Heart Disease

Heart disease is a general term that includes many conditions affecting the structure or functioning of the heart. Some people are born with heart abnormalities that affect heart health, while others develop heart problems because of lifestyle or aging. 

You may not realize you have heart disease until you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. However, for many, a heart attack is their first symptom. 

Dr. Farah diagnoses and treats a comprehensive range of cardiovascular conditions, from common heart problems to complex and rare disorders. These include:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and blockages

Narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries can lead to chest pain (angina) and heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Chest pain and angina

Evaluation and management of stable and unstable angina, including advanced diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause.

Heart attack

Rapid assessment and follow-up care after a heart attack, with risk reduction strategies to help prevent recurrence.

Heart failure and cardiomyopathy

Including systolic and diastolic heart failure, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and other forms of heart muscle disease.

Arrhythmias and syncope

Irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation (A-fib), palpitations, and fainting (syncope).

Congenital heart disease

Evaluation and management of heart abnormalities present from birth.

Valvular heart disease

Including aortic stenosis and other structural valve disorders affecting blood flow through the heart.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and vascular disease

Narrowing or blockages in arteries outside the heart, including carotid and lower extremity disease.

Hypertensive heart disease

Heart complications resulting from long-standing high blood pressure.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

A condition affecting heart rate and blood pressure regulation, often causing dizziness and rapid heartbeat upon standing.

Inflammatory and rare cardiac conditions

Including endocarditis, cardiac sarcoidosis, and cardiac amyloidosis.

High-risk pregnancy and cardiovascular care

Cardiovascular care for women with existing heart disease or pregnancy-related heart complications.

Preventive care: Dr. Farah also emphasizes preventive cardiology and management of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), sleep apnea, and weight management to reduce the likelihood of future cardiovascular events.

Valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease is a structural problem that affects the valves separating the chambers in the heart. These valves may not close all the way, allowing blood to leak through. Or, the valves may not fully open, limiting blood flow through the heart. 

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a type of arrhythmia. 

Heart failure

Heart failure means your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood throughout your body.

Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a type of valvular disease. It occurs when there’s a narrowing of the aortic valve. 

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a stiffening of the heart muscle.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD isn’t heart disease but has the same cause as CAD. With PAD, there’s narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries in your extremities, so it increases your risk of heart disease. 

Many factors might increase your risk of heart disease. These include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• PAD
• Diabetes 
• Overweight or obesity
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart disease
• COVID-19

Dr. Farah takes a preventive approach to heart health. If you have heart disease risk factors or concerning symptoms, like heart palpitations or syncope (fainting), schedule a consultation at Bentley Heart.

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you see Dr. Farah for a heart disease consultation. However, the specifics of your visit may depend on your medical history and symptoms. 

After completing a thorough history and physical exam, Dr. Farah may recommend diagnostic testing to assess heart health. Bentley Heart is a full-service cardiology practice offering many tests, including electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiography, and stress testing. 

Dr. Farah also performs cardiology consultations for pre-op evaluations. 

To schedule heart disease care at Bentley Heart, call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, or book an appointment online today.