrow's innovations for our patients." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
