Naureen I. Agha, MD FACP

Services

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Annual Physical exam

Wellness with a focus on prevention. All patients are recommended Annual Wellness visits and examinations.

Wellness begins with you. Even if you haven’t had an annual physical in over two years, it’s never too late to take this important step.

What are some preventative measures I can take?

  • Weight and BMI measurements

  • Diet /smoking and alcohol cessation counseling

  • Blood pressure and diabetes check

  • Immunizations

  • Labs if needed

 

Women’s Health

Whether it’s your annual Pap smear or Mammogram our office will ensure that you have a comfortable , calm and low-stress experience.

  • Pap Smears

  • Mammogram ordering

  • Counseling

 

Cardiovascular health

Did you know that one in three American adults — or 75 million people — is living with high blood pressure? Unfortunately, many men and women with high blood pressure don’t realize anything is wrong, which is why preventive health measures such as physical exams and blood pressure screenings are so important.

At her practice in Plano, Texas, Naureen I. Agha, MD, offers comprehensive screening and treatment for high blood pressure. To stay on top of your cardiovascular health, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.We will work together to prepare a whole body and mind approach to your Cardiovascular health. Being physically active is the first step in preventing heart disease and stroke. Diet and coordinating services with a nutritionist and specialist when needed.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a medical condition that means the pressure of the blood pumping through your arteries is higher than it should be. If your blood pressure is consistently high for months or years at a time, it increases your risk of cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or stroke.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. Many men and women go about their everyday lives without realizing anything is wrong.

Participating in annual physicals and blood pressure screenings can alert you to potential problems, lowering your risk of chronic disease or a premature death as a result of undiagnosed hypertension.

What is considered a normal blood pressure reading?

The American Heart Association says a normal blood pressure reading is any number less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your numbers are within this range, it’s important to keep doing what you’re doing. However, if your blood pressure is elevated, you’ll want to take steps to improve your overall health.

Weight loss if needed, including exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, and managing your stress levels are proven, effective ways to keep your blood pressure in check.

How is high blood pressure treated?

As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Agha and her team regularly help men and women take better care of their cardiovascular health. Following a comprehensive exam and blood pressure screening, Dr. Agha can make recommendations that align with your health history and current physical abilities.

For example, if you’re overweight, Dr. Agha can make healthy lifestyle recommendations in terms of diet and exercise. Losing as little as five to 10 pounds can have a significant impact on your blood pressure levels and even lower your risk of diabetes.

If necessary, Dr. Agha can also recommend prescription medications or exercise regimens that improve your cardiovascular function.

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure and want to improve your overall quality of life, the caring providers at Naureen I. Agha, MD can help. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get started.

 

Diabetes/Prediabetes

Diabetes is a chronic blood sugar disease that affects approximately 30 million Americans, or one in seven adults. Unfortunately, research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 4% of people with diabetes don’t realize it. Left untreated, consistently high blood sugar levels can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including nerve damage and organ failure. At her practice in Plano, Texas, expert internal medicine physician, Naureen I. Agha, MD, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating all types of diabetes. To discover the right diabetes treatment for you, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a group of diseases that impact the way your body produces and uses blood glucose.

Glucose, or blood sugar, plays an important role in providing energy to your cells, and although it’s necessary, too much glucose can lead to an array of health problems.

All types of diabetes are defined by a single, underlying problem: high blood sugar.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, and insulin regulates your blood glucose levels. No matter the type of diabetes you have, it’s a result of your pancreas being unable to regulate your blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, or “juvenile diabetes,” tends to affect children and adolescents. It’s thought to be an autoimmune condition and causes your body to attack healthy beta cells that are responsible for producing insulin.

People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy and other forms of prescription medication to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes begins as insulin resistance, meaning your pancreas produces insulin, but your body doesn’t use it efficiently. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes Type 2 diabetes to develop, but it’s thought to be a combination of lifestyle factors, genetics, and being overweight.

In some cases, Type 2 diabetes can be treated and even reversed without insulin or prescriptions.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes directly correlate to how much sugar is pumping through your blood. For example, men and women who have prediabetes or early stage Type 2 diabetes may not notice anything out of the ordinary, because symptoms are rarely present. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, usually comes on quickly and is characterized by extreme fatigue or thirst.

Other common symptoms associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Increased hunger

  • Frequent urination

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability

Left untreated, diabetes can also cause skin ulcers, nerve damage, and even organ failure.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

Treatment for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes you have. After performing a thorough physical exam, review of your medical history, and discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Agha and her team can make recommendations that align with your unique lifestyle and needs.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, Dr. Agha may prescribe insulin therapy and other medications to help keep your blood sugar levels in check. She’ll also provide nutritional guidance and weight loss and exercise advice to improve your overall quality life. If you’ve been living with diabetes for years and simply want to maintain your health, Dr. Agha can help with that too.

To learn more about treatment and preventive health services for diabetes, call Naureen I Agha, MD or book an appointment online today.

 

Cancer screening

The American College of Physicians has release guidelines for cancer screenings. Our office will provide access and education to keep our patients upon to date on their care.

Flu Q & A

What is the flu?

The flu is an aggressive respiratory illness that comes in three separate strains: A, B, and C. While all three strains can cause uncomfortable symptoms, influenza type A and B viruses are associated with the outbreaks commonly referred to as flu season.

While anyone can get sick from the flu, it’s particularly dangerous for children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The cold and flu are both upper respiratory infections, but they attack your body in different ways.

For example, the flu develops when your entire respiratory system becomes compromised, including your bronchial tubes and lungs. A cold virus, on the other hand, only affects your upper respiratory tract, or your nose and throat.

The flu is also more serious than a common cold. It takes longer to recover from and presents symptoms that aren’t associated with colds, including body aches, fever, and exhaustion.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Fever over 100.4℉

  • Headache

  • Nasal congestion

  • Body aches

  • Chills and sweats

  • General fatigue

You may experience all of these symptoms or only a few. The flu strain you catch influences the duration and severity of your illness.

How long is the flu contagious for?

The flu virus is unique in that it doesn’t always present symptoms right away. Many people who are infected with the flu don’t start feeling ill until 24-72 hours after being exposed. As soon as you experience noticeable symptoms, such as a cough or sore throat, you should stay home from work, school, or other activities to avoid exposing others.

In most cases, severe symptoms last for two to three days. However, a dry cough or postnasal drip can continue for much longer.

Once your symptoms have subsided, and you’ve gone 24 hours without the use of an over-the-counter fever reducer, you can return to your normal routine and feel confident you aren’t contagious.

Who can benefit from a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention recommends that all men, women, and children over 6 months old get an annual flu shot. While a flu shot won’t guarantee immunity, it significantly lowers your risk of catching the flu and protects your friends, family members, and the community as a whole.

Dr. Agha is proud to offer preventive health services, including flu shots, to men and women over the age of 16 at her practice. Call Naureen I. Agha, MD, or use online booking to schedule an appointment today