Blog Archive

Nearly a million Americans have a heart attack every year in the United States. That’s about one heart attack every 40 seconds on average, according to the CDC. Fortunately, you can do lots of things to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks, beginning with knowing your risk...

Swelling in the feet and ankles is a relatively common problem, especially among older women and men. Though it might not seem like a serious issue (especially if there’s no pain), swelling in your extremities can be a sign of underlying medical problems that can lead to significant complications without...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Roughly a third of people suffer from varicose veins, bugling, twisted, purplish veins that can cause painful symptoms in addition to their unattractive appearance. Varicose veins are a sign that your veins aren’t working the way they should, and not surprisingly, that malfunction can lead to persistent aches and pains....

About four out of every 10 Americans experience chest pain during their lifetimes, with women suffering from symptoms more often than men, according to data from the American Heart Association. In fact, chest pain is the second most common complaint for people visiting the emergency room. Although many people associate...

More than 6 million Americans have heart failure, a chronic condition that happens when the heart isn’t able to pump adequate oxygen-rich blood through the rest of the body. Even though it’s a serious condition, heart failure can be managed.  One of the most critical steps in treating heart failure...

Heart palpitations are extremely common, especially as we get older. Often, these tiny perturbations are nothing to worry about. If, however, they’re frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that needs prompt medical attention. At Prime Heart and Vascular, Kiran...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, but the good news is, it’s often preventable. Even better, preventive treatment revolves around noninvasive care, helping patients reduce their heart disease risk factors, improve their cardiovascular health, and decrease the need for more aggressive — and...

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects about 200 million people worldwide, including as many as 45 million Americans. Yet despite how widespread it is, many people don’t know about PAD or what signs and symptoms it can cause. PAD happens when arteries outside your heart and lungs (typically your legs or,...

Vein problems affect millions of Americans, interfering with circulation and causing significant symptoms. Though anyone can develop vein issues, they do tend to occur more frequently in people with specific risk factors. Knowing those risk factors plays an important role in both prevention and treatment. At Prime Heart and Vascular, Kiran Kumar Mangalpally,...

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious health problem that affects millions of Americans. In fact, about one-fifth of Americans over age 50 have PAD, a disease that becomes more common as we get older.  At Prime Heart and Vascular, Rishin Shah, MD, and Kiran Kumar Mangalpally, MD, use a...

About 20% of Americans will develop varicose veins during their lifetimes, and many more will have spider veins, varicose veins tinier “cousins.” Though medical treatments, like sclerotherapy, ablation, and minor surgical procedures can help, many people benefit from more conservative treatments, including compression socks and stockings. At Prime Heart and...

Rishin Shah, MD, Kiran Kumar Mangalpally, MD, and the team at Prime Heart and Vascular are leading providers of cutting-edge heart disease care for patients in Allen, Frisco, and Plano, Texas. In this post, they offer a brief overview of some lesser-known facts about heart disease to help you understand your risks and what you...

About 80-85% of Americans suffer from vein problems, including varicose veins and spider veins. Although you might think these veins are “just” a cosmetic issue, varicose veins are a sign of a circulation problem, and without medical treatment, they can wind up leading to far more serious problems. At Prime...

Millions of Americans suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition associated with poor circulation in the arteries in the limbs, most commonly the legs. In PAD, arteries become blocked or narrowed by the buildup of sticky plaques that cling to the artery walls. People with PAD frequently have leg...

Every year in the United States, about 700,000 people die from heart disease, the leading cause of death for both women and men. In fact, cardiovascular diseases affect about half of all American adults, increasing their risks of death and disability. Those numbers are alarming, but what’s also surprising is...

Women are twice as likely to have varicose veins compared to men, and what’s more, many women find their symptoms worsen at certain points of their menstrual cycle — specifically, when they have their periods. Fortunately, treatment can help. With offices in Allen, Frisco, and Plano, Texas, Rishin Shah, MD, and Kiran Kumar Mangalpally, MD, and...

According to the CDC, more than a third of American adults have leg pain, perhaps partly because so many factors can cause or contribute to it. In fact, many people who have leg pain tend to assume it’s because of overexertion or just “getting older.” But chronic or recurrent leg...

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects about a fifth of Americans over age 50, leaving them at risk for heart attack and stroke. PAD happens when your arteries are clogged by sticky plaques, preventing normal blood flow to your limbs and increasing your risk of dangerous blood clots. PAD is a serious condition,...

Spider veins affect millions of men and women, and they become a lot more common with age. Though many people think of spider veins as an aesthetic issue, they’re also a sign of a problem with your overall circulatory system, occurring when tiny veins are damaged and unable to circulate...

Most people think about COVID-19 as a respiratory disease, but the fact is, it can take a big toll on your heart health, too — even if you don’t have existing heart disease and even if your COVID-19 infection was mild. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 infection and your heart...

