Why Does My Back Hurt With Chest Pain?
Back pain with chest pain may be a muscle strain or reflux, but also a heart attack or aortic dissection. Learn the causes, warning signs and when to call 911.
Cardiologist Serving Katy, Sugar Land, Greater Houston
Advanced Cardiovascular Treatments for a Healthier Heart. Specialized Heart Care for Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and More
At Advanced Cardiology, Adnan Khalid, MD, provides individualized heart-failure care for adults at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. Dr. Khalid completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, and his listed specialties include cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. His approach focuses on identifying the cause and type of heart failure, relieving symptoms, optimizing appropriate treatment and helping patients protect their long-term cardiovascular health. Dr. Khalid is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, and Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology.
Living with heart failure can affect your breathing, energy, sleep and ability to complete everyday activities. Whether you have recently received a heart-failure diagnosis, were hospitalized for worsening symptoms or are concerned about unexplained shortness of breath and swelling, timely cardiovascular evaluation is important.

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
Call 911 right away for sudden or worsening difficulty breathing, breathlessness at rest, chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back, fainting, unresponsiveness, bluish or gray lips, sudden confusion, or coughing up pink, frothy mucus. Also call 911 for chest discomfort with a cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. Symptoms do not have to be severe to be an emergency.
Do not use an online appointment form, an office phone message or the patient portal during an emergency; they are not monitored for emergencies. The American Heart Association recommends calling 911 for possible heart-attack warning signs, including chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Heart failure is not a single disease, and it does not mean that the heart has stopped. It is a clinical condition in which the heart cannot fill with or pump blood as effectively as the body needs.
Some people develop heart failure because the heart muscle has become weak. Others have a heart that contracts normally but has become too stiff to fill properly. Heart failure may affect the left side, right side or both sides of the heart.
Symptoms can develop gradually or appear after a heart attack, rhythm disorder, infection, uncontrolled blood pressure or another serious medical event. Because treatment depends on the cause and type of heart failure, an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Advanced Cardiology evaluates both suspected and previously diagnosed heart failure. We also provide follow-up care for patients who need medication optimization, symptom monitoring or reassessment following a hospitalization.
The American Heart Association describes shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid-related swelling, cough and weight changes among the common manifestations of heart failure.
Consider scheduling a cardiology evaluation when you experience new, recurring or worsening symptoms such as:
These symptoms are not always caused by heart failure. Lung disease, kidney disease, anemia, thyroid disorders, medication effects and several other conditions can produce similar symptoms. A medical evaluation helps determine the underlying cause.
Patients who have already been diagnosed should contact the office promptly if their symptoms are changing, their swelling is increasing, they need more pillows to breathe comfortably, or their weight changes beyond the threshold established in their personal heart-failure action plan.
Adnan Khalid, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist who cares for patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias and high cholesterol. 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.
Dr. Khalid holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, and Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology. He speaks English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.
Known for his patient-centered approach, he takes the time to educate patients about their condition, explain treatment options, and develop individualized care plans. 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 empowered 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.
Breathlessness may occur during exercise, walking or other daily activities. As heart failure progresses, some people experience difficulty breathing while resting, lying flat or sleeping.
Fluid can accumulate in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen. Shoes or clothing may feel tighter, and body weight may increase over a relatively short period.
When the heart cannot meet the body’s demands efficiently, everyday tasks may require more effort. Patients may notice difficulty walking through a store, carrying groceries, climbing stairs or completing routine household activities.
Fluid congestion may contribute to coughing or wheezing. If you cough up pink, frothy or blood-tinged mucus, call 911.
The heart may beat faster in an attempt to meet the body’s needs. Some patients also have atrial fibrillation or another rhythm disorder that contributes to or worsens heart failure.
Some people experience nausea, reduced appetite, abdominal fullness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, particularly when heart failure becomes more advanced.
Report new or changing symptoms to your healthcare team. Call 911 for sudden or worsening breathing difficulty, breathlessness at rest, chest discomfort or fainting.
Heart failure can result from any condition that damages, weakens, stiffens or places excessive strain on the heart.
Common causes and contributing conditions include:
Some patients have more than one contributing cause. For example, high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease may occur together and progressively affect heart structure and function.
Our evaluation is designed to identify both the heart-failure syndrome and the conditions contributing to it. Treating those underlying problems is an important part of the long-term care plan. The NHLBI notes that heart failure may be associated with coronary disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and other conditions that affect heart function.
