Leading Medicine Spring/Summer 2024, Houston Methodist Baytown edition

LEADING MEDICINE

HAVE A HEALTHY HEART: Tips to Keeping Yours Beating Strong

At the center of your amazing body is a pump that keeps the whole machine running. Staying heart healthy is an important part of living a long and active life. You can take steps to prevent heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

“Even if you have a family history of heart disease, experiencing these problems yourself isn’t inevitable,” said Dr. Ramone Eldemire, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. “You can help prevent future heart problems by leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Eldemire explained four essential habits you should follow for heart health.

4 HEALTHY HEART HABITS

1. Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. Reduce your heart disease risk by quitting today. Your doctor can help.

2. Eat heart healthy. Make nutritious foods a central part of your diet to help manage cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean proteins and healthy fats.

3. Be active. Reduce your stress and maintain healthy blood pressure with exercise. To get the recommended amount, aim for 30 minutes of exercise, five days per week.

4. Manage existing conditions. Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure to keep them at a healthy level. Work with your doctor to manage conditions such as diabetes, which can lead to heart disease.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Some serious signs and symptoms of poor heart health require a cardiologist, a physician who specializes in diseases of the heart and vascular system.

“Your cardiologist can test your heart, manage your risk factors, and determine the best course of treatment and prevention,” Eldemire explained.

It’s time to see a cardiologist if you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

■ Chest pain

■ Swelling in your legs

■ High blood pressure

■ Shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting

■ Unusually fast or slow heart rate

UNDERSTAND THE RISKS

Keep in mind that sudden symptoms of heart attack can be different in women and men. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or pain in the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back, seek medical attention immediately. Women often experience dizziness and nausea during a heart attack.

Some things that affect your heart health, such as family history and chronic kidney disease, are out of your control. But there are other factors that you can do something about, such as smoking, high alcohol consumption and obesity. Your doctor can help.

“Improving your heart health often means making lifestyle changes,” Eldemire said. “These changes can give you the best chance at a long, healthy life.” •

4 HEART HEALTH HABITS

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Dr. Ramone Eldemire

SPRING INTO HEALTH: 5 Tips t o Build Habits That Stick

When the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming, many of us start to get excited about going outdoors and getting some exercise. But where should you begin when it comes to living healthier this spring?

“Any goal you set should be effective and not overly ambitious, so it’s best to consider some basic steps toward better health,” said Dr. Irfan Dadabhoy, a primary care physician with Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

Dadabhoy offered five steps to start your spring on the right foot.

1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

“An essential step in being healthier is drinking enough water,” Dadabhoy said. “Water is necessary for every part of your body to function properly, even down to the cellular level.”

As a rule of thumb, men should drink 13 cups of water a day and women should drink nine. You are probably hydrated if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is pale yellow or clear.

2.

EXERCISE, BUT NOT TOO MUCH

Dadabhoy suggests choosing a practical workout routine and sticking to it. “Exercising for 15 minutes a day is far better than exercising for an hour a few times a month,” he said. Try both cardiovascular exercises — such as jogging, biking or swimming — and strength training with weights or resistance bands.

Keep reasonable expectations for what you can achieve in a long-term exercise regimen.

3. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

5. RELAX, DON’T STRESS

Stress tops the list of obstacles that impact a healthier lifestyle.

“Elimination of all stress is impossible,” Dadabhoy explained. “But there are some effective ways to manage and minimize it.”

“Getting the right amount of sleep is vital for your health,” Dadabhoy explained. “Sleep affects your mood and your ability to focus on daily tasks.”

Seven to eight hours of sleep for adults provides your body and mind with a strong foundation for better health.

4. SCHEDULE YOUR YEARLY PHYSICAL

Mark it on your calendar and start your spring strong with an annual exam.

“Your primary care provider is a great resource to help you identify key lifestyle changes that can have the greatest impact on your overall health,” Dadabhoy said. “Getting to know you when you are well provides your doctor with valuable information to better treat you when you are sick and track your health over time.”

