Heart Disease Specialist
CAPITAL HEALTH & CLINICS
Jagdeep Singh, MD
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Bowie, MD
In the United States, millions of Americans experience heart disease. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for adults, regardless of gender or ethnicity. At Capital Health & Clinics, primary care physician Jagdeep Singh, MD, and the team provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. To make an appointment at the practice in Bowie, Maryland, call the office today or schedule online.
Heart Disease Q & A
What is heart disease?
Heart disease refers to various conditions that affect the function and general health of your heart muscle.
The team at Capital Health & Clinics treats several types of heart disease, including:
- Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries)
- Congenital heart defects
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle stretches and becomes thinner)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Congestive heart failure (problems pumping blood)
They also treat aortic stenosis, a condition that makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood from the left ventricle into the aorta.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Telltale symptoms of heart disease include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and lightheadedness
- Swelling due to fluid retention
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- An irregular heartbeat
As the condition gets worse, you might also experience difficulty climbing stairs, taking a walk, or performing other routine tasks.
What causes heart disease?
Heart disease occurs for various reasons, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to experience heart disease if you smoke, drink alcohol, or eat a diet that’s high in saturated fat.
Other factors that increase your risk of heart disease include underlying medical issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Family history can also play a role. If your parents or grandparents had heart disease, you’re more likely to as well.
How is heart disease diagnosed?
To diagnose heart disease, the team at Capital Health & Clinics reviews your medical records and asks about your family’s history of heart disease. Then, they order several tests, including blood work, chest X-rays, and an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram measures your heart’s electrical activity and can detect an abnormal heart rhythm.
Other screening procedures the team might recommend include a stress test, Holter monitoring, and cardiac catheterization. These outpatient procedures can provide the team with additional information about the condition and overall health of your heart muscle.
How is heart disease treated?
Treatment of heart disease usually involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. For example, you can significantly improve the health of your heart by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
If prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary.
To learn more about your treatment options for heart disease, make an appointment at Capital Health & Clinics. Click the online scheduling feature or call the office today.