Chest Pain
The signs and symptoms associated with chest pain may indicate a serious heart condition. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, Dr. Majed Chane specializes in cardiovascular health. If you live in or around Huntington Beach, California, and believe you may be experiencing a heart-related issue, schedule an evaluation online or by phone.
Chest Pain Q&A
What causes chest pain?
Chest pain can take on a variety of sensations and indicate a number of conditions — both heart related and not. You may experience a dull ache or a sharp stabbing sensation, or your pain may radiate to other areas of your body, like your neck and jaw, or even your back and arms.
There are many causes for chest pain, all of which require medical attention to be safe. Causes related to the circulatory system include:
● Pulmonary embolism● Pulmonary hypertension● Heart attack● Angina● Pericarditis● Aortic dissection
Other possible causes of chest pain include:
● Swallowing disorders● Acid reflux● Gallbladder or pancreas problems● Sore muscles● Costochondritis● Rib injuries● Pleurisy● Collapsed lung● Shingles● Panic attack/anxiety
Chest pain involving the heart and/or lungs can indicate a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and contact Dr. Chane if anything seems abnormal.
Heart disease doesn’t always present with chest pain. Sometimes there’s only a vague or atypical discomfort.
The following symptoms may indicate you’re experiencing a heart-related issue:
● Shortness of breath● Nausea/vomiting● Dizziness● Weakness● Burning or tightness in your chest● Pressure/fullness in your chest● Cold sweats
If you’re experiencing a crushing/searing pain that radiates to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or even your shoulders, you may be experiencing a serious heart issue. Pain that varies in intensity, and gets worse with activity, should also not be ignored. If you’re worried you may be having a heart attack, seek emergency help as soon as possible.
How is chest pain diagnosed?
Depending on your symptoms, there are a number of tests Dr. Chane can order to get a better idea of what’s causing your pain:
● Chest X-ray● Blood tests● Electrocardiogram (ECG)● CT scan● Stress tests● Echocardiogram● Coronary catheterization (angiogram)
Your results indicate whether you require follow-up treatment, such as medications or surgery. An angioplasty is a common procedure for chest pain that’s caused by a blocked artery.
What is an angioplasty?
An angioplasty is a procedure used to open a blocked artery. During angioplasty, Dr. Chane inserts a balloon into your artery and inflates it, so blood can pass through. The treatment is typically used in combination with a stent, a small mesh tube that’s placed inside your artery to prop it open and reduce the chances of it narrowing again.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Chane uses either a drug-eluting stent, which is covered in medication that is released into the bloodstream, or a bare-metal stent that contains no medication.
The procedure can be extremely beneficial for quickly opening a blocked artery, which can reduce the amount of damage to your heart during a heart attack. It can also lessen chest pain symptoms and shortness of breath.
If you’re experiencing chest pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane immediately, either online or by phone.
If you’re living with leg pain, swelling, fatigue or cramps, you may feel like you can’t do everything you want to because your ability to move is inhibited. There are many potential causes for these symptoms, including vein thrombosis and peripheral artery disease. Dr. Majed Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California offer expert diagnosis and treatments for the causes of your discomfort. Call or make an appointment online today for effective treatment.
Leg Swelling, Fatigue, Pain, and Cramps Q&A
What causes leg swelling, fatigue, pain, and cramps?
A wide variety of conditions can lead to painful and disruptive symptoms like leg pain, cramping, fatigue, and swelling. Some of the common causes include:
• Vein thrombosisDeep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a condition where a blood clot (thrombus) develops in one of your veins. The clot can impede blood flow back to your heart and lead to fluid retention, swelling, and pain. DVT develops after extended periods of immobility such as long airplane trips or being bedridden after an injury or surgery.
• Varicose veinsVaricose veins and venous insufficiency causes ineffective blood flow back to your heart, leading to leg swelling, edema, cramps, and leg pain.
• Peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where circulation to your extremities is reduced because your arteries have narrowed. While it can develop in your arms or abdomen, PAD is most often diagnosed in your legs.
The reduced circulation means the muscles and other tissues in your legs don’t get enough oxygen or nutrients. When your muscles are deprived, you experience symptoms like aches, cramping, and fatigue.
How is the cause of leg pain and swelling diagnosed?
At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, Dr. Chane and his team offer comprehensive exams including diagnostic imaging studies to identify the condition causing your symptoms. They review your medical history and talk to you in detail about your symptoms and your lifestyle.
They examine your legs for abnormalities such as a lower temperature in your feet or ankles or swelling. They also check your pulse and blood pressure in your ankles.
Dr. Chane also uses vascular ultrasound to monitor the blood circulation in your legs. He can see if your blood is flowing normally and if there are any signs of blockages or narrowed arteries. If he suspects peripheral arterial disease (PAD), he may order additional testing.
