Which Specialist to See for Heart-Related Symptoms?

Which specialty should I see for my presenting symptoms?

Hello, Doctor.
I apologize for bothering you, but I have a few symptoms that I would like to ask which specialty I should consult.
1.
Fever (occasionally accompanied by chest pain) 2.
Shortness of breath 3.
Mild diarrhea 4.
Sore throat 5.
Occasional abdominal pain 6.
Cough 7.
Muscle aches 8.
Fatigue 9.
Headache 10.
Chest pain 11.
Tiredness.
I found online that these could be symptoms of myocarditis or gastroesophageal reflux, as I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19.
However, I tested negative three days into isolation.
My sister (23 years old) has been experiencing the above symptoms, starting with fever, sore throat, and diarrhea.
She tested negative on a rapid test.
When she saw a doctor, they suggested it might be gastroenteritis, and after taking medication, her diarrhea improved.
Later, she developed a cough and her sore throat worsened.
She tested negative again, and when she visited an ENT specialist, they suspected it might be influenza (COVID rapid tests for throat and nasal swabs were also negative).
Today, she called me after work (10:30 PM) saying she needed to go to the emergency room because she developed a fever while working, and it felt like her heart was hurting and she was having trouble breathing.
She felt a bit better afterward, but I advised her to go to the emergency room without neglecting her health, as she has a history of kidney infections and urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, and she has allergies (seafood allergy).
She is currently at the hospital waiting for X-rays and blood tests (the hospital rapid test was also negative).
I wanted to inquire about this first.
Thank you.

Ms. Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/25

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Due to the complexity of the symptoms, it is recommended that a physician assess the possible conditions based on the examination results.

Reply Date: 2022/10/25

More Info

When experiencing a range of symptoms such as fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and fatigue, it can be challenging to determine which specialist to consult. Given the complexity of your sister's symptoms and her medical history, it is crucial to approach this situation systematically.

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP): The first step for your sister should be to consult her primary care physician. A PCP can provide a comprehensive evaluation of her symptoms, taking into account her medical history, recent COVID-19 diagnosis, and any underlying conditions. They can perform initial assessments, including physical examinations and basic laboratory tests, to determine if the symptoms are related to a viral infection, such as COVID-19, or if they indicate a more serious condition like myocarditis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

2. Cardiologist: Given the presence of chest pain and shortness of breath, it would be prudent for your sister to see a cardiologist. Symptoms like chest pain, especially if they are associated with fever, can indicate potential heart issues, including myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by viral infections. A cardiologist can perform specialized tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or cardiac MRI to assess heart function and structure.

3. Pulmonologist: If your sister continues to experience significant respiratory symptoms, a pulmonologist may be necessary. They specialize in lung conditions and can evaluate her for any respiratory complications that may arise from her recent illness, including pneumonia or other lung infections.

4. Gastroenterologist: Since she has experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea, a gastroenterologist may be needed to rule out gastrointestinal issues, especially if her symptoms persist. They can evaluate for conditions such as gastroenteritis or other digestive disorders.

5. Infectious Disease Specialist: If there is a suspicion of a viral infection that is not responding to standard treatments, an infectious disease specialist may be consulted. They can provide insights into managing complex infections and may recommend specific tests to identify pathogens.

6. Emergency Care: Given that your sister has experienced acute symptoms, including chest pain and difficulty breathing, it is essential that she seeks emergency medical attention if these symptoms worsen. Emergency departments are equipped to handle acute situations and can provide immediate care, including advanced imaging and laboratory tests.

In summary, your sister should start with her primary care physician, who can then refer her to the appropriate specialists based on her symptoms and findings. It is crucial to monitor her condition closely, especially since she has a history of recurrent infections and allergies. Prompt medical attention is vital, particularly when symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath are present, as they can indicate serious underlying conditions.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Heart Discomfort: When to See a Cardiologist

I have recently been feeling strange sensations near my heart, specifically above it. I also experience some soreness in my shoulders. When I lean forward while sitting, I feel uncomfortable. What could this be? Which specialist should I see, a cardiologist or a pulmonologist?

Dr. Lin Jixiong reply Cardiology
Hello: Your clinical symptoms are not obvious, and compared to general cardiac clinical symptoms, it is difficult to definitively determine if they are related to the heart. Therefore, you should first consult a cardiologist to rule out the possibility of heart disease. If the ca...

Which Specialist Should You See for Heart and Chest Pain?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my chest and heart for over a month now. Recently, the pain has been particularly severe and lasts longer. Should I see a pulmonologist or a cardiologist?

Dr. Bu Shiyun reply Cardiology
Chest pain is not always related to heart issues; it is advisable to first consult a family medicine physician or a cardiologist.

Which Specialist to See for Heart and Breathing Issues?

If you are experiencing difficulty breathing and unusual sensations in your heart, it is advisable to see a specialist in cardiology or pulmonology. Regarding the cost of visiting a major hospital without health insurance, it can vary widely depending on the specific services and...

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, if you do not have a family history and you personally do not have congenital heart disease, then the symptoms mentioned above should be temporary and not a cause for concern. A little rest should help. If you are still worried, it is advisable to visit a nearby internal m...

Which Specialist Should You See for Chest Pain and Discomfort?

Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing sharp pain in my left chest, and at times my left arm and left jaw feel numb. Additionally, I've had sudden sharp pain in my right chest, and there's some tenderness when I press near the center of my chest. Which speci...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, it is recommended to first consult a cardiologist to assess whether there are any serious cardiac conditions. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about your w...