What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a broad term used to describe conditions that affect the heart. The term is often used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease. This condition can greatly increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, making spotting its presence early crucial to maintaining your health and taking steps to ensure that your condition does not advance.

Heart Disease Signs and Symptoms
Though heart disease can sometimes show no signs or symptoms, it often presents tell-tale signs of its presence. Men and women may experience different symptoms. However, some of the most common signs of heart disease present themselves in both sexes:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chest tightness
• Chest pressure
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, coldness, weakness, or numbness in the legs or arms, especially if the blood vessels in these areas are narrowed

Regular examinations to search for the signs of heart disease can help spot heart disease early before it advances and causes potentially life-threatening events like heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. See your cardiologist as soon as possible if you suspect you have heart disease.

Preventing Heart Disease in Olney and Rockville, MD
Prevention of heart disease can begin at any time and benefit anyone. Preventative measures against cardiovascular disease include several key factors:

• quitting smoking
• exercising at least 30 minutes a day
• eating a healthy diet, controlling high blood pressure
• maintaining a healthy weight
• practicing good stress-management techniques

If you think you may be at risk for heart disease, you should consult with your cardiologist to ensure that you receive the care you need.

For more information on heart disease or its treatments, please contact Olney and Rockville, MD cardiologists Dr. Leith Abdulla MD at Dr. Leith Abdulla Cardiology. Call (301) 774-5260 to schedule your appointment with your cardiologist today!