Patient Education
Heart Health Library
Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Category: heart and circulation
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Screening recommendations for an abdominal aortic aneurysm are different for men and women. Not all doctors agree on who should be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of screening would outweigh the risks in your case. For men The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force...
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Open surgery is done to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It is called an open surgery because the abdomen is opened so the doctor can see and work on the aorta. Your aorta is a large artery that carries blood from your heart through your belly to the rest of your body. To do the surgery, the doctor makes a large cut...
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test?
Guides through decision to have screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Includes pros such as finding aneurysms so that they can be treated. Also explains the possible harm that could come if the test leads to risky surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Covers angina and symptoms that happen when the heart does not get enough blood. Covers unstable angina and heart attack. Discusses treatment with medicines, angioplasty, or bypass surgery. Offers prevention tips.
Advance Care Planning: Should I Receive CPR and Life Support?
Guides through decision to receive CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and mechanical ventilation. Describes the procedures and discusses risks and benefits of each. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Alan's Story: Coping With Change After a Heart Attack
Alan is something of a miracle man. At the age of 32, he had a massive heart attack. But more than 40 years, 4 bypass surgeries, 30 angioplasties, and a combined pacemaker/defibrillator later, he's still thriving. He learned how to cope with heart disease the hard way. Alan had always been healthy and athletic. Except...
Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is caused by long-term heavy alcohol use. It is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy. The heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. If your heart gets weaker, you may develop heart failure. Alcohol in excessive quantities has a directly toxic effect on heart muscle cells. Symptoms...
Allen Test
The blood supply to your hand normally comes from two arteries: the radial artery and the ulnar artery. A procedure called the Allen test can be used to find out if blood flow to your hand is normal. This test checks to see if both of these blood vessels are open and working correctly. It may be done before a blood...
Ambulatory Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart while you do your usual activities. Ambulatory means that you are able to walk during the test. This type of monitoring may also be called ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, or cardiac event monitoring. Many heart...
American Heart Association Healthy Diet Guidelines
The American Heart Association (AHA) publishes dietary and lifestyle recommendations for general heart health. . These recommendations are for healthy adults at least 18 years old. These guidelines may also be useful for adults who have health problems, children, and teens. But talk to your doctor because some of these...
Angina
What is angina? Angina is a symptom that happens when your heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen. For most people, it feels like chest pain or pressure. Some other symptoms include shortness of breath and pain or pressure in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms. What causes...
Angiogram
An angiogram is an X-ray test that uses dye and a camera to take pictures of the blood flow in an artery or a vein. An angiogram can be used to look at the arteries or veins in the head, arms, legs, chest, back, or belly. This test is done to look for problems in the arteries or veins. An angiogram is done for many...
Angiogram of the Head and Neck
An angiogram of the head and neck is an X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera ( fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the head and neck. An angiogram of the neck (carotid angiogram) can be used to look at the large arteries in the neck that lead to the brain. An angiogram of the...
Angiogram of the Lung
An angiogram of the lung is an X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera ( fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the lung. During an angiogram, a thin tube called a catheter is placed into a femoral blood vessel in the groin (femoral vein) or just above the elbow (brachial vein)...
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Ankle-Brachial Index Test
Learn what an ankle-brachial test is, why it's done, and what the results might mean.
Anticoagulants
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Antiplatelets
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Aortic Aneurysm
Discusses causes and symptoms of aneurysms that form in an artery called the aorta. Links to pictures of abdominal aneurysm and thoracic aneurysm. Covers treatment with medicines or surgery. Also looks at lifestyle changes that may help.
Aortic Dissection
What is an aortic dissection? Aortic dissection occurs when a small tear develops in the wall of the aorta. The tear forms a new channel between the inner and outer layers of the aortic wall. This causes bleeding into the channel and can enlarge the tear. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition. What causes...
Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Discusses aortic valve regurgitation. Discusses symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Covers treatment with medicines and aortic valve replacement surgery. Covers lifestyle changes to help the heart work better.
Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Deciding About Surgery
You and your doctor can talk about many things to see if you want to have aortic valve replacement surgery. Together, you can weigh the benefits of surgery against your risks. You may decide to have surgery if the regurgitation is bad enough that it can or has damaged your heart. To help you decide, your doctor may...
Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Aortic valve replacement gives you a new aortic heart valve. The new valve may be mechanical or made of animal tissue. You and your doctor can decide before surgery which type of valve is best for you. The aortic valve opens and closes to keep blood flowing in the proper direction through your heart. When the aortic...
Aortic Valve Stenosis
What is aortic valve stenosis? Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve. The aortic valve allows blood to flow from the heart's lower left chamber (ventricle) into the aorta and to the body. Stenosis prevents the valve from opening properly, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through the...
Aortobifemoral Bypass Surgery
An aortobifemoral bypass is surgery to move blood flow around narrowed or blocked blood vessels in your belly or groin area. This will increase blood flow to your legs. This may relieve symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and cramping. You may be able to walk longer distances without leg pain. The doctor will use a...
Arrhythmias and Sexual Activity
Is it safe for you to have sex? If you have an arrhythmia and your doctor says that it's okay for you to do moderate activity, like brisk walking, then it's probably safe for you to have sex. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. Your doctor can check the health of your heart and help you know if it's safe to have...
Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Test
An arterial blood gases (ABG) test measures the acidity ( pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to find out how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. As blood passes through your lungs, oxygen moves into...
Arturo's Story: Getting Support for Making a Change
The neighbors can set their clocks by Arturo and his wife, Rosa. Every morning at 6:30 a.m. and every evening at 6:30 p.m., they walk out their front door for their 30-minute walk. "It's kind of a neighborhood joke," Arturo, 58, says. "People literally look at their watch and laugh when we go by." But the walks...
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test
An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood. When body...
Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke
Discusses taking aspirin to prevent a first and second heart attack for people who have coronary artery disease. Covers aspirin therapy to help lower risk of a stroke. Discusses if aspirin therapy is for you. Looks at things to avoid while taking aspirin.
Aspirin: Should I Take Daily Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?
Guides people who have not had a heart attack or a stroke through decision to take daily aspirin. Discusses benefits and risks. Looks at who can take daily aspirin. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Atherosclerosis
What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is sometimes called "hardening of the arteries." It occurs when fat (cholesterol) and calcium build up inside the lining of the artery wall. This forms a substance called plaque. Over time, the fat and calcium buildup may narrow the artery. Atherosclerosis in the heart (coronary)...
Atrial Fibrillation
Discusses atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Covers causes, including high blood pressure and CAD. Discusses what increases your risk. Covers treatment with medicines, cardioversion, and catheter ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation and Daily Life
Most people with atrial fibrillation don't have to change their daily activities. You can live well and safely with atrial fibrillation. Here are some tips on preventing problems with arrhythmia. Try to manage stress. Treatments like yoga, biofeedback, and meditation may help. Stress may trigger an episode of atrial...
Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Have Catheter Ablation?
Guides you through the decision to have catheter ablation for the heart rhythm problem atrial fibrillation. Lists benefits and risks of catheter ablation and medical therapy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Take an Anticoagulant to Prevent Stroke?
Guides you through the decision to take an anticoagulant to prevent stroke. Explains atrial fibrillation and risk of stroke. Lists benefits and risks of anticoagulants. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Your doctor might ask you to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor after measuring your blood pressure in the doctor's office, to make sure that you actually have high blood pressure. This is because your blood pressure can change during the day. And sometimes blood pressure is higher only because you are seeing a...
Bed Rest in Pregnancy
Bed rest during pregnancy means you limit your physical activity and may need to lie down most of the day. Bed rest used to be recommended during pregnancy for certain problems, such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and multiple pregnancy (twins or...
