heart disease treatment and management in Huntsville, TX,

Heart Disease Treatment in Huntsville, TX,

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for roughly one in every four to five deaths each year. If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, Dr. Nabeel Khan and the team at Nabeel Khan, MD offer expert diagnosis, risk reduction, and long-term heart disease management to help you lead a healthy, active life. Call (936) 291-8205 or request an appointment online today.

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What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect your heart and the blood vessels that carry blood to and from it. Some common types of heart disease include:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve problems
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Heart attack

Heart disease is also closely linked to stroke, since many of the same blood vessel problems affect blood flow to the brain. While heart disease is serious, effective medical care and lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your condition and continue living a full, active life.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Many factors contribute to heart disease. Some people are born with a congenital abnormality, such as a weak valve or thickened heart tissue, that affects how the heart functions. Others inherit a genetic predisposition to heart disease that develops later in life.

The most common form, coronary artery disease, develops when fatty plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply your heart, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. Key risk factors include:

Because many of these risk factors can be managed, working with an internal medicine physician is one of the most effective ways to lower your chances of a heart attack or stroke.

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Like many health problems, heart disease doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages. As your condition progresses, you may notice warning signs such as:

  • An abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, or feet

If you’re concerned about heart disease, talk to Dr. Khan about your symptoms. However, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room.

How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

Dr. Khan begins with a thorough physical exam and a review of your symptoms, lifestyle, and personal and family medical history. He listens to your heart, checks your blood pressure, and may order blood work to evaluate your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers of cardiovascular health. Depending on your needs, he may also recommend additional heart testing or refer you to a cardiologist for specialized evaluation.

How Is Heart Disease Treated?

Nabeel Khan, MD offers customized treatment and lifestyle guidance to help you reduce your risk and manage your heart health. Our team often combines several approaches to improve your health. You may find that your heart health improves with lifestyle changes such as:

  • Following a heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium diet
  • Adding regular exercise to your daily routine
  • Losing excess weight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing stress

Dr. Khan can also prescribe medications to lower your cholesterol, reduce your blood pressure, and control your heart rhythm. If you need procedures to open narrowed blood vessels, such as catheterization and stenting, he can refer you to a trusted specialist. Our team works closely with your cardiologist to provide coordinated, connected care.

Heart Disease Prevention Starts With Regular Checkups

Annual physical exams are one of the most effective tools for preventing heart disease. Routine screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar allow us to identify risks early and take action before serious problems develop. Explore our full range of internal medicine services to learn more.

Call Nabeel Khan, MD at (936) 291-8205 or schedule an appointment online today for customized, patient-focused care that protects your heart and improves your quality of life.

Heart Disease FAQs

What are the most common types of heart disease?

Common types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects. Coronary artery disease is the most common.

What are the warning signs of heart disease?

Warning signs include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling in the legs or feet, and pain or numbness in the arms or legs.

What increases my risk of heart disease?

Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, chronic stress, and a family history of heart disease.

Can heart disease be prevented?

Many cases of heart disease can be prevented or delayed by managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco.

Can an internal medicine doctor treat heart disease?

Yes. Dr. Khan helps patients reduce their risk, manages heart disease with medications and lifestyle guidance, and coordinates care with cardiologists when specialized treatment is needed.

When should I go to the emergency room for chest pain?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke.

How often should I have my heart health checked?

Most adults should have their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked during an annual physical exam. People with heart disease or risk factors may need more frequent monitoring.