Heart Disease Specialist
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, accounting for about 610,000 deaths per year in the United States.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it’s also highly preventable. It refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve problems. At Prime Heart and Vascular, we’re dedicated to helping patients understand their risk factors and take steps to prevent serious complications.
Age and Gender
As you age, your risk of developing heart problems increases. Men are generally at higher risk earlier in life, while women’s risk rises after menopause. To learn more about how your age and sex impact your cardiovascular health, visit our page on cardiovascular disease.
Family History
A strong family history of early heart disease—especially in a parent or sibling—can raise your risk. That’s why early screening is essential. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about a preventive heart screening.
Smoking and Lifestyle Habits
Smoking is one of the most dangerous risk factors for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Combined with a poor diet and physical inactivity, smoking greatly increases your chances of developing heart issues. Learn more about lifestyle changes that promote heart health on our wellness and prevention page.
High Blood Pressure
Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can damage arteries before symptoms appear. Regular blood pressure checks are key. Our team at Prime Heart and Vascular provides advanced care for patients with hypertension, helping them manage the condition and reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
High cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. We offer complete cholesterol testing and treatment plans to help reduce plaque formation and improve vascular health. Learn more about the signs and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Diabetes and Heart Disease
People with diabetes are at much higher risk of developing heart disease. Blood sugar affects the blood vessels and can lead to serious complications if unmanaged. Visit our diabetes and vascular health page to understand how diabetes and heart conditions are linked—and how we can help.
Obesity and Inactivity
Carrying excess weight and not getting regular exercise are two major risk factors that often go hand in hand. Physical inactivity also raises your blood pressure and cholesterol, contributing to long-term damage. Visit our treatment and prevention page to see how small steps can make a big impact on your heart.
Stress and Heart Health
Chronic stress can take a toll on your cardiovascular system. It contributes to high blood pressure and may even trigger heart events in people with underlying disease. Managing stress through mindfulness, physical activity, and support can help protect your heart.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment can save your life. Learn more about heart palpitations and when they become a concern.
Schedule an Appointment
At Prime Heart and Vascular, we’re here to help you prevent and manage heart disease. Our specialists offer expert care, cutting-edge diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward better heart health.
Heart Disease Q & A
Heart disease refers to a series of diseases and conditions that impact your cardiovascular system and heart. The most common forms of heart disease include:
- Arrhythmia
- Congenital heart defects
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Heart disease can block or narrow your blood vessels’ canals, often leading to high blood pressure, angina, strokes, and heart attacks. These conditions are understood as cardiovascular diseases.
Oftentimes, heart disease doesn’t show symptoms until the last minute, making it difficult to identify what you are suffering from. Dr. Shah is committed to developing strict screening schedules and counseling for patients to ensure that all symptoms are monitored and addressed.
Some of the most common signs of heart disease include, but are not limited to:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Pain or numbness in arms and legs
- Irregular heartbeat
- Back, neck, jaw, and upper abdomen pain
- Swelling
Each symptom affects individuals differently, depending on their overall health and gender.
There are many causes that contribute to the development of heart disease. Your chances of developing heart disease, especially arrhythmia and coronary artery disease, increase if you:
- Smoke
- Have high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Maintain a poor diet
- Struggle with obesity and being overweight
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Have a high-stress level
- Have diabetes
For more specific diseases, the causes are more targeted.
Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects occur in the womb and develop while the baby’s heart develops. The mother’s lifestyle, health, and medicine regimen can have a severe effect on the development of congenital heart defects.
Cardiovascular disease
The most common causes of cardiovascular disease include:
- Various infections, like endocarditis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Rheumatic fever
Heart disease can have life-threatening side effects, including:
- Heart failure
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Aneurysms
- Strokes
- Heart attack
- Peripheral artery disease
Dr. Shah provides expert solutions to help you find a healthy diet, medication regimen, and exercise plan. The more robust these are, the lower your chances are of experiencing heart disease.
Through rigorous and intensive counseling, Dr. Shah helps you make the necessary changes to your life. Should counseling not work, he can prescribe targeted medication to treat the exact type of heart disease you are suffering from.
Contact Prime Heart and Vascular today to learn more about how you can prevent, treat, and eliminate heart disease.