Heart disease tends to develop over a period of time. More often than not, you will experience early warning signs long before you develop serious heart problems. At the same time, some early warning signs may not be quite as obvious. Plus, no two people will have the exact same symptoms. When you have questions about heart disease in Rockville and Olney, MD, reach out to Dr. Leith Abdulla Cardiology.

Chest Pain (Angina)

Pain in the chest also referred to as angina, is one of the most obvious signs of heart disease. You will not only feel pain in your chest but possibly throughout your entire body. In addition, you may feel nauseous, breathless, and like you could faint. The pain in the chest may be mild or severe, and it is often triggered by physical exertion or stress.

Shortness of Breath

When the heart is unable to pump blood the way it should, it can result in the blood backing up within your veins that go to the heart from the lungs. This can then lead to fluid leaking into your lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing. Therefore, shortness of breath is another early warning sign of heart disease in Rockville and Olney, MD. You may experience shortness of breath at any time, whether you are physically exerting yourself or simply resting.

Swelling of the Lower Extremities

Swelling, also referred to as edema, in the lower extremities, such as your legs, ankles, and/or feet, is another warning sign of heart disease. When your heart is not up to par, the blood flow decreases and backs up in your leg veins. Similar to the lungs, this leads to fluid building up within your tissues. In some instances, you may notice weight gain or swelling in the stomach.

Catch Heart Disease Early by Making an Appointment Today

It is important to understand that when you feel like something is off about your body and health, you should reach out to a professional. The older you get, the more at risk you are of developing heart disease. Of course, your lifestyle choices play a role as well. Dr. Abdulla at Dr. Leith Abdulla Cardiology can help diagnose heart disease in Rockville and Olney, MD, while also identifying ways to improve your overall health. Call (301) 774-5260 today to schedule an appointment.