Common early warning signs include chest discomfort or tightness, fatigue during normal activity, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or ankles, irregular heartbeat, and pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, or back. Symptoms can be subtle, especially in women, which is why routine screening matters.

A cardiologist diagnoses and manages heart conditions through medication, lifestyle guidance, and non-surgical procedures like angioplasty or stenting. A cardiac (or cardiothoracic) surgeon performs open-heart surgery, such as bypass surgery or valve replacement. Cardiologists often refer patients to surgeons when surgery becomes necessary.

During an initial consultation, a cardiologist typically reviews your medical history, checks blood pressure and heart rate, listens to your heart and lungs, and may order tests such as an ECG (EKG), echocardiogram, blood work (cholesterol, lipid panel), or a stress test to evaluate heart function.

A normal blood pressure reading is generally below 120/80 mmHg. Readings between 120–129 systolic (with diastolic under 80) are considered elevated, and 130/80 or higher is classified as high blood pressure (hypertension). A cardiologist can help determine the right target for your individual health profile.

For most adults, total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL is desirable, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should ideally be under 100 mg/dL, and HDL (“good” cholesterol) above 60 mg/dL is protective. Target numbers vary based on individual risk factors like diabetes or prior heart disease.

Classic heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain radiating to the arm/jaw/back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness. Women may experience less typical symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion, or back pain. Any suspected heart attack is a medical emergency — call emergency services immediately.

Some aspects of heart disease, such as plaque progression, can be slowed or partially improved through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking), medications, and controlling risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure. While damage such as scarring from a prior heart attack can’t be reversed, further progression can often be prevented.

Yes. Greenland Clinic provides routine heart checkups, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol screening at all four branches — Medavakkam, Kelambakkam, Guduvancheri, and Saidapet — so patients can get preventive cardiac care close to home without traveling to a large hospital.

You can book a cardiology appointment at any Greenland Clinic branch — Medavakkam, Kelambakkam, Guduvancheri, or Saidapet — by calling the clinic directly, visiting the front desk, or booking online if available. Same-week appointments are often available for urgent heart-related concerns.