Beta-Blockers
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Biventricular Pacemaker
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) uses a special type of pacemaker called a biventricular pacemaker (say "by-ven-TRICK-yuh-ler") to treat heart failure. This pacemaker sends electrical pulses to make the ventricles pump at the same time. A biventricular pacemaker is implanted in the chest, and it connects to three...
Blood Clots in the Leg Veins
Blood clots can happen in veins. A blood clot in a vein close to the skin isn't likely to cause problems. But having blood clots in deep veins is called deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis happens most often in the legs. This problem can lead to a blood clot in the lung ( pulmonary embolism). The deep veins of...
Blood Pressure Numbers: When to Get Help
What do your blood pressure numbers mean? Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure readings include two numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure (top number). This is the force of blood on the artery walls as your heart pumps. The second number is the...
Blood Pressure Screening
Your care provider uses a blood pressure monitor to screen for high blood pressure. A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your bare upper arm. The cuff is then pumped up. The cuff is slowly deflated, and the monitor shows your blood pressure numbers. Either an automatic or manual monitor can be used. After measuring...
Blood Thinners Other Than Warfarin: Taking Them Safely
Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent blood clots. Because they prevent clots, they also help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other problems caused by blood clots. But blood thinners can also raise the risk of serious bleeding. So it's important to know how to take them safely.
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
What is bradycardia? Having bradycardia (say "bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh") means that your heart beats slower than normal. For most adults, a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal. For some people, bradycardia is healthy and normal. It does not cause any symptoms or problems. In other...
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
Gives info on test for BNP hormone to tell how well the heart works. Tells how BNP checks for heart failure. Tells how to get ready for test. Includes what results mean. Also discusses things that affect test results, such as some health problems and medicines.
CPR Quick Reference
First, take a class on how to give CPR. Then use the chart below as a reference. Quick reference: CPR recommendations for adults and older children, young children, and babies What to do Adults and older children who have reached puberty Young children until the age of puberty Babies younger than 1 year When to call for...
Cardiac Arrest
What is cardiac arrest? In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. This causes blood to stop pumping to the body. If the heartbeat is not restarted within minutes, the person will die. This problem is also called sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which happens when part of...
Cardiac Blood Pool Scan
A cardiac blood pool scan shows how well your heart is pumping blood to the rest of your body. During this test, a small amount of a radioactive substance called a tracer is injected into a vein. A gamma camera detects the radioactive material as it flows through the heart and lungs. The percentage of blood pumped out...
Cardiac Cachexia
Cardiac cachexia is unintentional severe weight loss caused by severe heart failure. The weight loss might be life-threatening. Even with a very good appetite and high calorie intake, some people lose muscle mass. Cardiac cachexia can require supplemental nutrition. How it happens Heart failure may cause blood to back...
Cardiac Catheterization
Discusses test used to check your heart and coronary arteries. Covers reasons cardiac catheterization is done. Looks at how to prepare. Explains how the test is done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) by a cardiologist. Covers risks.
Cardiac Catheterization in Children
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure your doctor uses to see images and get information about your child's heart and blood vessels from the inside. It can also be done to repair some congenital heart defects. This is a kind of heart problem that your child is born with. Your doctor doesn't need to make any cuts to do...
Cardiac Device Monitoring
Cardiac devices include pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators). Cardiac devices have very advanced features. Your doctor can program your device to work in different ways depending on your needs. Doctors check, or monitor, cardiac devices on a regular basis to make sure that they are working right...
Cardiac Enzyme Studies
Cardiac enzyme studies measure the levels of enzymes and proteins that are linked with injury of the heart muscle. The test checks for the proteins troponin I (TnI) and troponin T (TnT). If your heart muscle is injured, such as from a heart attack, troponin proteins leak out of damaged heart muscle cells, and their...
Cardiac Output
For the body to function properly, the heart needs to pump blood at a sufficient rate to maintain an adequate and continuous supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain and other vital organs. Cardiac output is the term that describes the amount of blood your heart pumps each minute. Doctors think about cardiac...
Cardiac Perfusion Scan
A cardiac perfusion scan measures the amount of blood in your heart muscle at rest and after it has been stressed. It is often done to find out what may be causing symptoms like angina (such as chest pain or pressure). It may be done after a heart attack to see if areas of the heart are not getting enough blood or to...
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Discusses cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), which helps you feel better and reduce risk of future heart problems with exercise and lifestyle changes. Looks at rehab for people who have heart conditions such as heart attack, heart surgery, or heart failure.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Team
In cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), you work with a team of health professionals. The team designs a program just for you, based on your health and goals. Then they give you education and support to help you succeed. The following health professionals may be part of your team: Doctors and surgeons. Your family doctor, as...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Emotional Health Benefits
Recovering from a heart problem means not only getting back your physical strength but also getting back your emotional and mental well-being. Having a positive outlook during your recovery and rehabilitation may help you recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. Remember that you are going to start feeling better...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Exercise
Exercise is an important part of cardiac rehab. You may do some new exercises and may be asked to monitor yourself when you exercise. Your rehab team will design a specific exercise program for you. It might range from a supervised program monitored by an exercise professional to an independent, self-managed program...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Home Program
Your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) might include an exercise program that you do at home. You might start this program after you go home from the hospital. The home program can be one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. The goals of a home program include: Making a smooth transition from hospital to home. Taking...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Hospital Program
Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) may start while you are in the hospital. The hospital (inpatient) program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. This phase emphasizes exercise and education. A hospital program may include: A customized exercise program, based on your medical history, clinical condition, and...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Maintenance Program
Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) includes a phase that helps you keep the healthy behaviors and habits that you learned in rehab. This phase, or program, is often referred to as the maintenance part of rehab, because it can help you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Your goals may include: Lowering your risk of future...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Monitoring Your Body's Response to Exercise
There are several ways to measure your body's responses to exercise and other lifestyle changes. You may want to keep track of the following measurements during your exercise sessions at cardiac rehab and at home. Target heart rate Your target heart rate can guide you to how hard you need to exercise so you can get the...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Outpatient Program
Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) typically includes an outpatient program. This program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. You will likely take part in a supervised exercise program. You will receive information and tools to have a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as: Not smoking. Healthy eating. Staying at a...
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Weight and Resistance Training
Resistance training may be done with many things, including weights, elastic bands, machines, or your own body weight. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. Do not start a strength-training program without discussing it with your doctor. Your doctor can...
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle and the way it pumps. There are different types of cardiomyopathies. And these types have different causes. Cardiomyopathy may occur as a result of damage to the heart, such as from a heart attack, or a person may inherit the tendency to develop it. Types of...
Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]
Cardiopulmonary syndromes are conditions of the heart and lung that may be caused by cancer or by other health problems. Five cardiopulmonary syndromes that may be caused by cancer are covered in this summary: Dyspnea (shortness of breath). Chronic cough. Malignant pleural effusion (extra fluid around the lungs caused...
Carotid Artery Disease
What is carotid artery disease? A carotid artery on each side of the neck supplies blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in either or both arteries. The buildup may narrow the artery and limit blood flow to the brain. If this plaque breaks open, it may form a blood...
Carotid Artery Stenting
Carotid artery stenting is a procedure to open a narrowed carotid artery. There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck. They supply blood to the brain. Fatty buildup can narrow these arteries. This buildup is called plaque. When one or both of your carotid arteries are narrowed, it can make it hard for blood to...
Carotid Endarterectomy
Discusses carotid endarterectomy surgery to remove plaque buildup in the carotid arteries to prevent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Includes info on how surgery can help prevent future strokes. Looks at long-term aspirin treatment.
Catecholamines in Blood Test
A test for catecholamines measures the amount of the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the blood. These catecholamines are made by nerve tissue, the brain, and the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help the body respond to stress or fright and prepare the body for "fight-or-flight" reactions. The...
