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Heart Disease Specialist

Sunila Philips, MD, FAAFP -  - Family Medicine

Wellness Medicine McKinney

Sunila Philips, MD, FAAFP

Family Medicine & Medical Spa located in McKinney, TX

Approximately a quarter of deaths are due to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. While your genes contribute to your risk, Sunila Philips, MD, FAAFP, and the team at Wellness Medicine McKinney in McKinney, Texas, provide a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to health care to enhance your wellness and reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications. Call Wellness Medicine McKinney to speak with a team member or request a consultation online today.

Heart Disease Q&A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease, sometimes called cardiovascular disease, includes a wide range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. Heart disease causes a wide range of symptoms depending on the specific type of heart disease you have. 

Chest pain and shortness of breath are two of the most common signs of heart disease, but you might also experience:

  • Pain, numbness, and coldness in your legs or arms
  • Pain in your neck, jaw, or back
  • Abnormal heart rate (fluttering, racing, or slow)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Blue skin tone 
  • Tiring easily
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • "High Cholesterol" diet

A low cholesterol diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining good heart health. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Wellness Medicine McKinney for customized, comprehensive care. If you think you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

What causes heart disease?

Your lifestyle is a significant factor in your risk for heart disease, including your:

  • Weight
  • Diet
  • Activity levels
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol use
  • Drug use

If you have other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea, your risk of developing heart disease is higher.

Fortunately, many of the contributing factors for heart disease are within your control. You can take action to improve your health and reduce your risk of disease. 

How is heart disease treated?

At Wellness Medicine McKinney, the team offers a highly customized, patient-focused approach to managing heart disease. While Dr. Philips can prescribe medications as needed, she and her team specialize in lifestyle modifications that aim to address unhealthy choices in your daily habits that contribute to the root cause of your heart disease. 

The team helps you understand the mind-body connection and adjust your relationship with food and exercise. The food that you consume impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health. Changing the way you eat and live your daily life can not only break an addiction to nutrient-deficient foods but also enhance your overall health.  

If you’re interested in a personalized approach to managing heart disease, call Wellness Medicine McKinney, or request an appointment online today.