Your cardiologist may describe heart failure according to the heart’s structure, the side affected or its ejection fraction.
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or HFrEF, occurs when the main pumping chamber does not contract strongly enough. It is generally associated with a left-ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or lower.
HFmrEF is generally used when the ejection fraction falls between approximately 41% and 49%. Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, medical history and the conditions contributing to heart failure.
In HFpEF, the percentage of blood pumped from the left ventricle may remain within a preserved range, but the heart muscle may be stiff and unable to fill normally. A preserved ejection fraction does not by itself rule out heart failure.
Some patients who previously had a reduced ejection fraction improve after treatment. Continued medical follow-up is still important because stopping effective therapy may allow the condition to worsen again.
Right-sided heart failure can cause swelling in the legs or abdomen and may be associated with left-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, valve disease or certain lung conditions.
Current ACC classifications distinguish reduced, mildly reduced, preserved and improved ejection-fraction categories.
A heart-failure diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and appropriate testing. No single symptom or test should be considered in isolation.
Your cardiologist may ask about:
The examination may include checking your blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level and body weight, listening to the heart and lungs, and looking for signs of fluid retention or circulation problems.
An EKG, performed in our office, records the heart’s electrical activity. It may identify a previous heart attack, an abnormal heart rhythm or another finding that warrants additional evaluation.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and movement. It can help assess:
Blood tests may be used to evaluate kidney function, electrolytes, liver function, thyroid function, blood counts and biomarkers associated with cardiac stress, such as BNP or NT-proBNP.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and initial results, further evaluation may include:
Not every patient needs every test. Testing should be selected according to symptoms, risk factors, prior results and the question the cardiologist is trying to answer.
Heart-failure treatment depends on the cause, symptoms, ejection fraction, blood pressure, kidney function, potassium level, other medical conditions and the patient’s individual goals.
The objectives may include:
For eligible patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, contemporary guideline-directed treatment commonly draws from four foundational medication groups:
Other medications may be appropriate depending on symptoms, heart rhythm, blood pressure, kidney function and the underlying cause. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, may be prescribed to reduce fluid congestion and relieve swelling or breathlessness.
Treatment for preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction is also individualized. It may include controlling congestion and blood pressure, considering appropriate evidence-based medication, and treating associated problems such as atrial fibrillation, coronary disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and sleep apnea.
The ACC and AHA emphasize guideline-directed treatment for patients with current or previous heart failure, with medication selection based on the individual clinical situation. Updated ACC pathways also address treatment optimization for both reduced and preserved ejection-fraction heart failure.
Important: Do not start, stop or change a heart-failure medicine without speaking with the prescribing clinician. Several medicines require monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function and electrolytes.
Medication is only one part of heart-failure care. Your plan may also address:
Selected patients may benefit from a cardiovascular procedure or implanted device. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:
These options are not appropriate for everyone. The decision depends on the heart-failure type, severity, test results, response to medication and overall health. Catheterization, device implantation, valve procedures and advanced-therapy evaluations are hospital-based; when one is recommended, it is scheduled at an affiliated hospital or coordinated with the appropriate program, and our office will explain where.
Heart-failure management continues between office visits. Your care team may recommend a personalized plan that includes the following.
Keep an updated medication list and tell your healthcare team about over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Some products may affect blood pressure, kidney function, fluid retention or prescription medications.
When instructed, weigh yourself at the same time each day using the same scale and similar clothing. Contact your healthcare team when your weight changes beyond the threshold in your personal care plan.
Record changes in breathing, swelling, fatigue, heart rate, blood pressure and activity tolerance when requested. Early recognition of worsening congestion may allow treatment to be adjusted before symptoms become severe.
Reducing excess sodium may help limit fluid retention, but the appropriate amount varies. Some patients also need individualized fluid guidance. Follow the instructions provided by your clinician rather than applying a generic restriction.
Regular activity may be beneficial for many medically stable patients. Ask your cardiologist what type and amount of activity is safe before beginning or intensifying an exercise program. Some patients may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.
Good control of blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, kidney disease, weight and sleep apnea can be an important part of heart-failure care.
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. Ask your healthcare team for help developing a cessation plan.
Heart-failure medicines may need to be introduced or adjusted gradually. Follow-up allows the clinician to review symptoms, blood pressure, laboratory results and treatment tolerance.
AHA patient guidance recommends monitoring symptoms, weight, blood pressure and other measures selected by the care team. NHLBI guidance also emphasizes individualized sodium, activity and weight-management recommendations.