Catecholamines in Urine Test
Catecholamines (say "kat-uh-KOH-luh-meens") are hormones made mostly by your adrenal glands as a reaction to stress. When you feel stressed, these hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength, and mental alertness. They also lower the amount of blood that goes to the skin and intestines...
Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Discusses nonsurgical procedure, called catheter ablation, for atrial fibrillation if medicine is not effective or not tolerated. Also discusses implanting a pacemaker. Looks at why procedure is done, how well it works, and possible risks.
Catheter Ablation for a Fast Heart Rate
Covers procedure to destroy (ablate) tiny areas of heart muscle causing fast heart rate. Includes radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Covers use for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, and ventricular tachycardia.
Central Vascular Access Device (CVAD)
What is a central vascular access device (CVAD)? A CVAD is a thin, flexible tube. It's also called a central line. It is used when a person needs to receive medicine, fluids, nutrients, or blood products for several weeks or more. It's often placed in the neck, chest, or arm. Why is it used? CVADs are used to: Give...
Central Vascular Access Device (CVAD): Changing the Dressing
These are general tips. Your nurse may change and care for your CVAD at home. Or a nurse will teach you how to take care of it. Be sure to follow the specific instructions you are given. Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns. In general, a clear dressing needs to be changed once a week, such as every...
Central Vascular Access Device (CVAD): Flushing
A CVAD should be flushed as often as your doctor tells you, to keep it clear of blood and prevent clotting. If it ends in more than one line (lumen), flush them in the same order each time. Depending on the type you have, you will flush it with either heparin or saline solution. Your doctor or nurse will probably give...
Change in Heartbeat
Briefly discusses how the heart works and what might cause minor or serious heartbeat changes. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Chest Problems
Briefly discusses possible causes of chest pain, which include angina, heart attack, pneumothorax, and chest wall pain. Covers heart attack symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is a picture of the chest that shows your heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray also shows the bones of your spine and chest, including your breastbone, your ribs, your collarbone, and the upper part of your spine. A chest X-ray is the most common imaging test or X-ray used to...
Chilblains (Perniosis)
Chilblains (perniosis, also known as pernio) is a reaction to cold, nonfreezing temperatures. It is seen most often in people who are exposed to damp, cold weather. Symptoms develop 12 to 24 hours after exposure to cold. Chilblains usually affects the fingers and toes, but the ears, nose, and heels can also be affected...
Childhood Heart Tumors (PDQ®): Treatment - Patient Information [NCI]
Heart tumors (also called cardiac tumors) are rare growths that can form in any part of the heart. They can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most heart tumors in children are benign. Although benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, they may require treatment to stop them from causing...
Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines
The goal in treating cholesterol is to lower your chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. The goal is not to lower your cholesterol numbers alone. The following guidelines are from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. The two main types of treatment are: Heart-healthy lifestyle...
Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests
Covers cholesterol and triglyceride blood tests to measure fatty substances in the blood. Explains why tests are done and how to prepare. Includes possible results and what they may mean. Looks at what may affect test results.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Eating Fish and Fish Oil
Fish is a lean protein source that contains omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Fish oil supplements are another way to get omega-3 fatty acids. Research has not proved that fish oil is helpful for everyone. That's why doctors do not agree about whether these supplements can help...
Cholesterol in Children and Teens
A child may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol if he or she: Is overweight. Does not exercise much. Does not eat healthy foods. Has a family history of high cholesterol. Cholesterol tests for children and teens Your child's doctor may suggest a cholesterol test based on your child's age, family history, or...
Clopidogrel and Genetic Testing
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a medicine to prevent blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. It may be prescribed after a heart attack, after angioplasty, and for people who have coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease. Some...
Cold Hands: Home Treatment
Try the following home treatment if your hands get cold easily and become pale, cool, and painful: Wave your arms in a circular motion to force blood out into your hands. Blow warm air onto cold hands. Tuck your hands inside clothing next to warm skin, such as your chest, belly, or armpit. Warm your hands by running...
Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins
Compression stockings can improve blood flow and help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Specially fitted, or graduated, compression stockings are tightest at the foot. They gradually loosen as they fit higher on the leg. If your doctor recommends compression stockings, wear them during the day to help relieve...
Compression Stockings: How to Use Them
Compression stockings: Help improve blood flow. Help keep blood from pooling in the legs. Help relieve symptoms caused by varicose veins, skin ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis. Help skin ulcers heal and help prevent them from coming back. Will help the most if you wear them every day while you're awake, especially while...
Computed Tomography (CT) Angiogram
A computed tomography angiogram (CT angiogram) is a test that uses X-rays to provide detailed pictures of the heart and the blood vessels that go to the heart, lung, brain, kidneys, head, neck, legs, and arms. This test can show narrowed or blocked areas of a blood vessel. It can also show whether there is a bulge (...
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends...
Congenital Heart Defect Types
There are many types of congenital heart defects. If the defect lowers the amount of oxygen in the body, it is called cyanotic. If the defect doesn't affect oxygen in the body, it is called acyanotic. What are cyanotic heart defects? Cyanotic heart...
Congenital Heart Disease in Children
Discusses problems with how a baby's heart forms. Also looks at problems found when a person is an adult. Includes info on patent ductus arteriosus, aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. Covers treatment with medicine and surgery.
Congenital Heart Disease: Caring for Your Child
Caring for a child who has congenital heart disease can be challenging. But there are things you can do to make sure that your child is as healthy and comfortable as possible, whether they are at home or in the hospital. And while you're taking care of your child, remember that it's important to take care of yourself...
Conserving Your Energy
Learn how to conserve your energy when doing daily activities.
Coronary Angioplasty
Covers a procedure, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, to widen narrow coronary arteries for stable angina and heart attack. Includes a slideshow of angioplasty. Describes use of stent and balloon to open artery. Explains why it's done and when it's not done. Includes how well it works, risks, and recovery...
Coronary Arteries and Heart Function
The coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle. The blood provides a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for the heart to stay healthy and work as it should. Supply and demand The coronary arteries regulate the supply of blood to your heart muscle depending on how much oxygen your heart needs at...
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Covers types of coronary bypass surgeries, also called CABG. Includes minimally invasive surgeries. Includes a slideshow of CABG. Looks at when surgery is done. Describes how surgery is done, recovery time, and risks.
Coronary Artery Disease
Includes causes and symptoms of heart disease. Looks at cholesterol, hypertension, and risk of heart attack. Covers diet, physical activity, and treatment with medicines, angioplasty, and bypass surgery. Includes how to help prevent heart disease.
Coronary Artery Disease and Alcohol
Many experts say that light to moderate drinking can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. But there isn't enough evidence to tell us if drinking alcohol actually helps your heart. If you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink. But if you do not drink alcohol, do not start drinking to try to lower your risk of coronary...
Coronary Artery Disease: Exercising for a Healthy Heart
Covers importance of regular exercise when you have coronary artery disease. Guides you through working with your doctor to create a program that includes stretching, aerobic exercise, and resistance training. Provides tips for exercising safely, and explains the basics of strength training.
Coronary Artery Disease: Family History
You're more likely to have coronary artery disease if you have one or more close relatives who had early coronary artery disease. For men, this means being diagnosed before age 55. For women, it means being diagnosed before 65. Things that increase your risk include: Inherited risk factors. A tendency to develop some...
Coronary Artery Disease: Helping a Loved One
Helping with daily activities If you have a family member or other loved one who has coronary artery disease, you may want to know what you can do to help. Your loved one might need a little help with daily activities like managing medicines or cleaning the house. There are things you can do to help. Ask how you can...
Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have Angioplasty for Stable Angina?
Guides you through the decision to have angioplasty when you have stable angina. Lists benefits and risks of angioplasty and medical therapy. Explains why lifestyle changes are still important. Includes interactive tool to help you with your decision.
Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have Bypass Surgery?
