Heart Disease

Every minute, about two people in the United States die of heart disease. At Apex Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, Tomball, and Cypress, Texas, Yasir Akram, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, and the team take a preventive and proactive approach to heart disease, creating plans that benefit your heart and overall health. If you have concerns about heart disease, call Apex Heart & Vascular Center today or request an appointment online.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a general medical term for conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body and any problem with the heart affects this function.

Types of heart disease include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Congestive heart failure
• Valvular heart disease
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Cardiomyopathy (abnormal heart muscle)

Some people are born with heart disease, but most people develop heart conditions as they get older due to lifestyle choices like poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and use of tobacco products. 

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms indicating a potential heart problem include:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the feet
• Difficulty sleeping

If you have chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack and getting immediate medical care increases your chances of a full recovery. 

When should I see a cardiologist about heart disease?

You should see a cardiologist about heart disease if you have any type of heart problem or concerns about heart health. 

Apex Heart & Vascular Center takes a preventive approach to heart health, encouraging patients to schedule a consultation so they can look for heart disease risk factors and help you take steps to prevent or delay heart-related complications. 

You should also schedule an appointment with the board-certified cardiologists at Apex Heart & Vascular Center if you have any concerning symptoms like chest pain during exercise or shortness of breath. The team can perform a diagnostic test like an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram (EKG) to find the cause of your symptoms.

What can I do to manage my heart disease?

You can manage your heart disease by following the recommendations from the team at Apex Heart & Vascular Center. Treatment for heart disease varies and may include medications or procedures.

However, lifestyle changes are a common treatment for heart disease and aim to help prevent or delay heart disease complications. The team provides guidelines about diet, exercise, stress, and sleep to help you stay well.

Whether you have heart disease or want to prevent heart disease, the team at Apex Heart & Vascular Center can help. Call the office nearest you today or book an appointment online.