Some patients continue to have significant symptoms despite appropriate treatment. Advanced heart failure may be considered when a person has:
Early specialist assessment can help determine whether additional treatment, closer monitoring or evaluation for advanced therapy is appropriate.
Dr. Khalid’s training in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology supports evaluation of complex heart-failure cases. When services such as transplant assessment or mechanical circulatory support are appropriate, care is coordinated with the appropriate hospital-based advanced heart failure or transplant program. These therapies are not provided in our outpatient offices.
Dr. Adnan Khalid has training in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.
Heart failure affects people differently. Recommendations are based on the type of heart failure, symptoms, contributing conditions, test results and treatment goals.
The practice also evaluates conditions that frequently contribute to heart failure, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart-rhythm disorders and valvular heart disease.
Patients receive an explanation of their diagnosis, test results, medication plan, follow-up needs and warning signs to monitor at home.
Patients can request cardiology appointments at two Greater Houston-area locations.
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Your appointment will generally include a review of your symptoms, cardiovascular history, previous testing, medications and risk factors. Dr. Khalid will perform a focused examination and determine whether additional testing is needed.
You will receive an explanation of the findings and recommended next steps. Your plan may involve testing, medication changes, home monitoring, treatment of a contributing condition, follow-up laboratory work or coordination with another specialist.
Because heart-failure therapy often requires adjustment over time, follow-up is an important part of treatment.
Sources: NHLBI – Heart Failure · MedlinePlus – Heart Failure · American Heart Association – Warning Signs of a Heart Attack · NHLBI – Heart Tests
Advanced Cardiology provides heart-failure evaluations and follow-up care at its Katy office.
Advanced Cardiology — Katy
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
Phone: (713) 258-6111
Patients from Katy and nearby West Houston and Fort Bend communities visit our Katy office.
Advanced Cardiology also provides heart-failure evaluations and ongoing care at its Sugar Land office.
Advanced Cardiology — Sugar Land
7102 Tarrington Ave, Suite 505, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Phone: (713) 258-6111
Patients from Sugar Land and nearby Fort Bend communities visit our Sugar Land office.
For either location, call to confirm office hours, insurance coverage (most major plans are accepted; coverage is verified individually) and whether a specific test is performed at that office or arranged elsewhere.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
# 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
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot fill with or pump blood as effectively as the body requires. It can cause breathlessness, fatigue, swelling and reduced ability to perform normal activities. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped beating.
“Congestive heart failure” is commonly used when heart failure is associated with fluid congestion in the lungs or body. Healthcare professionals now often use the broader term “heart failure” because fluid buildup is not equally prominent in every patient.
A cardiologist commonly diagnoses and treats heart failure. Patients with complex, persistent or advanced disease may benefit from a cardiologist with additional training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.
No. Some patients have heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, while others have heart failure despite a preserved ejection fraction. Symptoms, examination findings, imaging and other test results are considered together.
Some patients experience substantial improvement after the underlying cause is treated and appropriate therapy is optimized. However, heart failure is often a chronic condition that requires continuing treatment and follow-up. Do not stop prescribed therapy simply because symptoms or ejection fraction improve.
Evaluation commonly includes a medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and blood tests. Chest imaging, stress testing, rhythm monitoring, cardiac MRI, coronary imaging or cardiac catheterization may be recommended in selected cases.
Ejection fraction is an estimate of the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. It helps classify heart failure and guide treatment, but it is only one part of the overall evaluation.
Treatment depends on the type and cause of heart failure. It may include guideline-directed medications, diuretics for congestion, treatment of high blood pressure or coronary disease, lifestyle recommendations, implanted devices, cardiovascular procedures and advanced-heart-failure evaluation when appropriate.
Some people with heart failure benefit from reducing sodium, and selected patients need a specific fluid plan. The appropriate amount depends on symptoms, kidney function, medications and other medical conditions. Follow the individualized recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
Many medically stable patients can participate in appropriately selected physical activity. Ask your cardiologist what type and intensity are safe for you. Do not begin strenuous exercise during a period of new or worsening symptoms.
Call 911 for sudden or worsening shortness of breath, breathlessness at rest, chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, fainting, unresponsiveness, blue or gray lips, sudden confusion, or coughing up pink, frothy mucus. Symptoms do not have to be severe to be an emergency, and office messages are not monitored for emergencies.
Call Advanced Cardiology at 713-258-6111 or use the online appointment-request form. Select either the Katy or Sugar Land office and provide only the information required for scheduling.
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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.