Guides you through decision to have bypass surgery. Covers other treatment options. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have an Angiogram?
Guides you through the decision to have an angiogram. Explains why the test is done and what it can show. Discusses why you might or might not want to have the test. Lists risks and benefits. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Coronary Calcium Scan
Coronary calcium scans use a special X-ray test called computed tomography (CT) to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart ( coronary arteries). This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage and to determine how severe it is. Coronary calcium scans are also...
Creatine Kinase Test
A creatine kinase (CK) test checks the level of the enzyme creatine kinase, which is found in heart tissue and skeletal muscles. This enzyme also can be found in smaller amounts in the brain. A blood test to check the level of CK can show if there has been damage to the heart, skeletal muscles, brain, and sometimes...
DASH Diet Sample Menu
The DASH diet is an eating plan that can help lower your blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy. It also includes fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. Here is a sample menu for the DASH diet. It is based on a...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots require medical care right away. These clots are dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary...
Depression and Anxiety When You Have Coronary Artery Disease
Many people with coronary artery disease have symptoms of anxiety or depression. If you're struggling with emotions such as worry, sadness, or fear, you might not feel like doing the things you need to do to keep your heart healthy. And this can raise your risk of having a heart attack. Getting help from your doctor...
Diabetes: Amputation for Foot Problems
If you have diabetes, a minor foot injury, like a blister, can develop into an ulcer or serious infection. Infections of the feet can spread to the leg. Sometimes the infection is so severe that toes, the foot, or part of the leg must be removed by surgery (amputation). Amputations are done if the foot or leg can't be...
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
What is dilated cardiomyopathy? Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that weakens your heart muscle and causes it to stretch, or dilate. When your heart muscle is weak, it can't pump out blood as well as it should. More blood stays in your heart after each heartbeat. As more blood fills and stays in the heart...
Diuretics and Potassium Supplements
Some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium. A delicate balance of potassium is needed to properly transmit electrical impulses in the heart. A low potassium level can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart and lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). If potassium levels are low, a potassium...
Doppler Ultrasound
A Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to see how blood flows through a blood vessel. It helps doctors assess the blood flow through major arteries and veins, such as those of the arms, legs, and neck. It can show blocked or reduced flow of blood through narrow areas in the major arteries of the neck. This...
Driving a Car After a Stroke
You may or may not be able to drive after a stroke. It will depend on how the stroke affected you. Many people are able to drive within about a year after a stroke. Talk to your doctor about when you can drive. Don't drive unless your doctor says...
Drug-Eluting Stents
Drug-eluting stents can help prevent a coronary artery from narrowing again after angioplasty. They are coated with medicine that prevents scar tissue from growing into the artery. Stents are small, expandable tubes. They are inserted during angioplasty into a narrowed or blocked section of the coronary artery to open...
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that...
Eclampsia (Seizures) and Preeclampsia
Eclampsia is pregnancy-related seizure activity that is caused by severe preeclampsia. Less than 1% of women who have preeclampsia experience seizures. Eclampsia is life-threatening for both a mother and her fetus. During a seizure, the oxygen supply to the fetus is drastically reduced. Sudden seizures can occur before...
Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
Discusses procedure that uses electric current to reset heart's rhythm to its regular pattern. Covers its use to stop atrial fibrillation. Discusses what to expect after treatment, how well it works, and risks.
Electrical Cardioversion for a Fast Heart Rate
Electrical cardioversion is a procedure in which a brief electric shock is given to the heart to reset the heart rhythm back to its normal, regular pattern ( normal sinus rhythm). The shock is given through patches applied to the outside of the chest wall. In some situations an external defibrillator, which has paddles...
Electrical System of the Heart
The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria (the right atrium and the left atrium), and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. Normally, the heartbeat starts in the right atrium in a group of special heart cells called the sinoatrial (or sinus) node. These cells act as a pacemaker for the...
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the tracings are called waves. The heart is a muscular pump made up of four chambers. The two upper chambers are...
Electrophysiology (EP) Study
An electrophysiology study, or EP study, is a test to see if there is a problem with your heartbeat (heart rhythm) and to find out how to fix it. In this test, the doctor inserts flexible tubes called catheters into blood vessels. These blood vessels are typically in the groin or neck. Then the doctor threads these...
Endocarditis
Discusses infection of the heart's valves or inner lining (endocardium). Covers cause by bacteria (bacterial endocarditis) or fungi (fungal endocarditis). Looks at symptoms like fever. Covers treatment with medicines or possibly surgery.
Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair fixes an aneurysm in your aorta. An aneurysm is a weak or bulging part of a vein or artery. Your aorta is a large artery. It carries blood from your heart through your belly to the rest of your body. If you don't fix this problem, your aorta could burst. This can cause death. The...
Exercise Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Covers exercise stress test, also called treadmill test or exercise EKG. Explains why it's done, such as finding cause of angina symptoms and checking exercise tolerance after heart attack. Includes how it's done and how it feels. Includes risks.
Fainting
What is fainting? Fainting is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness. When people faint, or pass out, they usually fall down. After they are lying down, most people will recover quickly. The term doctors use for fainting is syncope (say "SING-kuh-pee"). Fainting one time is usually nothing to worry about. But it is a...
Familial Lipid Disorders
A familial lipid disorder is a condition that runs in families. It causes very high levels of cholesterol. This condition can cause a person to get coronary artery disease while still young. Familial lipid disorders are not common. Your doctor may look at cholesterol levels and family history to check if you or your...
Fast Heart Rate
A normal heart rate for a healthy adult is between about 60 and 100 beats per minute. Heart rates of more than 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) can be caused by: Exercise or stress. This fast heart rate usually returns to normal range (60 to 100 beats per minute) with rest and relaxation. Illnesses that cause fever...
Femoral-Tibial Bypass Surgery
Femoral-tibial bypass is a type of surgery. It redirects blood around narrowed or blocked blood vessels in your lower leg or foot. It may be done if blood flow is severely limited. Your doctor will use something called a graft to make the blood go around (bypass) the blocked part of your blood vessel. Often the graft is...
Femoropopliteal Bypass Surgery
A femoropopliteal bypass is a type of surgery. It is also called a fem-pop or leg artery bypass. This type of surgery redirects blood around a narrowed or blocked blood vessel in your leg. So it may improve the blood flow in your leg. This can decrease leg pain, numbness, and cramping. Your doctor will use something...
Giant Cell Arteritis
Covers symptoms of giant cell arteritis, which include vision problems and pain in the jaw. Covers how this condition is treated.
HELLP Syndrome
What is HELLP syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a serious liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. HELLP stands for H emolysis (destruction of red blood cells), E levated L iver enzymes, and L ow P latelet count. HELLP is usually related to preeclampsia. In most cases it happens in the third trimester, but it can...
Healthy Eating: Cutting Unhealthy Fats From Your Diet
Offers tips for reducing unhealthy fats (saturated fats and trans fats) and choosing healthier options. Briefly covers why cutting unhealthy fats matters.
Healthy Eating: Eating Less Sodium
Provides tips for how to limit sodium (salt) for better health. Covers food labels, high- and low-sodium foods, and cooking with less sodium. Addresses keeping a sodium record, checking medicines, and letting others know that you're limiting sodium.
Heart Arrhythmias and Exercise
If you have an irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia), it's important to talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you. Regular activity can help keep your heart and body healthy. The type and amount of exercise that's is safe for you will vary depending on the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm...
Heart Attack
Covers causes of heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) and unstable angina. Discusses symptoms like chest pain or pressure. Explains MI and angina differences. Offers prevention tips. Covers diagnostic tests and treatment with medicines and surgery.
Heart Attack and Stroke Risk Screening
Screening for heart attack and stroke risk is a way for your doctor to check your chance of having a problem called atherosclerosis. This problem is also called hardening of the arteries. It is the starting point for most heart and blood flow problems, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and...