How are leg pain, swelling, and fatigue treated?
Dr. Chane provides leg treatment that both relieves your symptoms of cramping, swelling or fatigue and addresses the underlying condition. For example, you may find relief from wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs. Alternatively, you may need medication or endovascular treatments to improve your circulation.
If leg pain, swelling, and fatigue are disrupting your life, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team online today.
Poor circulation is more than just a nuisance; if left untreated and unmanaged it can lead to severe complications. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, Dr. Majed Chane and his team look at your whole circulatory system noninvasively; from the heart to veins and beyond, to find the true cause of your issues and provide cutting-edge treatments. Schedule your appointment by contacting the office or using the online scheduler today.
Circulation Q & A
What is the circulatory system?
The circulatory system is an intricate network connecting the blood vessels and the heart, providing nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. The heart pumps blood all over your body. Arteries carry the blood away from the heart while veins carry it back. Having proper circulation helps you stay healthy, and having poor circulation may be indicative of a more serious underlying health condition.
What are symptoms of poor circulation?
Poor circulation has many symptoms, including:
● Numbness or tingling in your limbs● Muscle cramps● Cold hands or feet● Swelling in the extremities● Fatigue
Each circulatory disease has its own unique symptoms. But these signs are common indicators of circulation problems.
What are common circulation diseases and disorders?
Poor circulation causes many diseases and disorders, some of which are:
● An aortic aneurysm● Peripheral artery disease (PAD)● Coronary artery disease● Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
If you have certain diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk of developing these issues.
How are circulation diseases treated?
Dr. Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists take a holistic, no-drugs approach to treating circulatory issues. Technologies such as BEMER®, which uses a pulsed electromagnetic field, and ECP, short for external counterpulsation therapy, help stimulate blood circulation, which increases blood flow and relieves your symptoms.
How can I prevent circulatory diseases and disorders?
There are things you can do at home to help reduce your risk of developing circulatory issues, such as:
● Maintain a healthy weight● Exercise frequently● Manage diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes● Quit smoking
If you have a family history of high blood pressure or circulatory disorders, be sure to have regular check-ups to monitor you for these issues.
If you’ve experienced symptoms of poor circulation like cold hands and feet or tingling in your extremities, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team today. You can make your appointment by contacting the office or scheduling it online.
An estimated 6 million Americans are living with congestive heart failure, a condition marked by your heart’s inability to pump blood properly due to fluid buildup. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane and his team provide cutting-edge treatments and ongoing monitoring to help manage congestive heart failure. If you notice symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling in your feet and ankles, or unexplained weight gain, call or schedule an appointment online today and find out more about congestive heart failure.
Congestive Heart Failure Q & A
What is congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure, which is sometimes referred to as simply heart failure, develops when your heart doesn’t pump blood properly as a result of fluid buildup in your body. It’s one of the most common reasons adults over 65 seek medical attention.
If you have congestive heart failure, it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working. It means your heart is working inefficiently and isn’t supplying your body with sufficient blood and oxygen. When congestive heart failure is left untreated, it can worsen over time. With your heart not pumping enough blood, a backup of blood can develop in your veins, leading to troublesome symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure?
There are a variety of common signs and symptoms, both physical and cognitive, that are associated with congestive heart failure, including:
● Shortness of breath, particularly while exercising or lying down● General fatigue● Coughing or wheezing, particularly while exercising or lying down● Swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs● Unexplained weight gain● Inability to concentrate or think clearly
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
What causes congestive heart failure?
One of the most common causes of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries that supply your heart with blood grow constricted by backed up plaque. There are also a host of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing congestive heart failure, including underlying conditions, such as:
● Previous heart attack● Heart defects present since birth● Hypertension (high blood pressure)● Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)● Being overweight● Diabetes● Thyroid problems● Alcohol or substance abuse
The best way to limit your risk of developing congestive heart failure is maintaining both a healthy weight and an active lifestyle.
How is congestive heart failure treated?
First, Dr. Chane performs a comprehensive physical exam, and then he may opt for additional testing, such as blood tests, an echocardiogram, or stress testing, before offering a congestive heart failure diagnosis.
For treatment, Dr. Chane and his team work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that can help you manage this chronic condition. In most cases, a key part of treatment includes adopting healthy lifestyle choices, such as a consistent exercise routine, healthy dieting, and quitting bad habits like smoking or consuming too much alcohol.
Depending on the specifics and severity of your condition, you may also need ongoing medication management or surgery. Dr. Chane closely monitors your heart condition and tracks your progress to update your treatment plan accordingly.
To learn more about congestive heart failure and treatment options available to you, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Nearly half of American adults suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, with most not even knowing it. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane and his team regularly diagnose and manage hypertension with lifestyle modification counseling and innovative treatments. Hypertension, which occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high, can lead to stroke or heart failure. To learn more and get tested, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Hypertension Q & A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that occurs when the force of your blood pushing up against your artery walls is high enough to cause health problems, such as heart disease. Your blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure measures the pressure of blood against your artery walls when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure between each beat. A normal blood pressure reading is anything with a systolic pressure below 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. The reading is given with the systolic pressure listed above the diastolic pressure.
Hypertension generally takes many years to develop. It’s easy for Dr. Chane to detect it, and once you know you have the condition, you can work to manage and control it, limiting your risk of more serious health problems that can arise, including heart attack and stroke.
How do I know if I have hypertension?
You can actually have hypertension for years without noticing any signs or symptoms, which has earned it the nickname “the silent killer.” In some cases, you may notice symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or nosebleeds, but these aren't specific and typically don't occur until hypertension is at a life-threatening stage. The only way to detect hypertension is to receive a blood pressure test.
Who is at risk of developing hypertension?
Since there are rarely any signs or symptoms associated with the onset of hypertension, it’s important to know who’s at risk. Hypertension has many risk factors, such as:
● Age, particularly if you’re over 65● Family history of hypertension● Being obese or overweight● An inactive lifestyle, lack of exercise● Smoking or chewing tobacco● A diet high in sodium● A diet low in potassium● Alcohol abuse● Stress
Many different underlying chronic conditions can also increase your risk of developing hypertension, including diabetes, kidney failure, and sleep apnea.
How is hypertension treated?
To measure your blood pressure, Dr. Chane or a team member places an inflatable cuff around your arm. The cuff is connected to a gauge that measures your blood pressure as the cuff is tightened around your arm. A hypertension diagnosis with either be elevated, stage 1, or stage 2, depending on your reading.
A major part of hypertension treatment and management is lifestyle modification counseling. Dr. Chane and his team help you incorporate exercise and new diet strategies into your routine.
Among the common changes they recommend are lowering your sodium intake and boosting the amount of potassium in your diet. Managing medications, such as calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics, can also help manage your hypertension.
Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about hypertension and how you can manage this common condition.
If you have bulging, blue, ropy veins on your legs, you have varicose veins, a sign of a medical condition known as venous insufficiency. At CA Heart Specialists and Vein Clinic in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane and his team offer expert treatments including endovenous ablation and VenaSeal™ to remove varicose veins and improve your circulation. If you want to get rid of your varicose veins, call or make an appointment online today.
Varicose Veins Q & A
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that usually appear on your legs. These veins are generally dark blue or purple.
Varicose veins go beyond their unpleasant appearance; they’re also a sign of other cardiovascular health issues.
What causes varicose veins?
A condition called venous insufficiency causes varicose veins. Your veins, which carry oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart, have small valves that assist your heart in returning the blood. These valves are especially important in your legs as your blood is flowing upward against gravity.
When these valves are weak or damaged, they don’t open and close properly. This inhibits your blood flow and can allow blood to leak back and get stuck in part of a vein. As this blood pools, your vein swells and a varicose vein develops.
How are varicose veins treated?
Dr. Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists offer customized care to remove your varicose veins and improve your vascular health. Treatment begins with a diagnosis of your condition, which usually includes a venous ultrasound so Dr. Chane can monitor your blood flow. Once your assessment is complete, they offer the most complete treatment options for Varicose veins including the Radiofrequency/Laser, MOCA ablation and venaSeal endovascular procedures (non-surgical with no stitches) in addition to Micro-Phlebectomy (A micro-surgical procedure).
Radiofrequency/ Laser ablationUsing local numbing medication, Dr. Chane advances a small catheter to your varicose vein under ultrasound guidance. Once the catheter is in place, he releases a small electrical current/laser energy that heats and seals your varicose vein then the catheter is withdrawn out completely.
MOCA: Mechano-Chemical AblationMOCA is another endovascular procedure to treat the varicose veins. A rotating catheter is advanced into the vein while a drug called sclerosant is injected through the catheter to close the vein.
VenaSealVenaSeal is a state of the art newly approved treatment that seals varicose veins with a medical adhesive. Dr. Chane uses venous ultrasound to guide the catheter through your vein so he can inject the adhesive directly into your varicose vein. This treatment does not require wearing compression stock post procedure and is a great option for patients who prefer not to wear them post op.
Varithena
Varithena is a quick, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Instead of surgery, a special foam medication is gently injected into the problem vein, causing it to shrink. Your body naturally reroutes blood through healthier veins, improving circulation and helping symptoms like aching, swelling, or skin changes.
