Clinical Interests

Dr. Rushd Jibran’s clinical interests represent the specific areas of medical expertise and passion that guide his practice and patient care. Dr. Jibran can provide specialized and knowledgeable care, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment tailored to their unique needs.

Palpitations

(Arrhythmias)

Palpitations are common and can be occasional irregular beats, often triggered by caffeine or alcohol, known as ‘extra systoles.’ They may also include fast and/or heavy heartbeats, suggesting arrhythmias like SVT, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular tachycardia. Patients should discuss palpitations with their doctor, especially if they last for more than a few seconds, are associated with symptoms like dizziness, sweating, or chest pain, or if there is a family history of heart disease. A comprehensive cardiac check-up is recommended for thorough evaluation.

Angina

(Chest Pain)

Angina is chest pain caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart, but not all chest pain is heart-related; it can also stem from issues in the lungs, chest wall, or stomach. Nonetheless, angina is a concerning cause of chest pain, warranting prompt evaluation by a doctor to determine its origin. Heart-related pain may include central discomfort, tightness, or heaviness, often radiating to the neck, jaw, or left arm, triggered by physical or emotional stress, and sometimes occurring at rest. Angina-like pain at rest, awakening at night, or lasting over 15 minutes may require emergency attention and a call for an ambulance.

Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness can serve as an indicator of heart failure, along with other symptoms such as difficulty breathing while lying flat and swelling of the ankles.

In some cases, breathlessness can also be a manifestation of ‘angina.’ Instead of chest pain, patients experience breathlessness during physical exertion, which is caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart. However, it’s important to consider that breathlessness might be linked to lung issues, typically accompanied by coughing or wheezing as additional symptoms.

Dizziness and Blackouts

Investigating all blackouts is crucial. While some have simple causes like vasovagal syncope triggered by factors such as fright or prolonged standing, determining the underlying cause is essential. Warning signs like sweating, nausea, or dizziness may precede collapses in these cases. Once investigated, treatments are straightforward, and the condition is usually harmless. However, blackouts without warning signs or those with additional symptoms like chest pain or palpitations are concerning and require thorough evaluation. Those experiencing exercise-related collapses, especially at a young age, or with a family history of cardiac disease, should consult a cardiologist specialized in inherited heart conditions. Investigations may include ECG, echocardiogram, and a 24-hour heart monitor to assess heart function and rhythm.

Heart Murmur

(Valvular Heart Disease)

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. It can be caused by various factors, such as turbulent blood flow through the heart valves or structural abnormalities in the heart. Heart murmurs are often harmless and may not require treatment. However, some murmurs can indicate underlying heart conditions that need further evaluation. A thorough medical examination, including listening to the heart with a stethoscope and possibly additional tests like echocardiography, helps determine the cause and severity of the murmur. Based on the findings, appropriate management and follow-up can be recommended to ensure the best possible heart health.

Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)

High-pressure blood flow through arteries can lead to permanent damage to the vessels, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. According to the guidelines of the British Hypertension Society and the European Hypertension Society, high blood pressure is always assessed using Ambulatory BP monitoring before starting treatment. If a secondary cause is suspected, further investigations are conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. It can result from various causes, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to improve quality of life and prevent complications. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical devices or surgery. Regular monitoring is essential for effective management.

Elevated cholesterol level

The treatment of elevated cholesterol levels, known as hypercholesterolemia, focuses on reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Lifestyle changes play a crucial role and may include adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication is prescribed to further lower cholesterol levels, particularly when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient. The most commonly used medications are statins, which effectively lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol. Other medications, such as ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors, may be considered as add-on therapy in certain situations. The treatment approach is individualized based on the patient’s cholesterol levels, overall health, and other risk factors. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is essential to monitor progress, assess medication effectiveness, and make any necessary adjustments to maintain cholesterol levels within the optimal range.

Cardiovascular risk assessment

Cardiovascular risk assessment is a vital process used by healthcare professionals to evaluate an individual’s likelihood of developing heart and vascular-related conditions. This assessment considers various risk factors, including age, gender, family history, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, and diabetes, among others. By combining these factors, healthcare providers can calculate a person’s overall risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack or stroke. The assessment helps identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from preventive measures such as lifestyle changes, medication, or closer monitoring. Regular cardiovascular risk assessments are crucial in promoting early detection and intervention, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and improve overall heart health.

Perioperative cardiac assessment

Perioperative cardiac assessment is a crucial process conducted by healthcare professionals before a patient undergoes surgery. The main goal of this assessment is to evaluate the patient’s cardiovascular health and identify any potential risks or underlying heart conditions that could impact the surgical procedure or postoperative recovery. During the assessment, the patient’s medical history, including past heart-related issues and current medications, is carefully reviewed. Additionally, physical examinations and specific tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms, may be performed to assess heart function and detect any abnormalities. Based on the findings, appropriate measures can be taken to optimize the patient’s cardiac health before the surgery, which may include medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or even postponing non-urgent procedures to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce perioperative complications.

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