Heart Attack: How to Prevent Another One
After you've had a heart attack, you may be worried that you could have another one. That's easy to understand. But the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having another heart attack. Take your medicine. Medicines can help prevent another heart attack. Some of the medicines your doctor...
Heart Block
What is heart block? Heart block refers to an abnormality in the way electricity passes through the normal electrical pathways of the heart. The abnormality "blocks" the electrical impulse from continuing through the normal pathways and usually results in a slower heart rate. The electrical activity of the heart starts...
Heart Failure
Describes heart failure (congestive heart failure). Discusses common causes like hypertension and coronary artery disease. Has info on symptoms. Covers diagnostic tests and treatments. Discusses heart failure classification system and stages of CHF.
Heart Failure Daily Action Plan
A heart failure action plan gives you an easy way to check your symptoms and see changes. The plan also tells you when you need to get help. Your doctor may give you a plan, or you might create one together. You'll use your plan every day. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when symptoms mean you should call your...
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (Diastolic Heart Failure)
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a type of heart failure. It happens when the heart's lower left chamber (left ventricle) pumps out less blood than the body needs. It's sometimes called diastolic heart failure. This is because your left ventricle is not able to fill properly with blood during...
Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (Systolic Heart Failure)
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a type of heart failure. It happens when the heart's lower left chamber (left ventricle) doesn't pump blood out to the body as well as it should. It's sometimes called systolic heart failure. This is because your left ventricle doesn't squeeze forcefully enough...
Heart Failure and Sexual Activity
Sex is part of a healthy life and is part of your quality of life. Most people with heart failure can still have an active sex life. You can ask your doctor to help you know if or when it's okay for you to have sex. If you or your partner is worried about having sex, talk with your doctor about your concerns. Your...
Heart Failure: Activity and Exercise
Covers how exercise can improve health when you have heart failure. Explains importance of working with your doctor to create a plan for safe exercise. Includes tips for staying safe during activity, staying motivated, and getting support for being active.
Heart Failure: Avoiding Medicines That Make Symptoms Worse
Some medicines can affect your heart and make your heart failure worse. Others may keep your heart failure medicines from working right. So it's important to be careful with medicines. These include NSAID pain relievers and medicines that speed up the heart rate. Over-the-counter medicines that you may need to avoid...
Heart Failure: Checking Your Weight
Discusses importance of tracking weight for those with heart failure. Covers how to check your weight when you have heart failure.
Heart Failure: Compensation by the Heart and Body
Heart failure means that your heart muscle doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs. Because your heart can't pump well, your heart and your body try to make up for it. This is called compensation. Your body has a remarkable ability to compensate for heart failure. The body may do such a good job that many people...
Heart Failure: Should I Get an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)?
Guides you through decision to get an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Gives information about ICDs and asks questions to help you learn if an ICD is right for you. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.
Heart Failure: Tips for Easier Breathing
If you have heart failure, the following tips may help you deal with fluid buildup that makes it hard to breathe. Call your doctor if you have new symptoms or if your symptoms have become worse. Elevate your upper body. Sit in a chair or prop yourself up with pillows. At night, sleep with one or two pillows under your...
Heart Failure: Track Your Weight, Food, and Sodium
Use this form to record the sodium content of the foods you eat or drink each day. This record will help you see whether you are getting too much sodium in your diet. Use the Nutrition Facts on food labels to help find how much sodium you eat. You can tell when your body retains fluid by weighing yourself often. Sodium...
Heart Failure: Watching Your Fluids
Discusses need to watch fluid intake with heart failure. Gives tips for keeping track of fluid intake, spreading fluids throughout the day, and managing thirst.
Heart Health: Walking for a Healthy Heart
Covers walking as one of the easiest ways to increase your physical activity and improve health. Outlines how to safely start a walking program. Provides tips for staying motivated.
Heart Murmur
Discusses heart murmur, an extra sound the blood makes as it flows through the heart. Covers harmless (innocent) murmurs and abnormal murmurs. Includes info on heart valve damage. Discusses tests by a cardiologist including electrocardiogram (ECG).
Heart Rate Problems: Should I Get a Pacemaker?
Topic guides reader through decision to get a pacemaker for heart rate problems. Provides general overview of what pacemakers are and what heart problems can be helped with pacemakers. Lists benefits and possible complications of getting a pacemaker.
Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving
You can drive with an arrhythmia as long as it doesn't cause symptoms that make it dangerous for you to drive. If you have an arrhythmia or an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) that makes it dangerous for you to drive, your doctor might...
Heart Rhythm Problems: Diary of Symptoms
If your doctor thinks you might have a heart rhythm problem, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of symptoms. This information can help your doctor find out what type of rhythm problem you have. And if you have a rhythm problem, a symptom diary can help you keep track of your condition. You can then discuss your...
Heart Rhythm Problems: Should I Get an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)?
Topic guides reader through decision to get an ICD for heart rhythm problems. Provides general overview of what ICDs are and what heart rhythm problems can be helped with ICDs. Lists benefits and possible complications of getting an ICD.
Heart Rhythm Problems: Symptoms
Heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias, can cause a few types of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include: Palpitations. Having palpitations means that you are unusually aware of your heartbeat. Some people describe them as: A "fluttering" in their chest. A "skipped beat." A "pounding sensation." A feeling that the...
Heart Tests: When Do You Need Them?
Heart tests can help your doctor find out if you have or are at risk for a heart problem and what treatment you might need. The tests help doctors find out what's causing new symptoms, such as discomfort in your chest, shortness of breath, and...
Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a diseased heart and replaces it with a donor heart. During a heart transplant, a mechanical pump circulates blood through the body while the surgeon removes the diseased heart and replaces it with a healthy heart from a recently deceased donor. The surgeon...
Heart Valve Disease
What are the types of heart valve disease? Heart valve disease can affect any of the four valves. A valve may not be able to open well enough (stenosis) or close well enough (regurgitation). Heart valve diseases include: Aortic valve regurgitation. Aortic valve stenosis. Mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral valve...
Heart and Circulation
Provides link to info on high cholesterol and cholesterol/triglyceride tests. Also has links to info on coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease of the legs, plus tools to decide about treatment options.
Heart-Healthy Eating
Heart-healthy eating means eating food that can help lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It focuses on eating more healthy foods and cutting back on foods that aren't so good for you. It is part of a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular activity and not smoking. A heart-healthy eating...
Heart-Healthy Eating: Fish and Fish Oil
Fish is a lean protein source that contains omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Fish oil supplements are another way to get omega-3 fatty acids. Research has not proved that fish oil is helpful for everyone. That's why doctors do not agree about whether these supplements can help...
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
You can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy by having a heart-healthy lifestyle. These healthy habits include eating healthy, being active, staying at a weight that's healthy for you, getting the screening tests you need, and not smoking. A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, not just for...
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a blood vessel (artery) in the brain leaks or bursts (ruptures). This causes bleeding: Inside the brain tissue (intracerebral hemorrhage). Near the surface of the brain ( subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hemorrhage). A common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of an...
High Blood Pressure
Covers causes and symptoms of high blood pressure. Explains systolic and diastolic pressure numbers. Looks at treatment and prevention steps. Includes risks of untreated high blood pressure such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Learn about causes and effects of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
High Blood Pressure: Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home
Explains why you should monitor your blood pressure at home and how to choose a home blood pressure monitor. Includes steps on how to take your blood pressure at home. Covers why and how to keep a blood pressure diary.
High Blood Pressure: Nutrition Tips
The DASH diet The DASH diet is an eating plan that can help lower your blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy. It also includes fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. Following the DASH diet Eat 4 to 5 servings of...
