When Is Shortness of Breath an Emergency?
Shortness of breath is an emergency when sudden or severe, or with chest pain, fainting or blue lips. Learn heart and lung causes and when to call 911.
Cardiologist Serving Katy, Sugar Land, Greater Houston
Cardiologist Serving Katy, Sugar Land, Greater Houston
Evaluation of an enlarged heart and treatment of the conditions behind it.
Being told you have an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) can be worrying. An enlarged heart is not a disease on its own. It is a sign that the heart muscle has thickened or a chamber has stretched, usually because of another condition such as high blood pressure, a valve problem or a weakened heart muscle. Finding that cause is the key to treatment.
Whether an enlarged heart was found on a chest X-ray or you have symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath or swelling, Adnan Khalid, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, can evaluate your heart at our Katy and Sugar Land offices.
Dr. Khalid reviews your symptoms, history and test results himself
Visits in Katy and Sugar Land
Catheter and device procedures at an affiliated hospital
Office follow-up on medicines and risk factors
The term is used in a few different ways, which is why the first step is to find out exactly what was seen:
Some enlargement is mild and stable; some reflects a condition that needs prompt treatment. An echocardiogram usually provides the answer.
Adnan Khalid, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist who cares for patients with heart enlargement, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension and high cholesterol. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, and Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology.
He earned his medical degree at Nishtar Medical College and completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. He speaks English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu. Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Khalid takes the time to explain each diagnosis and treatment option so patients can make informed decisions about their care.
Outside the clinic, he enjoys reading, traveling, fitness, and spending time with his wife and three children.
“I believe in treating every patient like family, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their heart care journey.” – Dr. Khalid
Advanced Cardiology evaluates and manages a broad range of heart and blood vessel conditions at our Katy and Sugar Land offices, following current evidence-based guidelines.
An enlarged heart usually reflects an underlying problem that makes the heart work harder or weakens the muscle. Common contributors include:
Many people with mild enlargement have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are usually caused by the underlying condition or by heart failure, and may include:
Without treatment of the cause, an enlarged heart can lead to heart failure, rhythm problems, blood clots and, in some conditions, a risk of dangerous arrhythmias.
Call 911 for chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes or that comes and goes, sudden or severe shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke signs such as face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty. Office messages are not for emergencies.
Testing is chosen to answer two questions: is the heart truly enlarged, and why? Your evaluation may include:
Not every patient needs every test. If coronary angiography or another hospital-based procedure is needed, it is scheduled at an affiliated hospital, and our office will explain where.
Treatment targets the cause and protects heart function. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may include:
Do not stop or change a heart medicine on your own; follow the specific instructions from your care team. If you have a low ejection fraction, see that page for more detail.
Some forms of heart enlargement, such as certain cardiomyopathies, run in families. If an inherited cause is suspected, Dr. Khalid may recommend that close relatives be checked, often with an EKG and echocardiogram, and may discuss genetic evaluation when appropriate. Tell us if a parent, brother or sister has had cardiomyopathy, heart failure at a young age or sudden unexplained death.
Not every enlarged heart signals disease. Some highly trained endurance athletes develop mild enlargement as an adaptation to exercise, and testing helps tell this apart from a heart-muscle condition.
Bring any chest X-ray, echocardiogram or hospital reports that mention an enlarged heart, plus your medication list. Dr. Khalid will review your history and symptoms, examine your heart, lungs and legs, and decide which tests are needed.
Once results are available, he will explain what is causing the enlargement and discuss your treatment options. Your plan will include follow-up, because many causes of heart enlargement are monitored and adjusted over time.
Between visits, a few habits help you and your care team notice changes early:
Ask our office whether a video visit is appropriate for some follow-ups; rules depend on where you are located during the visit.
Patient Comments
# Cooperative & professional staff. Dr. Khalid is highly competent & experienced. Very kind & friendly too.
# He’s A Very Caring & Concerned Doctor. He Asks Important Questions, He Allows Me To Ask Questions & Fully Answers To My Satisfaction. He Diagnosis & Does Whatever It Takes To Fix My Health Issues. He’s A Wonderful Doctor…& Most Of All, I Trust Him & His Staff.
Please complete your registration forms before your visit, or print them and bring them to your appointment at our Katy or Sugar Land office. If your insurance requires authorization, please have that information sent to our office or bring it with you, along with any medical records you may have. Please also bring your insurance cards, photo ID and medication list.
Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you! Contact us with any questions.
Note: Office messages and appointment requests are not for emergencies. Call 911 for chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes or that comes and goes, sudden shortness of breath, or stroke signs such as face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty – even if the symptoms go away.
Most major insurance plans accepted; coverage is verified individually
(713) 258-6111
Q1: What causes heart enlargement?
Common causes include high blood pressure, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and long-standing rhythm problems. Thyroid disease, severe anemia, heavy alcohol use and lung conditions can also contribute.
Q2: How is heart enlargement diagnosed?
Usually with an echocardiogram, which measures the size, thickness and pumping function of the heart. An EKG, blood tests and sometimes cardiac MRI, rhythm monitoring or stress testing help identify the cause.
Q3: Can an enlarged heart return to normal?
Sometimes. When the cause is treated, such as high blood pressure, a fast heart rhythm or a weakened heart muscle, the heart may become smaller or work better. Other causes are managed over the long term.
Q4: Does Advanced Cardiology accept insurance?
Yes. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and coverage is verified individually.
Q5: Where are your offices located and how can I schedule an appointment?
We have two locations:
Call (713) 258-6111 or use our online appointment request form. Please call to confirm office hours for each location.
Sources: NHLBI – Cardiomyopathy · NHLBI – Heart Failure · NHLBI – Heart Tests · AHA – Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
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Katy & Sugar Land Cardiologist
Advanced Cardiology welcomes new patients at its offices in Katy and Sugar Land. Call our office or send an appointment request, and our staff will follow up.
Most major insurance plans accepted; coverage is verified individually.
For possible heart attack or stroke symptoms, call 911.