Consider using common relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga. If you prefer working up a sweat, try walking outdoors or exercising. Even the companionship you share with a pet can have a positive impact on your mental health. •

Spring Into Better Health

Let us help you make a plan to get healthier and stick to it. When you’re ready to find a primary care provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/east or call 713.441.7965

Dr. Irfan Dadabhoy

Don’t Take Osteoarthritis Sitting Down: STAYING ACTIVE TO HELP YOUR KNEE PA IN

Osteoarthritis is often known as a wearand-tear disease. Unfortunately, when osteoarthritis strikes the knees, you may decide to take it easy and opt out of the activities you once enjoyed.

Dr. Aaron Tracy, a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, wants to keep you active. While patients with osteoarthritis may experience knee pain during exercise, physical activity by itself is rarely the cause.

The real culprit for osteoarthritis is genetics or injury.

If your parents both had knee replacements, chances are higher you’ll have a problem, too. “I strive to help my patients manage their pain so they can stay active longer,” Tracy said.

IS MY KNEE PAIN OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis is the disease process of losing the cartilage in your knee — the tissue that cushions the ends of bones to decrease friction with joint movement. This is different from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where the immune system attacks joints and their lining.

You should consult a doctor who can diagnose your knee pain as a symptom of osteoarthrosis or something else. Osteoarthritis has hallmark signs, which may include:

■ Inflammation and swelling

■ Joint tenderness or a feeling of the joint giving out

■ Pain described as deep and aching

■ Stiffness at times, though more common with rheumatoid arthritis

■ Varying amounts of discomfort during an activity or prolonged inactivity

“While pain often occurs while standing or walking, it can also occur when sitting for extended periods,” Tracy explained. “Symptoms are often most noticeable when using the stairs.”

CAN I PREVENT IT?

Family history, aging or injury are the common causes of osteoarthritis.

While some studies indicate supplements such as glucosamine can help, there are actions you can take to reduce pain, including:

■ Building strength, especially in the quadriceps (muscles that control the knee) and hips

■ Managing weight to decrease stress on the joints

■ Quitting smoking, because it lowers blood supply and delays healing

“Strength and exercise are good,” Tracy said. “So is maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, any amount of weight loss will make a difference on your knees.”

HOW DO I TAKE CONTROL?

If your symptoms lead you to decreased physical activity, you may inadvertently be adding to the problem.

The good news? Your doctor can help you manage osteoarthritis pain by ensuring that your fitness routine builds muscles around the knees. With regular check-ins, your doctor will monitor your symptoms and, if needed, adjust your plan.

“My main focus is nonoperative or conventional care to reduce your need for surgery,” Tracy said.

When medical care is needed, it often starts with these steps:

1. Topical ointments are available over the counter and deliver skin irritants that stimulate blood flow to decrease pain.

2. Oral medications, such as an over-the-counter acetaminophen or a prescribed anti-inflammatory, can help with pain and swelling, but require close monitoring of your kidney function by your doctor.

3. Injection therapies are administered by your doctor in the office. He or she will recommend corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, depending on your need.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor will help determine the best course of action for your knees. •

Take Control Over Knee Pain

If you are ready to take control over your osteoarthritis or get back in the game of life, we can help. Don’t suffer in pain and discomfort. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/joint or call 281.427.7400

Dr. Aaron Tracy

YOU CAN FIND KNEE PAIN RELIEF

If osteoarthritis knee pain is coming between you and your fitness routine, consult your doctor. He or she may recommend exercise modifications to help build strength, manage weight and decrease pain symptoms, such as:

Joining a water aerobics class

Riding a bike on an even terrain

Starting a swim routine

Strength training with a professional trainer

Trying light elliptical or stationary bike exercises

Walking or hiking on a trail with soft ground

When these exercises no longer offer you relief, it’s time to talk to your doctor about injections or surgery.

BREATHE EASY: CARING FOR YOUR LUNGS

Chronic lung disease can be overwhelming, with life-limiting symptoms and the need for specialized medical oversight.

“We offer a full spectrum of care,” explained Dr. Atif Qureshi, a pulmonologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. “We help patients with all kinds of lung conditions find out what’s behind their symptoms and make a plan for care.”

WARNING SIGNS OF LUNG DISEASE

Advanced lung disease is when lung disease has worsened to the point where lung function has dropped significantly. The main categories for lung disease include:

Obstructive lung diseases: Involve a narrowing of the airways, making it harder to breathe out

Restrictive lung diseases: Occur when the lungs don’t have the capacity to expand properly, which may be due to lung tissue damage

Pulmonary vascular diseases: Affect the blood vessels that go through the lungs, causing low levels of oxygen in the blood

Symptoms of lung disease can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, severe cough, uncontrolled asthma and wheezing.

