A Cardiologist Can Act as a Dietitian

If you have seen the news recently, you have probably heard about the obesity epidemic that is currently going on in the United States. According to many statistics, there are even a high number of children who fall into this category. This can be contributed to several different factors, such as lack of physical activity and improper diet. Knowing this, some would think that the only type of professionals who could help people with this particular aspect of their lives are dieticians and personal trainers. However, that is not necessarily the case. When it comes to getting assistance in this area, a cardiologist is also vital. Many people think of a cardiologist as someone who diagnoses a heart-related issue and then prescribes medicine. Although this may be a part of their job description, this does not represent the totality of their responsibilities. That is because some of these specialists may have to take on the role of a dietician or lifestyle coach in some instances. You may be wondering how this could be because they primarily deal with the issues of the heart. However, the thing to keep in mind is that those who are overweight are putting extra stress on this vital organ and causing it to work harder than it is supposed to. Therefore, it can be said that weight and the vitality of someone's heart go hand in hand. For instance, someone may go to visit a cardiologist in a doctor's office. Along with checking their heart, blood pressure, and lungs, they would also check their patient's weight. If the patient is indeed too heavy, the specialist will most likely counsel them on a healthier lifestyle. They may suggest that they change their diet and even begin exercising on a regular basis. Depending on the cardiologist, they may even give them specific ideas. Some people may not like the idea of their physician telling them to change their diet. There are some people who actually get offended if this situation occurs. So, instead of listening to and acting on the advice, they may just ignore it. However, this can be dangerous. As stated before, carrying too much weight forces the heart to work overtime. Therefore, by not losing the necessary weight, they would be putting themselves at risk for all kinds of complications that could have otherwise been avoided. So, a cardiologist is not just someone who takes x-rays, runs tests, or diagnoses heart issues. However, these professionals are also concerned with their patients' physical state. That is because, if they are indeed overweight, they are actually putting themselves at risk for serious medical conditions that could eventually cause premature death.