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Heart Checks at AHN

Good heart care starts before an emergency. To help you understand your heart health (and how it can be even healthier), AHN offers heart checks.

Is it an emergency?

Call 911 right away if you are experiencing chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath. You may be having a heart attack.

What's a heart check?

It’s a simple preventive visit. It can give you peace of mind knowing you’re in good health, or it can help your doctor spot heart problems before they become serious.

  • Doctor talking to patient in exam room

    It starts with a conversation.

    Your doctor will ask about your personal and family histories, your lifestyle, and about medications you’re taking. They’ll also talk about steps you can take at home to maintain a healthier heart.
  • A doctor in an exam room listening to a patient's heart with a stethoscope

    Next, there’s an exam.

    Your doctor will take important measurements, including your height, weight, and blood pressure. They’ll check your pulse and listen carefully to your heart and lungs.
  • An black and white image of a heart on the monitor of advanced cardiology equipment

    There may be tests and treatment.

    If your doctor needs more information, they may order a blood draw, imaging, or other tests. Your doctor will then assess your risk, and, if needed, will work with you on a treatment plan.

Scheduling your heart check

The type of doctor you’ll see at your visit depends on your symptoms and risk factors.

  • A person in a sweater covering their heart with their hand

    Book with a cardiologist if:

    NOTE: Be sure to select “consultation” when you schedule.
    BOOK WITH A CARDIOLOGIST
  • A patient talking with their primary care physician in an exam room

    Book with a primary care physician if:

    • You haven’t been to the doctor for an annual checkup in over a year.
    • You’ve never been prescribed medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol. 
    • You’ve never been diagnosed with heart disease.

    NOTE: Be sure to select “annual wellness/preventive” when you schedule.
    BOOK WITH A PHYSICIAN

Need some help?

If you’re new to AHN or need help scheduling, call and tell us you’d like a heart check. We’ll ask a few simple questions, then book a visit that’s right for you. Pittsburgh-area patients, call (412) DOCTORS to get started. If you’re closer to Erie, call (814) CONNECT.

Learn more about heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults. But with a little knowledge and quality care, you can improve your heart health for years to come.

  • Hands holding a tablet displaying a chart

    “Heart disease” refers to many conditions.

    Doctors use the term to describe a range of heart-related issues, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat), valvular heart disease, and stroke.
  • A man in pain clutching his arm

    It affects men and women differently.

    Men tend to experience more classic heart symptoms seen on movies and TV, while women may have more general discomfort, like back pain. The AHN Women’s Heart Center can help women navigate the risks.
  • A person holding a bowl of salad holding a fork

    Healthy lifestyle choices are key to a strong heart.

    Healthy habits — like eating a low-fat/low-salt diet, getting exercise and good sleep, and quitting tobacco — are all important to improving your health. Your doctor can help you make a plan.

Know the risks and symptoms

The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to contract heart disease. Use your risks and symptoms to start a conversation with your doctor.

  • A patient in a gown having their blood pressure checked with a blood pressure cuff

    Heart disease risk factors

    AHN cardiologists can treat risk factors to lessen their impact on your health. 

    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Smoking
    • Diabetes
    • Obesity
    • Family history of heart disease, heart attacks, or stroke before age 55
    • Age
  • A woman in her house holding herself upright on a door frame

    Heart disease symptoms

    Symptoms can vary widely. Book a heart check today to ensure you’re in good health. 

    • Chest discomfort
    • Back pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • An irregular heartbeat
    • Swelling
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Fatigue
Doctor listening to patient's heartbeat with stethoscope

Heart disease prevention

At AHN, heart checks are only the start of our efforts to combat cardiac conditions. Our Heart Disease Prevention Program brings together top experts across specialties to work toward eliminating heart disease in the communities we serve.

Refer your patients to an AHN cardiologist

AHN Physician Access is a fast and easy way to refer patients to over 1,000 in-network specialists. You can search by specialty or expertise.