Caring for your heart should be a top priority. Why? Because heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US.

While prevention + being proactive go a long way, there’s a lot to know about caring for this essential organ. That’s why Novant Health is here to answer common heart-related questions:

Q: If I have questions about my heart or suspect I have a problem, what doctor should I call?

A: The first step is talking to your primary care doctor — ideally, before you have symptoms. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice, including making lifestyle modifications and taking medications, if needed.

If your primary suspects you have a heart-related condition, you may be referred to a general cardiologist for evaluation.

Q: What kind of tests might a general cardiologist do?

A: Electrocardiogram, a stress test, and an echocardiogram are all tests a cardiologist might perform.

See more about these tests — plus, answers to five more questions.

See five more answers