Dr. Leith Abdulla Cardiology

Could you have heart disease? Identifying your risk factors and making lifestyle changes when possible can help you lower your risk or manage the disease if you have it. Your Olney and Rockville, MD, cardiologist, Dr. Leith Abdulla of Leith Abdulla Cardiology, diagnoses and treats heart disease and helps you care for your heart health.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Symptoms of heart disease aren't always obvious and may include:

  • Chest Pain: Chest pain can be a symptom of the disease even if it doesn't occur constantly or doesn't seem to be particularly strong. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience severe pain, pressure or squeezing in your chest, vomiting, nausea, or pain that travels to your neck, jaw or shoulders.
  • Shortness of Breath: Even minor exertion may leave you short of breath if you have heart disease.
  • Palpitations: Palpitations aren't necessarily serious but can be an indication of heart disease. Your heart may skip a beat if you have a palpitation, or it may flutter, pound or race.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue can occur if your heart must work harder than normal.
  • Pain, Numbness or Weakness in Your Arms and Legs: These symptoms may occur if your blood vessels have narrowed due to heart disease.
  • Dizziness, Lightheadedness or Fainting: Fainting or dizziness can happen for many reasons, including heart disease.
  • Swollen Ankles, Feet or Legs: Blood may collect in your leg and causes fluid to accumulate if your heart doesn't function normally.

Who is most likely to develop heart disease?

You may be at increased risk of heart disease if you are a man or woman past menopause. Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
  • Obesity
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Lack of exercise
  • Unhealthy diet
  • A family history of heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Race or ethnic group (heart disease is more common in American Indians, African-Americans and Mexican Americans)
  • Diabetes
  • Stress

A visit to your Rockville or Olney, MD, cardiologist can you ensure that you receive appropriate treatment should you have heart disease or an underlying condition that may increase your risk.

Are you worried that you may have heart disease? Schedule an appointment with your Olney and Rockville, MD, cardiologist, Dr. Leith Abdulla of Leith Abdulla Cardiology, by calling (301) 774-5260 for the Rockville, MD, office or (301) 881-5858 for the Olney office.

This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.