“If you have recurring symptoms of lung disease, your doctor may recommend you see a specialist called a pulmonologist,” Qureshi said. “We help patients with a variety of illnesses that affect the lungs and respiratory system.”

These conditions can include:

■ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

■ Cystic fibrosis

■ Emphysema

■ Interstitial lung disease

■ Occupational lung disease

■ Post-COVID-19 lung disease

■ Pulmonary fibrosis

■ Pulmonary hypertension

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

To diagnose complex conditions related to the lungs, pulmonologists use a number of tests, including:

■ Blood tests: To check how well oxygen moves from the lungs to the blood

■ Bronchoscopy: A thin tube with a camera that looks down the throat and into the small airways

■ Cardiopulmonary exercise tests: To find out if the problem is with the lungs or the heart

■ Chest X-ray or CT scan: Images of the chest and lungs to help the doctor investigate your symptoms

■ Spirometry: Measures how much air you breathe in and out, and how fast you can blow out

SPECIALIZED TREATMENTS

Getting a diagnosis before lung disease advances can make a big difference.

“When we see our patients early in the course of disease we have more options for treatment,” Qureshi explained. “Not every patient is a candidate for surgery, so we use a number of other treatments to help reverse or slow down the disease.”

Treatments for managing chronic lung disease include:

■ Antibiotic medications to treat infections

■ Blood pressure medications to treat pulmonary hypertension

■ Blood thinning medications to prevent blood clots

■ Medications to open airways

■ Medications to reduce scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs

■ Oxygen therapy

■ Pulmonary rehabilitation under the supervision of a doctor and respiratory therapists

Chronic lung conditions can be challenging, but with expert treatments, ongoing research and exciting innovations, we can provide leading care to help. •

Breathe With Ease

Our team of experts will help manage your symptoms so you can breathe easier. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/ pulmonology/baytown or call 281.428.4510

Dr. Atif Qureshi

What Does Your Gut Tell You?

Dr. Yassir Ashraf

Indigestion and occasional gastrointestinal (GI) upset happen to all of us from time to time. So how do you know when diarrhea, constipation, gas or abdominal pain means it’s time to see a gastroenterologist to find out if it’s something serious?

“Unexplained GI symptoms, especially those that last a while, can mean it’s time to see a specialist,” explained Dr. Yassir Ashraf, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

TYPES OF GUT PROBLEMS

A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. They can help you with two main types of GI disorders.

Functional GI disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation are both examples of functional GI disorders, when the GI tract doesn’t work as it should.

“Sometimes there is a problem with the nerves in the GI tract,” Ashraf said. “When we see a GI tract that appears normal there may be an issue with movement or sensation.”

Treatments for functional GI disorders can include lifestyle changes, medicines and other therapies that work to keep the digestive system in balance.

Structural GI disorders: Imaging and laboratory tests can reveal a structural problem in the bowel that needs to be

repaired or healed, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease or colon cancer.

“Improving bowel habits can sometimes help relieve symptoms of structural GI disorders, but in other cases, medications or surgery are required,” Ashraf added.

DIAGNOSING GI DISORDERS

It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of GI issues, so it’s important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Keeping a journal of your digestive episodes can help you gather information about any patterns in your symptoms. Record the frequency, day and time of any symptoms you notice, such as frequent or loose bowel movements, constipation, cramps or heartburn. Note any foods or other triggers that could be related.

Abdominal pain could have several causes, from constipation to something more serious, such as appendicitis. Call your doctor right away if the pain is severe, gets worse or comes back, or is accompanied by dizziness, high fever or shortness of breath.

“If you notice any amount of blood in your stool, whether it’s bright red or tarry black, you should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist right away,” Ashraf shared.

A gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, ask about your health history and conduct a physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, he or she may order blood tests or imaging, such as X-rays, GI endoscopy or colonoscopy to help find the source of the issue and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better. •

We’re All About Answers

When you are ready to find the source of your gut problems, we are here to help. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/ gastroenterology/baytown or call 281.422.7970

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists in Baytown offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:

• Innovative pain control methods

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion

• The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain