When to see a cardiologist
See a cardiologist if you have chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a racing or skipping heartbeat, leg swelling, or strong risk factors. Call 911 for sudden or severe symptoms.
Call 911 first for these
Some symptoms skip the cardiologist and go straight to 911: chest pain or pressure, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or stroke signs like face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech. Call right away, let the ambulance do the driving, and do not hold out for an office visit.
- Chest pain, pressure or squeezing
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
Women, older adults and people with diabetes sometimes have quieter warning signs, like unusual tiredness, nausea or shortness of breath without chest pain. When in doubt, call 911. Paramedics would much rather check you and find nothing than arrive too late.
Book a visit for these
- Chest discomfort that comes with activity and goes away with rest
- Getting winded more easily than before
- A heartbeat that races, flutters or skips
- Swollen ankles or legs
- Leg cramps when you walk
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
These are good reasons to call 904.644.0092. It is always better to get checked and find out it is nothing.
Write down when symptoms happen and what you were doing. That simple note helps your provider pick the right test the first time.
Risk factors worth a check-up
Even without symptoms, it can help to see a cardiologist if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoke or used to smoke, or have family members with early heart disease. Your primary care doctor may also send you for a heart murmur, an abnormal EKG or before some surgeries.
A family history of heart disease is not a sentence, it is a heads-up. Knowing your numbers and having a plan early can make a real difference. Ask your primary care doctor whether a cardiology visit makes sense for you, or call 904.644.0092 to ask what your insurance needs for a visit.
What your first visit looks like
You will talk about your symptoms, history and medicines. The provider checks your heart and blood pressure and may order tests like an EKG, echocardiogram or stress test. You will leave with a plan and know what comes next.
Bring your medicine list, insurance card and any recent test results from other doctors. Write your questions down before you come so nothing gets forgotten. A family member is welcome to join you. Questions about any of this? Call 904.644.0092 and talk with a real person at the Orange Park front desk, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Talk with a specialist.
New patients are welcome. Call 904.644.0092, Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm, or request a visit online.
Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist?
Some plans require one. Call 904.644.0092 and the team will check your plan.
Should I wait to see if symptoms pass?
Not for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or stroke signs. Call 911.
Can I see a cardiologist for prevention?
Yes. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and other risks is part of heart care at FCCI.
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FCCI cardiologists diagnose and treat heart disease, from chest pain and blocked arteries to valve and rhythm problems. Call 904.644.0092 to start in Orange Park.
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FCCI runs accredited labs for echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests and vascular ultrasound. Call 904.644.0092 to ask which tests are done at the Orange Park office.
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