High Blood Pressure: Over-the-Counter Medicines to Avoid
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can raise your blood pressure or keep your blood pressure medicine from working the way it should. So if you have high blood pressure or other heart or blood vessel problems, you need to be careful with OTC medicines. That includes vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist...
High Blood Pressure: Should I Take Medicine?
Guides you through the decision to take or not take medicine to treat high blood pressure. Explains what high blood pressure is and risks of not lowering it. Covers treatment choices and lifestyle changes.
High Blood Pressure: Taking Medicines Properly
Covers things you can do to make it easier to take your high blood pressure medicine. Includes working with your doctor to find the right meds, getting organized to stay on schedule, and learning about side effects and what to do if you miss a dose.
High Blood Pressure: Using the DASH Diet
Describes the DASH diet to help lower blood pressure. Offers tips for following DASH guidelines, including how to add more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Outlines how to make DASH a habit by setting goals, getting past barriers, and finding support.
High Cholesterol
Covers the kinds of cholesterol. Explains that cholesterol is one of many risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Covers treatment to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, which includes healthy habits and statins.
High Cholesterol: How a Dietitian Can Help
Millions of people struggle to lose weight and improve their diets. Finding a diet that works for you and then staying with it can be a huge challenge. Registered dietitians are experts in diet and nutrition, particularly for promoting general health and treating conditions, such as high cholesterol. A dietitian can...
High Cholesterol: Making Lifestyle Changes
High cholesterol is treated with heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicine. These can lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. You and your doctor may decide to first try treating your high cholesterol without medicine. Changing some of your habits may be all you need to do to...
High Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. You need some for good health. But high triglyceride levels are linked with a higher risk of coronary artery disease. A high level may be a sign of metabolic syndrome....
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test
The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is a blood test that finds lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body. The hs-CRP can be used to find the risk for heart disease and stroke in people who don't already have heart disease. The hs-CRP...
Home Blood Pressure Log
Name: ________________________ Target blood pressure: __________ Date Time (a.m.) Blood pressure Time (p.m.) Blood pressure Comments Sample: 8/6 8:15 138/87 6:20 142/92 Stressful day at work
Home Blood Pressure Test
Using a home blood pressure monitor lets you keep track of your blood pressure at home. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. The first number shows how hard the blood pushes when the...
How the Heart Works
Your heart is divided into two separate pumping systems, the right side and the left side. The right side of your heart receives oxygen-poor blood from your veins and pumps it to your lungs, where it picks up oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. The left side of your heart receives oxygen-rich blood from your lungs...
How to Find Sodium
Reading food labels Most packaged foods have a Nutrition Facts label. This will tell you how much sodium is in one serving of food. Here are some tips to help you. Look at both the serving size and the sodium amount. Food labels list the amount of sodium for each serving. The serving size is located at the top of the...
Hyperkalemia
Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of hyperkalemia.
Hypertensive Emergency
A hypertensive emergency is very high blood pressure that damages the body. A person's blood pressure may be 180/120 or higher. It can cause damage to the brain, heart, eyes, or kidneys. A hypertensive emergency needs immediate care. The symptoms of...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (say "hy-per-TROH-fik kar-dee-oh-my-AWP-uh-thee") happens when the heart muscle grows too thick. The heart gets bigger, and its chambers get smaller. Many people have no symptoms and live a normal life with few problems. But in some people: The heart...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Types
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease in which the heart muscle grows abnormally, making the heart muscle thicken. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is described as either obstructive or nonobstructive. Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The heart muscle is abnormally thick but not to the extent that any...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Risk of Sudden Death
Some people who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at high risk for sudden death. It can occur at any age, but it is most shocking when it happens to young adults or athletes. While the media often highlight these tragic deaths, sudden death is rare. It occurs in about 1 out of 100 adults with hypertrophic...
Hypokalemia
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypokalemia.
Hypothermia and Cold Temperature Exposure
Hypothermia (low body temperature) occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. For most people, a normal body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). A body temperature below 95° F (35°C) can be a sign of...
ICD: Living Well With It
Discusses how to live with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that helps control heart rhythm. Gives safety guidelines and tips for travel, exercise, and making an ICD shock plan.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device. It can fix an abnormal heart rate or rhythm and prevent sudden death. The ICD is placed under the skin of your chest. One or two wires (called leads) connect the ICD to your heart...
Interactive Tool: What Is Your Target Heart Rate?
Helps you calculate your target heart rate based on your age, resting heart rate, and activity level. Covers using your target heart rate to know how hard to exercise to gain the most aerobic benefit from your workout.
Interactive Tools
These Interactive Tools are easy-to-use personal calculators. Use any of them to start learning more about your health. Health and Fitness Tools Do Your BMI and Waist Size Increase Your Health Risks? How Bad Are Your Urinary Symptoms From Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? How Many Calories Did You Burn? What Is Your...
Intermittent Claudication
Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease. Intermittent claudication is a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock that occurs during exercise, such as walking up a steep hill or a flight of stairs. This pain usually occurs after the same amount of exercise and is...
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood. It is a long, thin tube called a catheter with a balloon on the end. The balloon inflates and deflates in the same rhythm as the heart. It helps the heart pump blood to the body. An IABP is usually for emergencies only. For...
Ischemia
Ischemia means your heart muscle is not getting enough blood and oxygen. It is usually caused by a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. When you have ischemia, you may feel angina symptoms. For most people, angina feels like chest pain or...
Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure
In isolated systolic high blood pressure (isolated systolic hypertension, or ISH), systolic blood pressure is elevated, but diastolic blood pressure is normal. This type of high blood pressure is more common in older adults, especially older women. High blood pressure increases your risk for stroke and heart disease...
Izzy's Story: Living With the DASH Diet
Izzy's story: Living with the DASH diet "I'm a believer!" That's the proclamation from Izzy, a 60-year-old clerk from Petaluma, Calif. She's talking about a way of eating that helped her lose weight and brought her blood pressure way down. "If there were a commercial for the DASH diet, I'd volunteer to be a...
Joan's Story: Coping With Depression and Anxiety From Heart Failure
Joan figured she would need months to recover physically from the heart attack 2 years ago that led to her heart failure. She didn't realize she would need just as much time to recover emotionally. "I was only 52 when I had the heart attack," she says. "Heart disease runs in my family, but I thought I'd been taking care...
Joe's Story: Changing My Lifestyle
When Joe turned 60 last year, he decided he was overdue for a good, old-fashioned physical. He had always been blessed with good health. But he knew that at his age he should be having regular checkups, especially since he was overweight. His doctor gave him a full exam and found no serious health problems. She also...
Kawasaki Disease
What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood illness that affects the blood vessels. The symptoms can be severe for several days. But with treatment, most children return to normal activities. Kawasaki disease can harm the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart muscle. Most children who are...
Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Discusses treating varicose and spider veins with a laser. Covers simple and endovenous laser treatment. Looks at sclerotherapy. Discusses why laser treatment is done and what to expect after treatment. Covers how well it works and possible side effects.
Leadless Pacemaker
A leadless pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device. It sends mild electrical signals to your heart. This keeps the heart beating normally. These signals are painless. The pacemaker can help stop the dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath caused by a slow heart rate. A leadless pacemaker is a newer type of...
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)
What is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)? Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) means that the muscle of the heart's main pump (left ventricle) has become thick and enlarged. This can happen over time if the left ventricle has to work too hard. This part of the heart needs to be strong to pump oxygen-rich blood to your...
Leg Amputation
The decision to have a limb amputated is difficult for the person and their doctor. Many times, extensive measures have been tried to save the limb. The major causes of amputation are diabetes and/or peripheral arterial disease that results in either painful, poor limb function or gangrene. In general, amputation is...
Leg Aneurysm
What is a leg aneurysm? A leg aneurysm (say "ANN-yuh-riz-um") is a bulge in a blood vessel (artery) in your leg. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the artery. It can happen in one or both legs. Blood clots can form in this type of aneurysm and can block blood flow in your leg. What increases your risk? Family history...