We owe so much to our vascular system because it keeps all our organs supplied with oxygen and nutrients, while feeding our muscles, bones, and skin. Your vascular system sends blood everywhere it’s needed, and you have energy and stamina because of it. Your veins are an important part of...

You don’t have to think long to remember how great it feels to have a good night’s sleep, but most people have to think about the last time that they were able to get a full eight hours, or even seven hours. According to The Sleep Foundation, roughly 35% of people in...

Our circulatory system works not only to pump blood out from the heart, but also to the heart. As blood circulates through your system, oxygen and other nutrients are carried throughout the body to keep you going. Without the parts that keep your blood flowing up to the heart, you...

Up to 70 million adults are living with a sleep issue — a disorder, a regular late shift, or health problems that affect sleep. As a result, at least this many people don’t receive the amount of sleep as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not getting enough...

Though the term ‘heart disease’ can be concerning for any patient to hear from their doctor, for many patients, the initial reaction to this diagnosis is a surprise. Although they may have noticed some mild discomfort, they might never have guessed that they were living with a cardiovascular problem.  Surprising...

Many people experience heart palpitations at some point in their lives, and they’re usually fleeting and short, without causing any long-term effects. Some, though, experience heart palpitations as a result of a cardiac condition. If your heart has been racing when you’re sitting, lying down, or sleeping, it might be...

Varicose veins are a pain for many people, but rarely cause pain. Varicose veins, however, can cause some irritation, pain, and other physical symptoms. Though varicose veins don’t usually pose a serious health threat, the discomfort they can cause and their unfortunate appearance may persuade you to seek treatment.   Our...

The American Heart Association estimates that every 40 seconds there is a heart attack in the US. With this concerning number, it’s understandable that heart attack prevention has become an extremely important issue in the medical community. If you have risk factors for a heart attack, including heart disease, we’re...

There is no wrong way to respond to a flutter in your chest, though several can be concerning. For most people, a little flutter in the chest might startle them or make them think they’re falling in love. However, some people feel these flutters, along with other symptoms and should...

Can you imagine if you could see your blood pressure? With varicose veins, that’s essentially what you’re seeing. These dark, twisting veins usually appear on the calves, but they can appear on thighs and ankles, even extending down to the feet. Varicose veins may be some people’s least favorite part...

Heart attacks are responsible for thousands of deaths in the US annually, and that number continues to grow. The World Health Organization lists cardiovascular diseases as the global leading cause of preventable death, with over 17 million people losing their lives every year as a result. Although heart attacks are...

Choosing a balanced diet and an appropriate amount of cardiovascular exercise is important for anyone who’s able to move independently. For senior men, however, taking care of your heart and arteries becomes increasingly important. Senior men lead the rates of people living with chronic conditions that can cause this type...

Feeling the rush with your heart working overtime? There’s a name for that: tachycardia. It’s normal to feel a rapid heartbeat after you’ve been exercising, or if you’re panicking, but tachycardia can affect you in serious, long-term ways if you don’t seek treatment.  At Prime Heart and Vascular in Allen,...

Ever take your own pulse at the base of your neck? You’re feeling for the beat on your carotid artery. You actually have two: one on each side of your head. Your carotid arteries run from your aorta into your brain. As with any other internal organ, your environment and...

Millions of Americans live with the pain and embarrassing appearance of varicose veins. Their distinctive look is difficult to miss and can be the cause of other health problems. Varicose veins have a number of risk factors and mostly affect older people, though people as young as 20 develop them,...

Over 30 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease. It’s also the number one leading cause of death in America. With alarming stats like that, you might wonder how you can tell if you’re experiencing the symptoms of heart disease.  Dr. Rishin Shah and our team at Prime Heart and...

Three million people of all ethnicities in the United States suffer the irregular heartbeats of atrial fibrillation, also known as Afib. Although Afib impacts women and men around the globe, most cases are found in North America and are often linked to lifestyle factors, including obesity and inactivity. If you...

By themselves, spider veins won't usually pose any direct risk to your health. However, they can indicate other health problems that may need to be addressed. Below is some information about spider veins and how they affect your overall health.  What are spider veins? Spider veins are dilated veins that...

Every year in the United States, more than 800,000 people have a heart attack, including about 200,000 people who’ve had a previous heart attack. Caring for yourself after a heart attack is especially important for reducing your risk of having a subsequent episode and for helping avoid other serious problems,...

You’ve undoubtedly felt winded after intense physical activity, but what does it mean when you can’t catch your breath walking across the room?  Dr. Rishin Shah and our team at Prime Heart and Vascular help take the guesswork out of your health. Here’s everything you need to know about shortness...

Vein problems are more common than artery problems. The most common place to have issues with your veins is in your legs, a problem that affects more than 27% of Americans. The condition tends to worsen as you get older and can become serious, even disabling. Vein problems more often...

Chest pain can indicate simple medical problems like muscle strain from too much exercise or, heaven forbid, a heart attack.  The American Heart Association says chest pain is a top 10 reason people go to emergency rooms. More than 7.5 million people sought emergency care for chest pains in 2016,...

