Heart Failure in Baytown
Introduction
Heart failure is a condition when the heart muscle is either too weak (systolic heart failure) or too stiff (diastolic heart failure). This results in inability of the heart muscle to pump enough oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body, resulting in symptoms of heart failure.
Systolic heart failure happens when the muscle of the heart is damaged by a heart attack, or long-term health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
It can also be caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.
Heart failure is more likely to happen in older individuals. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, approximately 5.7 million people in the United States suffer from heart failure. More than 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop heart failure in their lifetime. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over age 65.
Heart failure is a serious, lifelong condition and can make everyday activities exhausting. Finding out that you or someone you love has heart failure can be devastating.
Here at Houston Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Sami helps his patients get the right treatment and help them lead an enjoyable, meaningful, and productive life.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath – At rest or while doing simple tasks like dressing or climbing a flight of stairs
- Persistent cough or wheezing – With white or pink sputum, caused by fluid in the lungs
- Fluid buildup – Manifests as swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, or veins in the neck
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue) – Makes shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking difficult
- Feelings of weakness
- Lack of appetite – Heart failure patient feel that they get full more quickly
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fast weight gain, or rapid fluctuations in weight
- Pressure or heaviness in the chest when lying flat
- Weight loss (cardiac cachexia)
Diagnosis
Here at Houston Cardiovascular Institute, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the disease. Dr. Shehzad Sami, a board-certified cardiologist in Baytown, evaluates and diagnoses heart failure with a review of full medical history, a comprehensive physical exam and results from blood and/or cardiac imaging tests.
We offer world class cardiology services in a local setting to patients in Baytown, Dayton, Liberty, Mont Belvieu, Anahuac, Cleveland and Houston, Texas.
Various tests that are used to diagnose heart failure include:
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP): Elevated in patients with heart failure
- Standard blood tests such as kidney function, electrolytes, and thyroid function – Done at on-site Laboratory Services
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records heart’s electrical activity
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram – Ultrasound of the heart. Used to see the cardiac structures and measure function of the heart, known as ejection fraction.
- Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan – Can measure ejection fraction, evaluate heart valve, coronary arteries and scar tissue.
Other tests include Exercise Treadmill Stress Test, Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test and Cardiac Catheterization or Coronary Angiogram, as indicated by clinical scenario.
Treatment
Treatment of heart failure depends on the type of heart failure and the underlying cause. Sometimes it can be corrected by treating the underlying cause. For example, repairing a heart valve or controlling a fast heart rhythm may reverse heart failure.
Heart failure caused by damage to the heart muscle that has developed over time most often is a chronic disease and requires a team approach under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Dr. Sami, a board certified cardiologist in Baytown, will discuss treatment options with the patient and suggest the best choices, depending on individual circumstances.
The cardiac services offered here at Houston Cardiovascular Institute for patient with heart failure range from non-invasive tests for early diagnosis and treatment, all the way to Interventional cardiac catheterizations and referral for heart transplantation for advanced cases. Through collaboration with other specialists in Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, and various hospital systems in Houston TX, Dr. Sami offers exceptional quality of care, excellent treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life for his patients with heart failure.
Other treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Device Therapies
- Surgical Procedures
Dr. Sami believes that the patient is the most important member of the care team. He encourages patients to get involved in managing heart failure. It is up to you as the patient to take medications as prescribed, make necessary lifestyle changes, track their weight and symptoms, and contact Dr. Sami or staff with any changes.
Here at Houston Cardiovascular Institute our patients are the center of everything we do. Our team is constantly seeking ways to deliver care influenced by preferences and values, family situations, cultural traditions, and lifestyle of our patients. We encourage and promote self-management and shared decision-making, and serve as patient advocates at the local and community level to spread and sustain patient engagement efforts. Here, we put our patient’s needs first.
Dr Sami is the best cardiologist
“Dr Sami is the best cardiologist I know of, he is very confident in what he does and it shows. I just had a procedure and all nurses in the heart cath area spoke highly Dr. Sami both before and after the procedure. I read a few reviews that were less than kind and all I have to say is that you need to expect to be in his office for a while and do not make excuses for why you haven’t done what he asked you to do. Dr. Sami does not and will not sugar coat anything as he is here to help you and if he thinks you are not truthful he will let you know.Thank you Dr. Sami for saving my life.”
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one have any signs or symptoms of heart failure or have been diagnosed with heart failure, make an appointment for an evaluation and screening with Dr. Sami. Remember, here at Houston Cardiovascular Institute we will try our best help you achieve greater levels of improvement and emotional wellbeing. We will help you learn to manage the symptoms and live full and enjoyable lives.
Our main office is located at 6051 Garth Road, Suite 300, Baytown, TX 77521. Or you may contact us at 281-839-7949 to set up an appointment.
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