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Heart Disease Specialist

Shah Medical Center -  - Internal Medicine

Shah Medical Center

Internal Medicine located in Elgin, IL

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. To reduce your risk for heart disease and its complications, Heena Shyamani, MD, and the medical team at Shah Medical Center offer resources to protect your heart health. They also offer on-site diagnostic testing services, including echocardiograms, to diagnose heart disease in its earliest stage. If you need treatment, the team customizes a plan to slow the progression of heart disease, so you can enjoy a high quality of life. Call the office in Elgin, Illinois, to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.

Heart Disease Q&A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease describes several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition that develops when cholesterol builds up in your arteries and blocks the flow of blood to your heart and other areas of your body.

Other examples of heart disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), congenital heart defects, and heart valve disease.

The primary risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. You may also be at high risk for heart disease if you:

  • Have diabetes
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Lack physical activity
  • Eat an unhealthy diet

Consuming a lot of alcohol or misusing certain medications or illegal drugs can also contribute to heart disease.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Many people have underlying heart disease without any symptoms, especially when the disease is in its earliest stage. As the condition advances, you may experience symptoms like:

  • Chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath

Depending on the type and severity of the condition you have, you may also experience a heart attack.

The team at Shah Medical Center offers on-site heart tests including electrocardiograms (EKGs) and echocardiograms. These noninvasive tests provide information about how your heart is functioning and how well blood flows to and from your heart.

The physicians also specialize in geriatric heart disease treatment and prevention for the elderly.

How is heart disease treated?

Your treatment plan for heart disease depends on the condition you have, its severity, and the symptoms you experience.

Initially, the team at Shah Medical Center may recommend lifestyle changes that prevent your heart disease from worsening. This may include daily exercises and dietary improvements that promote heart health. If you smoke or drink alcohol, the team can provide resources that help you quit.

When lifestyle and diet changes aren’t enough to relieve symptoms of heart disease, you may need medication. There are a variety of medications available to slow the progression of the disease and prevent more serious complications, including a heart attack.

The team continues to monitor your heart health and may refer you for specialized care or surgery if necessary.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of heart disease, call Shah Medical Center to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.