Heart palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, chest pain or tightness, dizziness, or high blood pressure are symptoms that can easily be attributed to stress, fatigue, or a fast-paced lifestyle. They don't always indicate a serious illness, but they may be a sign that your circulatory system requires medical attention.

At the NZOZ Twój Lekarz clinic in Kiełczów, we are strengthening care for patients requiring cardiology consultations. Dr. Dawid Kumięga, a physician specializing in cardiology, is starting work there. He will see patients registered with NZOZ Twój Lekarz as part of the Primary Care Coordinated Care program. Those not registered will be able to take advantage of commercial appointments.

What is Coordinated Care in Primary Healthcare?

Coordinated Care is a treatment model in which patients with selected chronic diseases can benefit from more comprehensive diagnostics, specialist consultations and further health monitoring within Primary Health Care.

For the patient, this means greater continuity of care. The primary care physician, specialist, and medical team collaborate to plan the diagnostic procedure, discuss results, select treatment, and monitor its effects. This is especially important for cardiovascular diseases, which often require regular monitoring.

Who may be affected by cardiac problems?

Heart and vascular diseases don't just affect older adults. Patients with hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease may also require consultation.

It's also worth seeing a doctor if you notice a decrease in exercise tolerance. If everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or working around the house start to cause shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest tightness, don't ignore it.

The most common symptoms and warning signs

Symptoms that are worth consulting a doctor include:

• palpitations or irregular heartbeat

• shortness of breath during exertion or at rest

• pain, pressure or burning in the chest

• dizziness, fainting or feeling faint

• getting tired quickly during everyday activities

• swelling of the legs, especially around the ankles

• elevated blood pressure values

• abnormal test results, for example ECG or lipid profile

The significance of these symptoms depends on age, comorbidities, medications, and overall health. Therefore, it's best to consult a doctor before assessing them.

Why you shouldn't ignore the symptoms

Cardiovascular diseases can develop gradually and remain undetected for a long time. Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis often become apparent only when the body begins to struggle with exertion.

Early consultation allows for risk assessment, scheduling necessary tests, and implementing appropriate treatment. This allows for better health monitoring and reduces the risk of more serious consequences.

When to see a doctor

It's worth seeing a doctor if symptoms first appear, worsen, or recur. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, palpitations, significant weakness, high blood pressure, and decreased exercise tolerance require particular attention.

Consultation is also recommended for patients with diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders or a family history of heart disease.

Make an appointment at the clinic in Kiełczów

If you experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, high blood pressure, or other disturbing symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dawid Kumięga at the NZOZ Twój Lekarz clinic in Kiełczów and take advantage of comprehensive cardiology care.