Heart Disease

Heart Disease services offered in Texas, Houston, TX

You would never know that heart disease is largely preventable. It’s still the leading cause of death, a role it has held for decades. As an experienced primary care physician and internal medicine specialist, Anand Balasubramanian, MD, PA, is dedicated to helping adults prevent heart disease and live a healthy life despite having a cardiovascular condition. Whether you want to learn how to prevent problems or you need ongoing management for an existing heart disease, call one of the two offices in Houston, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

What are the different types of heart disease?

Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, refers to many conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. Some of the most common include:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD develops when cholesterol builds up in a heart artery’s wall, gradually blocking the blood flow through the artery. As a result, your heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD is caused by the same buildup of fatty plaque, but the disease occurs in arteries throughout your body. This condition most often affects the arteries in your legs.

Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure develops when your heart can't pump enough blood to your body.

Heart valve disease

The valves inside your heart may thicken and limit blood flow or stop working normally, letting blood flow in the wrong direction.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

An aneurysm develops in the aorta (the large artery carrying blood from your heart to your body) when blood flows into a balloon-like bulge in a weak area of the artery wall.

Heart arrhythmias

Arrhythmias occur when your heart beats too slowly, too rapidly, or irregularly.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis, an inflammation in the heart muscle, often arises from a viral infection.

Cardiomyopathy

When your heart muscle enlarges or becomes too thick or rigid, you have cardiomyopathy.

What symptoms develop due to heart disease?

The symptoms you experience depend on the type of heart disease. For example, PAD causes leg symptoms, while heart failure leads to a fluid buildup in your ankles, legs, and abdomen.

All heart conditions may cause:

Chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness or dizziness

Some heart and blood vessel conditions cause:

Racing or fluttering heart (palpitations)
Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen
Need to urinate during the night
Non-healing lower leg ulcers
Leg pain (all of the time or only when you walk)

If your symptoms don't improve, are severe, or get worse, schedule a physical exam with Dr. Balasubramanian.

How is heart disease treated?

Dr. Balasubramanian helps you develop a lifestyle plan that supports your heart. He also prescribes medications as needed for your condition and provides ongoing chronic disease management to slow down progressive heart disease.

As a primary care physician, Dr. Balasubramanian provides comprehensive adult care, but he refers you to a heart specialist when needed for your condition.

If you experience any symptoms of heart disease, call Anand Balasubramanian, MD, PA, or request an appointment online today.