3301 New Mexico Avenue, NW Suite 348

Washington, DC 20016

(202) 362-4467

We are excited to announce that Neha Agarwal, MD, has joined Foxhall Internists. She will begin seeing patients here on Tuesday, September 2.

Dr. Agarwal’s passion for primary care began in New Jersey, where she observed the joy that her mother, also a seasoned primary care physician, derived from her own medical practice. She accordingly made a decision to go into medicine early and was accepted as a high school student into the prestigious Honors Program in Medical Education at The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. As part of the program, she completed college and medical school in seven years instead of the customary eight, while learning from the institution’s renowned faculty.

She went on to complete her Internal Medicine residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, graduating in 2016. Subsequently, she joined the University of Pennsylvania Health System as a primary care physician at the Delancey Internal Medicine practice. During her eight years in practice as an attending physician, she managed a wide variety of health issues in a patient population that spanned from inner-city to suburban. She also developed a reputation as an impressive diagnostician and a superb listener among patients and colleagues alike.

Dr. Agarwal decided to make the move to the DMV area in late 2024 when her husband was hired as a Urologic Oncologic Surgeon and Bladder Cancer Section Head at the National Cancer Institute, NIH. During her transition to the DMV area, she completed a fellowship and became board-certified in Obesity Medicine.

She is looking forward to utilizing her newly developed expertise in helping patients struggling with this complex chronic disease. When not engaged in patient care or learning, she enjoys hiking, cooking new recipes, and reading a good book next to her beloved ginger tabby cat, Toast.

Dr. Agarwal is accepting new patients, and appointments can be made by calling (202) 362-4467.

Recent research has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks of marijuana use, and the findings warrant thoughtful consideration for anyone concerned about heart health.

Key Findings from the Study

A large-scale meta-analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Heart examined medical data from over 200 million people worldwide. Here's what researchers found about marijuana's impact on cardiovascular health:

• Doubled Risk of Cardiovascular Death: Marijuana use was linked to a twofold increase in the risk of dying from heart-related conditions.
• Higher Risks of Stroke and Heart Attack: Cannabis users were 20% more likely to experience a stroke and 29% more likely to have a heart attack compared to non-users.
• Younger Populations Impacted: Many of the affected individuals were under 60 and had no prior history of cardiovascular disease or traditional risk factors such as tobacco use.

Smoking vs. Edibles

While the majority of cannabis studied was likely smoked, researchers pointed out that edibles containing THC may also pose risks to heart health. Smoking cannabis introduces harmful toxins similar to those found in tobacco, which can damage blood vessels and increase clotting. THC consumed through edibles, however, was linked to reduced vascular function, although the exact mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.

Why Potency Matters

Experts warn that today’s cannabis products are significantly more potent than those from a few decades ago, with some concentrates containing up to 99% THC. This potency increases the likelihood of cardiovascular issues, addiction, and other health concerns.

Actionable Advice

Here’s how you can take steps to manage your heart health if you use or are considering using marijuana:

• Be Open with Your Physician: Always inform your doctor about your cannabis use. This allows them to provide personalized guidance and screen for potential risks.
• Understand the Risks: Whether smoked or consumed as edibles, marijuana can impact cardiovascular health. Take these risks into account when making decisions about use.
• Limit Exposure: If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions, approach cannabis use with caution or avoid it altogether.

Being proactive about your cardiovascular well-being is always the best approach.

STAYING HYDRATED HAS LOTS OF BENEFITS

It is important to stay hydrated throughout the year, but especially during the summer. Warmer temperatures increase the risk of dehydration because the body loses more fluids through sweat to regulate temperature.

Staying hydrated offers numerous benefits for overall health, impacting physical and cognitive functions. Drinking enough water helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, proper hydration can enhance mood, improve focus and memory, and even contribute to healthy skin.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the benefits:

Physical Benefits

• Regulates Body Temperature: Water helps dissipate heat through sweat, maintaining a stable internal temperature. 
• Lubricates Joints: Water is essential for maintaining healthy cartilage, reducing friction, and joint pain. 
• Aids Digestion: Proper hydration helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and prevent constipation. 
• Flushes out Waste: Water helps the kidneys remove waste products through urination and sweating. 
• Supports Physical Performance: Hydration is essential for maintaining muscle function, regulating energy levels, and preventing fatigue during physical activity.

Cognitive Benefits

• Enhances Focus and Memory: Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, affecting attention, memory, and decision-making. 
• Boosts Mood: Staying hydrated can improve mood and reduce feelings of lethargy. 
• May Prevent Headaches: Dehydration can trigger headaches, and adequate water intake can help prevent them. 

Other Benefits

• Healthy Skin: Hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and a healthy appearance. 
• Weight Management: Drinking water can help you feel full, potentially reducing the likelihood of overeating. 
• Heart Health: Adequate hydration supports efficient blood pumping and reduces strain on the heart. 

Maintaining healthy vision is a vital part of overall well-being, yet routine eye exams are often overlooked. These regular check-ups play a crucial role in protecting your sight and detecting potential health issues early.

Early Detection of Eye Diseases

A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early signs of common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. Often, these diseases exhibit no symptoms in their initial stages; however, timely detection allows for prompt treatment, which helps preserve your vision.

Supporting Overall Eye Health

Even if you don’t currently wear glasses or contact lenses, annual exams ensure your eyes remain healthy. Visual changes can occur gradually, and an exam can detect problems such as digital eye strain or dry eye syndrome that may be affecting your daily life.

If you don't currently have an ophthalmologist or optometrist, please contact your doctor for a referral.