Leg Problems, Noninjury
Briefly discusses symptoms of leg problems not caused by injury. Covers symptoms like pain, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling, weakness, and lumps and bumps under the skin. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Leriche Syndrome
Leriche syndrome is the term used for a group of symptoms that are caused by a certain type of peripheral arterial disease of the legs. In Leriche syndrome, blood flow in the aorta is blocked in the stomach area. This blocks blood flow to the legs. Blood flow to the penis is also blocked. The following symptoms happen...
Linda's Story: Quitting Smoking Lowers My Risk
Linda's best friend had just had a heart attack. Linda, 56, and Terri, 52, work together in the records section of their city's police department. They had also been working on getting healthier together. They both had high cholesterol and were overweight. They both smoked. But they'd been going to aerobics class and...
Living With More Than One Health Problem
Many people have more than one long-term (chronic) health problem. You may be one of them. For example, you may have high blood pressure and diabetes, or you may have high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure. When you have more than one problem, doctors call the health problems comorbidities. One health problem...
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
What is low blood pressure? Blood pressure is a measure of how hard blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Low blood pressure means that your blood pressure is lower than normal. It's also called hypotension (say "hy-poh-TEN-shun"). In healthy adults, low blood pressure may not...
Low-Salt Diets: Eating Out
Offers tips for limiting sodium when eating at restaurants. Lists foods to avoid and options that are heart-healthy. Cautions that most restaurant food is higher in sodium.
Lyme Disease
Discusses Lyme disease, an infection spread by ticks. Includes info on deer ticks. Covers symptoms and Lyme disease tests. Covers treatment with antibiotics. Includes info on complications from not treating Lyme disease. Offers prevention tips.
Lyme Disease Test
Discusses antibody test used to detect Lyme disease. Covers two types of test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot test). Covers why and how they are done. Includes info on what results mean.
Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. In many cases MRA can provide information that...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done.
Manage Stress for Your Heart
Everyone has some stress. But stress can be bad for your heart. If you have heart disease, stress can lead to angina symptoms and maybe a heart attack. Taking steps to manage stress can improve your health and life. Try different ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Try to change...
Maze Procedure
Discusses surgical treatment to control irregular heartbeat and restore normal rhythm of heart. Looks at what to expect after surgery, like taking medicine such as Coumadin. Covers risks.
Mediterranean Diet
What is a Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy style of eating. It features foods eaten in Greece, Spain, and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes eating fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber breads, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil. These foods are rich in...
Metabolic Syndrome
Discusses metabolic syndrome, a group of health problems. These problems increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease (coronary artery disease). Covers risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Covers diet and exercise to improve health.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
What is mitral valve prolapse? Your mitral valve controls blood flow on the left side of your heart. The valve opens and closes with each heartbeat. It works like a one-way gate, letting blood flow from your upper heart chamber to your lower chamber. When you have mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the valve closes after...
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
What is mitral valve regurgitation? Mitral valve regurgitation is a problem that happens when the mitral valve does not close tightly enough. The closed valve lets blood leak (regurgitate) from the lower chamber of the heart back into the upper chamber. Your heart has to work harder to pump this extra blood. Primary...
Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Repair or Replace the Valve?
You can work with your doctor to decide whether you want to have your mitral valve repaired or replaced to treat chronic mitral valve regurgitation. Many things play a role in this decision. These things include: The cause of the regurgitation. If you have symptoms. If you have other health problems. How severe the...
Mitral Valve Repair Surgery
Mitral valve repair is typically done during an open-heart surgery. It repairs a mitral valve that is not working as it should. The mitral valve opens and closes to keep blood flowing in the proper direction through your heart. If the mitral valve doesn't close properly, it's called mitral valve regurgitation. If the...
Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery
Mitral valve replacement is most often done as an open-heart surgery. Minimally invasive types of surgery may be another option. The damaged mitral valve is removed and replaced with a new heart valve. The damaged valve is cut out. Then the new valve is sewn in place. The new valve may be mechanical or made of animal...
Mitral Valve Stenosis
What is mitral valve stenosis? Mitral valve stenosis is a heart problem in which the mitral valve becomes stiff and doesn't open as wide as it should. This forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through the valve, which can weaken the heart and cause other problems. What causes it? Nearly all cases of mitral...
Mitral Valve Stenosis: Repair or Replacement?
You can work with your doctor to decide if you want your mitral valve repaired or replaced to treat mitral valve stenosis. Many things play a role in this decision. These things include: If you have symptoms. If you have other health problems. How severe the stenosis is. The shape of the mitral valve. The risks of the...
Modify Recipes for a Heart-Healthy Diet
You don't have to abandon all your favorite recipes to eat healthier. Several small changes to your current recipes can often greatly lower the saturated fat and sodium in your diet. These small changes can make a big difference in the amount of fat and calories in your diet. But they won't make much difference in how...
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition. It causes inflammation, which can affect the heart, lungs, brain, and other organs. A child usually has a fever for 24 hours or longer, plus other symptoms. These can vary, but...
Myoglobin Test
Myoglobin is a protein found in heart tissue and other muscles. It is released into the blood after damage to the heart or other muscles. Damage can occur from a serious event such as a heart attack or a burn. Myoglobin can be checked with a blood test or a urine test.
Myxoma Tumors of the Heart
Myxomas are tumors of connective tissue. They can occur almost anywhere in the body, including the heart. What problems can they cause? A myxoma tumor can cause different types of problems. These include problems with blood flow through the heart and how well the heart pumps blood. If pieces of a tumor break off, they...
Normal Vital Signs for Adults
Learn the healthy range of your body's functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
Organ Transplant
Answers questions about organ transplants. Covers becoming an organ donor and getting on a waiting list. Covers tests used to see if you'd be a good candidate. Looks at medicines that you might take after a transplant. Offers tips for staying healthy.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and bloodstream. You may use it if you have a disease that makes it hard to breathe, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or heart failure. Oxygen therapy can make it easier for you to breathe and can reduce your heart's workload. Some people...
Oxygen Therapy: Using Oxygen at Home
Oxygen therapy helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and bloodstream. You may use it if you have a disease that makes it hard to breathe, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or heart failure. Oxygen therapy can make it...
Pacemaker
Discusses pacemakers used to treat bradycardia. Discusses various types of pacemakers. Covers how they work and how well they work, risks, and possible side effects.
Pacemaker: Living Well With It
Discusses pacemakers to control heart rhythm. Gives information on safety guidelines and tips for exercise and travel.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
Discusses patent foramen ovale, which is an opening in the septum of the heart between the upper right and left chambers. Covers diagnosis and treatment.
People Who Need Antibiotics to Prevent Endocarditis
If you have certain heart conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before you have some dental or surgical procedures that could put bacteria or fungi into your blood. The antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis. These heart conditions include: A repaired or replaced heart valve. Endocarditis in the...
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis is done to find the cause of fluid buildup around the heart and to relieve pressure on the heart. The tissue sac that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. It protects the heart and parts of the major blood vessels connected to the heart. Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between...
Pericarditis
What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds your heart. Pericarditis usually doesn't cause serious problems. Most people feel better in a couple of weeks. When there are problems, they may include: A buildup of fluid in the pericardial sac. This is...
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Discusses peripartum cardiomyopathy. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Also covers risk factors and prevention.
Peripheral Arterial Angioplasty
In this article, you'll learn the basics about peripheral arterial angioplasty, including how the procedure is done.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Discusses peripheral arterial disease, a narrowing or blockage of arteries that results in poor blood flow to your arms and legs. Discusses causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with a healthy lifestyle, medicines, a procedure, or surgery. Also offers prevention tips.