Nothing can slow you down faster than peripheral artery disease. This condition can cause several uncomfortable symptoms in your legs, ranging from cramping, weakness, and pain to wounds that just don't heal. With symptoms like these, taking a walk or heading to the gym is often the furthest thing from...

The stresses of modern life can make you tired, unhappy, and unfulfilled. But can they also be a contributor to heart disease? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when your blood is pumping at a high force through your arteries. Hypertension can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk...

Everyone knows viruses can cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold and the flu. But viruses can affect other areas of your body, as well, including your heart. Knowing the symptoms of a heart infection can help you get the care you need quickly, so you can reduce your risks...

If you’ve developed varicose or spider veins in your legs, you’re not alone — 30%-60% of the adult population in the United States develop these types of veins. There are many factors that place you more at risk of developing visible veins, but two account for a large majority of...

The most important muscle in your body is the heart, which pumps out the blood that keeps your tissues and organs nourished every day of your life. The largest blood vessel in the circulatory system is the aorta, and although it’s highly durable, sometimes its walls weaken and bulge, a...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It has been for many years and doesn’t really show signs of being replaced. The first step in preventing heart disease is arming yourself with the facts. You should know: What heart disease is What the symptoms look...

Your veins work hard to keep the blood flowing to your heart from body parts near and far. But it’s those “far” ones that have the hardest job. The veins in your legs have to deal with the extended distance from your heart and also have to work against gravity...

Heart attacks and strokes can be the devastating result of atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of your arteries. Arteries are the superhighways that deliver blood and oxygen to other parts of your body, like your legs, your heart, and your brain.    If that flow is clogged by a buildup...

Your chest feels tight, pain is emanating from your heart, you’re certain you’re having a heart attack and need to race to the emergency room. You’re not alone. Chest pains send about seven million Americans to the ER every year, afraid that they’re about to have or are having a...

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which your blood flow from your lower extremities back to your heart doesn't function properly. Blood pools in your legs, putting pressure on your veins. This condition, which is sometimes caused by circulatory conditions like phlebitis and can eventually lead to serious complications like...

Have you ever experienced chest pain? If you haven’t, odds are that you know someone who has, perhaps even recently. According to the government’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, chest pain has been the second-leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States in recent years, at over 8...

Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib, is a form of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the two upper chambers of your heart try to beat at different speeds and rates. Overtime, these irregular beats can cause blood clots or weakness that can eventually lead to stroke or heart failure. While that...

More than 30 million people suffer from vein problems each year, and more than 100 million Americans live with diabetes or its precursor, prediabetes. These numbers stand out even more when you realize that diabetes is linked to vein conditions. One of those linked conditions is peripheral artery disease (PAD),...

After you’ve been on your feet for a while, do your legs start aching and even burning? Are your feet and ankles swollen? These are some of the signs you may be developing vein problems. Problems in your veins, especially your leg veins, occur more often in adults over 50...

A heart attack is a life-changing event that affects the person who has it, as well as everyone around them, including family and friends. If you’re like most heart attack survivors, you want to do everything you can to prevent having another. Your first step is to recover, and then...

It may not seem fair, but varicose veins are more common in women than men. In fact, they’re twice as common. Why, you may wonder, are women more susceptible to developing these gnarled veins? Well, it may have something to do with pregnancy and hormones.  Renowned cardiologist Rishin Shah, MD,...

You may know all about how plaque buildup in the blood vessels around your heart and brain increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. But have you given any thought to how plaque can affect the arteries that supply blood to the rest of your body? Known...

Whether from an unexpected bill or a tight deadline at work, stress seems to be a fact of life. While you may not be able to escape life’s many stresses, the amount of stress you endure and how you react to it can affect your health, and more specifically your...

The average adult body contains a whopping 100,000 miles of blood vessels that circulate nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Your heart provides the engine for this circulation and sends out blood through your arteries, which then returns through your veins for another round. With so many miles of...

The most important thing women should know about heart disease is that it’s the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Once thought to be primarily a male disease, heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It kills women and men equally. One in three female deaths is due to heart...

Discussions of arterial disease may make you think about heart health. Though there’s never a bad time to consider the effects of lifestyle and disease on the heart, the rest of your circulatory system can suffer, too. Over eight million people in the United States have a condition called peripheral...

If you’re experiencing unexplained dizziness or lightheadedness, it may be time to see a doctor. These symptoms can have a range of causes, but some of them are serious and can even be life-threatening, like carotid artery disease. To find out if your symptoms are related to carotid artery disease,...

If you have chronic venous disease, you’re probably wondering what, exactly, that means, as well as what you can do about it and what you should expect. First, you should know that there are effective treatments that can help you feel better! Chronic venous disease is a name for a...

Many people know the risk factors for a heart attack include everything from high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels to smoking, being overweight, and being under too much stress. What some may not realize, however, is that simply having diabetes can also increase your chances of suffering a heart...