Dr. Chane and his team deliver these treatments as in-office, outpatient procedures usually the treatment is completed in less than an hour. They require little to no downtime, and patients are able to walk and resume most of their regular activity immediately after the procedure, Dr. Chane provides advice on how to care for your legs while you recover.
Call or make an appointment online today for expert treatment for varicose veins.To learn more about spider and varicose veins, click here!
Not only can leg ulcers be painful, but if left untreated, they can lead to severe complications like infection. Dr. Majed Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California have the expertise to provide leg ulcer treatment to men and women in and around Orange County. If you notice leg sores and wounds that won’t heal, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team right away. You can schedule your appointment using the online system, or by contacting the office.
Leg Ulcer Treatment Q & A
What is a leg ulcer?
A leg ulcer is a sore that is slow to heal or won’t heal altogether. This condition is more common in women and is usually related to poor circulation in the blood vessels underneath the sore, which limits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed to heal the wound.
Though leg ulcers are easy to treat, if left untreated, they can lead to serious issues such as an infection.
What are the symptoms of leg ulcers?
Along with the tell-tale symptom of a sore that won’t heal, other symptoms of leg ulcers include:
● Pain around the sore● Leg swelling● Enlarged veins in the leg● A rash or dry skin around the wound● Oozing pus from the wound
If you have diabetes, you may not feel pain stemming from a leg ulcer. It’s important to check for wounds regularly if you have diabetes so issues can be detected and treated early.
What are leg ulcer treatment options?
Dr. Chane and his team’s approach treats both the skin problem you can see and the circulation problem underneath. They use a minimally invasive treatment to close off the damaged veins that are causing poor blood flow. This helps improve circulation and gives the skin the best chance to heal. At the same time, they care for the ulcer directly with specialized dressings, and if there is any sign of infection, antibiotics are given promptly. Addressing both the root cause and the wound itself aims to promote faster healing, reduce pain, and help prevent ulcers from coming back.
Am I at risk for developing leg ulcers?
Leg ulcers are often hereditary, meaning if you have a family history of them, you’re at increased risk of developing them as well.
Other risk factors include:
● Obesity● Having diabetes● Smoking● A history of high blood pressure
Lower your risk of developing leg ulcers by quitting smoking and managing health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Leg ulcers are often painful and if left untreated can lead to other complications. If you notice a sore on your leg that is slow to heal or isn’t healing at all, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists. Schedule your appointment by calling the office or using the online scheduler.
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, it could be a sign you’re suffering from a heart-related condition. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane specializes in a variety of services to ensure your heart is functioning properly. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chane, book an appointment online or call the office directly.
Shortness of Breath Q & A
What causes shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, can be scary. The sensation is often described as feeling like you’re suffocating, accompanied by a tightness in your chest. While there are external factors that can cause shortness of breath, like altitude or exercise, unexplained symptoms are usually a sign of a medical problem.
In most cases, shortness of breath is the result of either a lung or heart condition. Symptoms that come on suddenly are often an indication of a potentially serious medical issue, such as:
● Pneumonia● Collapsed lung● Pulmonary embolism● Sudden blood loss● Upper airway obstruction● Asthma● Carbon monoxide poisoning● Fluid around your heart● Heart attack● Heart failure● Low blood pressure
A number of chronic conditions can also cause shortness of breath, like heart dysfunction, lung disease, or obesity. You should pay attention to any change in your ability to breathe and seek medical attention to make sure your heart and lungs are performing properly.
What heart problems are associated with shortness of breath?
Since your heart plays a vital role in supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from your tissues, shortness of breath can be a sign of several heart conditions.
CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that makes it hard for your heart muscle to pump and circulate blood. It can eventually lead to heart failure.
Heart arrhythmiasHeart arrhythmias are irregularities in the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats. They can cause your heart to beat too slowly or too quickly.
Heart failureCongestive heart failure means your heart isn’t pumping your blood properly. It’s caused by conditions like narrow arteries or high blood pressure.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease happens when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, usually because the arteries that supply it have become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of fatty deposits. This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other symptoms, and in severe cases can lead to a heart attack.
Shortness of breath may also be a sign that you’re having a heart attack, especially for women. If your heart isn’t properly pumping blood, your tissues aren’t able to receive enough oxygen, so you feel fatigued and breathing can be difficult.
When should I see a doctor?
It’s important to have Dr. Chane evaluate you if you’re experiencing shortness of breath or any of the following symptoms:
● Wheezing● Swollen feet and ankles● Trouble breathing while lying down
If your shortness of breath is so severe that it’s impacting your ability to function, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. This is especially true if you’re also experiencing chest pain, nausea, or fainting — all signs that you may be having a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism.
If you have any questions or concerns about shortness of breath and how it could potentially relate to a heart condition, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane online today.