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 varicose veins, leg swelling and venous insufficiency, with treatment options discussed or referred.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs. For some people they are mainly a cosmetic concern; for others they cause aching, heaviness, swelling, itching or skin changes that make daily activities harder. Because leg symptoms can also come from arteries, the heart or blood clots, a careful evaluation helps find the right next step.
If you notice bulging veins, ongoing leg discomfort, swelling or skin changes, Adnan Khalid, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, can evaluate your symptoms at our Katy and Sugar Land offices, arrange a venous ultrasound when needed, and discuss treatment options with you, including referral when a procedure is appropriate.
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
Leg veins carry blood back to the heart against gravity. Small one-way valves inside the veins keep blood moving upward. When those valves weaken or the vein walls stretch, blood can flow backward and pool, a condition called venous insufficiency. Over time, the veins enlarge and become visible.
Factors that raise the risk include:
Spider veins are smaller, thinner versions near the skin surface. They usually do not cause symptoms but can occur with larger varicose veins.
Adnan Khalid, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist who cares for patients with varicose veins and other vein conditions, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias and high cholesterol. His listed specialties include cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and advanced heart failure and 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 treat every patient like family, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and empowered in their vascular and 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.
Varicose veins are sometimes part of a broader circulation picture. During your evaluation, Dr. Khalid considers related or look-alike conditions, including:
Common symptoms include aching, heaviness, throbbing, cramping, swelling that worsens through the day, itching and skin darkening around the ankles. Most varicose veins are not dangerous, but complications can include skin ulcers, bleeding from a vein near the surface and blood clots.
Call 911 for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood, especially with leg swelling. These can be signs of a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs. Office messages are not monitored for emergencies.
Evaluation starts with your symptoms and an examination, then ultrasound when it will change the plan:
Ultrasound shows how the veins work but not every cause of leg symptoms, so results are interpreted together with your examination and history.
Treatment depends on your symptoms, ultrasound findings and goals. Dr. Khalid will discuss which options fit your situation:
Every procedure has benefits, limits and risks, such as bruising, discomfort, skin changes or, rarely, blood clots. Recovery varies from person to person.
Leg swelling and discomfort are not always caused by varicose veins. Heart failure, artery disease, kidney problems, some blood pressure medicines and blood clots can produce similar symptoms. A cardiology evaluation looks at the whole circulation, so treatment is aimed at the real cause. Dr. Khalid explains your findings, answers your questions and involves you in each decision.
Pregnancy often makes varicose veins appear or worsen, and many improve in the months after delivery. Talk with your obstetric clinician about leg symptoms during pregnancy, and seek prompt care for sudden one-sided leg swelling or pain.
Your first appointment includes a review of your medical history, medicines and vein-related symptoms, followed by an examination of your legs, pulses and skin. Wearing loose clothing that allows your legs to be examined is helpful. If needed, a venous ultrasound is arranged. Bring a list of your medicines, any previous vein ultrasound or procedure reports, and the compression stockings you use, if any.
Afterward, Dr. Khalid will explain your diagnosis and walk you through the treatment options that fit your goals, including whether a procedure or referral makes sense. Some insurance plans require a period of conservative care, such as compression stockings, before covering vein procedures; our team can help you understand your plan’s requirements.
Ask our office whether a video visit is appropriate for some follow-up discussions; rules depend on where you are located during the visit, and leg examinations and ultrasounds require an in-person 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 varicose veins?
Weak or damaged valves inside the veins allow blood to flow backward and pool, which stretches the veins. Family history, age, pregnancy, prolonged standing and excess weight increase the risk.
Q2: When should varicose veins be evaluated?
Consider an evaluation if you have aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, skin discoloration, a sore that will not heal or veins that bleed. Visible veins without symptoms may not need treatment, but an evaluation can tell you whether anything else is going on.
Q3: Are varicose veins a sign of a heart problem?
Usually not. Varicose veins are a vein problem. However, leg swelling can also come from heart failure or other conditions, which is one reason a full circulation evaluation can be useful.
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 – Varicose Veins · MedlinePlus – Varicose Veins · MedlinePlus – Edema
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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.