Peripheral Arterial Disease and Exercise
Specialized exercise programs may help relieve leg pain that occurs with exercise ( intermittent claudication) in some people who have PAD. If you have trouble walking because of your symptoms, this type of program may help you walk more easily. Your doctor may recommend a supervised exercise program. You may work with...
Peripheral Arterial Disease: Should I Have a Procedure or Surgery?
Guides you through the decision to have a procedure or surgery for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Covers what PAD is and how it is treated. Covers risks. Lists reasons for and against having a procedure or surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy (say "fluh-BEK-tuh-mee") is a procedure used to remove varicose veins. Your doctor will make several tiny cuts (incisions) in the skin. The varicose veins are removed through the cuts. Stitches usually aren't needed. The procedure is also called microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and stab avulsion...
Physical Activity Helps Prevent a Heart Attack and Stroke
Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to help prevent a heart attack or stroke. Being active is one part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods, not smoking, and staying at a healthy weight are other ways you can be heart-healthy and help prevent a heart attack or a stroke. If you are not...
Physical Therapy
Discusses exercise, manual therapy, and education for chronic conditions like COPD or arthritis. Covers goals that include increasing flexibility, strength, and endurance. Covers what to expect.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Covers symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, which include muscle pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Covers how this condition is treated.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)—Overview Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body. The tracer usually is a special form of a substance (such as glucose) that collects in cells that are using a lot of energy, such...
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
What is post-thrombotic syndrome? Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or deep vein blood clot. After a while, this blood clot (usually in your leg), can damage the vein. Damage to the vein can lead to more pressure in the veins. The increased pressure can cause long-term...
Postoperative Problems
Briefly discusses possible problems that may occur after surgery. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
What is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)? Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a fast heart rate (tachycardia) that starts after you stand up. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness or weakness. What causes it? Experts don't understand what causes it, but different body systems seem to...
Preeclampsia
Covers causes and symptoms of preeclampsia. Includes regular checkups with your doctor. Looks at prevention and treatment with close monitoring and possibly blood pressure medicine.
Pregnancy: Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins near the surface of the skin. They're caused by faulty valves in the veins or weak vein walls. Varicose veins usually occur on the legs, but they can also affect the vulva. They are common during pregnancy. When the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that return blood...
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Describes early heartbeats that happen when the ventricles beat too soon. Describes symptoms and when to call a doctor. Explains that in most cases the early heartbeats are not serious and go away on their own.
Pressure Injuries
What are pressure injuries? A pressure injury on the skin is caused by constant pressure to that area. The pressure damages the skin and underlying tissues, creating an injury. This can happen when you lie in bed or sit in a wheelchair for a long time. Pressure injuries usually occur over bony areas, such as your sit...
Pressure Injuries From Scuba Diving
What are pressure injuries from scuba diving? Scuba diving can expose you to high waves and dangerous sea life. But the more likely dangers are those you can't see. You can be injured if your body isn't able to adjust to the increasing and decreasing pressure of the water as you breathe compressed air. Pressure changes...
Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis From Travel
What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. A DVT can be dangerous because it can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. There it can block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). This can be...
Pulmonary Embolism
Discusses primary cause (blood clot in the lungs) and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Looks at treatment with thrombolytic medicines, blood thinners (anticoagulants), or surgery. Links to info on complications like pulmonary hypertension.
Pulse Measurement
Your pulse is the rate at which your heart beats. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). But the rhythm and strength of the heartbeat can also be noted, as well as whether the blood vessel feels hard or soft. Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, a...
Quick Tips: Taking Charge of Your Angina
Most people who have angina can manage their symptoms. This includes knowing when to rest and taking medicine such as nitroglycerin. You can also try modifying your daily activities to help prevent or relieve angina. Know when to stop and rest. If an activity or exercise causes angina, stop and rest to relieve your...
Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. (Ablation means a doctor uses heat to damage tissue. This makes scar tissue form. The scar tissue closes the vein.) This technique uses radiofrequency energy (instead of laser energy) to heat up and damage the wall inside a vein. This usually...
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) can help you measure how hard your body is working when you exercise. To do this, you monitor yourself as you exercise. For example, you think about how tired you are, how hard it is to breathe, and how hard it is to do the activity. An RPE is usually used as part of a cardiac rehab...
Raynaud's Phenomenon
What is Raynaud's phenomenon? Raynaud's (say "ray-NOHZ") phenomenon occurs when the blood vessels in the hands and feet are extra sensitive and become more narrow than normal. The hands and feet feel very cold and numb for a short time. This condition is also called Raynaud's syndrome or Raynaud's disease. What causes...
Renal Artery Stenosis
Learn the basics of renal artery stenosis, including what it is, what causes it, and how it is treated.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Gives info on heart problem that leads to heart failure. Includes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment with medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Also info on causes like amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis. Includes info on tests.
Resuming Sexual Activity After a Heart Attack
After a heart attack, most people can resume sexual activity when they are healthy and feel ready for it. You could be ready if you can do mild or moderate activity, like brisk walking, without having angina symptoms. Some people are afraid to resume sexual activity after a heart attack. They are worried that they will...
Rheumatic Fever and the Heart
Rheumatic fever is a bacterial infection that can cause problems with the heart's aortic and mitral valves. Rheumatic fever is caused by certain strains of streptococcal bacteria. A strep throat infection that isn't properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage heart muscle and heart valves...
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Right-sided heart failure means that the right side of the heart is not pumping blood to the lungs as well as normal. Most people develop heart failure because of a problem with the left ventricle. But reduced function of the right ventricle can also occur in heart failure. Right-sided heart failure can happen if there...
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease
Things that put you at risk for coronary artery disease are the things that lead to a problem called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. These things include: High cholesterol. High blood pressure. Diabetes. Smoking. Being overweight. A family history of early heart disease. Early heart disease means you have...
Sally's Story: Avoiding Metabolic Syndrome
Sally never had to worry about her weight. She had always been active, enjoying her daily walks in the park. But things changed when Sally's mom had a heart attack. Sally took care of her mom night and day. But Sally got so busy taking care of her mom that she forgot to take care of herself. For months, Sally didn't do...
Sclerotherapy
Describes sclerotherapy to treat varicose and spider veins. Looks at how well sclerotherapy works and what to expect after treatment. Discusses risks.
Secondary High Blood Pressure
What is secondary high blood pressure? Secondary high blood pressure is high blood pressure that's caused by another disease or condition. It can also be caused by certain medicines. If your doctor can treat what's causing the high blood pressure, it might lower your blood pressure. The risk of secondary high blood...
Self-Care After a Stroke
After a stroke, keep in mind that you are the most important person in your own recovery. You need to have a major say in the decisions about your care. This may be hard for you, and you may sometimes feel like sitting back and letting others take charge. Make sure others understand that you want to be involved in the...
Sex and Your Heart
Sex is part of a healthy life. It can be safe for people who have a heart problem. But some people may worry about having sex. Or they may have problems having sex or enjoying sex. If you are having sexual problems, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help you get information, support, and advice so you can enjoy sex...
Shock
What is shock? Shock means that your body and its functions are shutting down. The body goes into shock when it can't get enough blood to the vital organs like your heart or brain. This may be caused by a sudden illness, an injury, or bleeding. Sometimes even a mild injury will lead to shock. Shock is a life-threatening...
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Sick sinus syndrome is the name given to a group of arrhythmias that occur because the normal pacemaker of the heart (the sinus node) does not work properly. Sick sinus syndrome is also called sinus node dysfunction. What causes it? Sick sinus syndrome can occur for various reasons. It most commonly results from the...
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive substance in liquid form) to look at organs or bones in the body. During the test, the tracer is put into a vein (intravenous, or I.V.) in your arm. Sometimes it's taken by mouth or inhaled through...
Smoking and Coronary Artery Disease
Quitting smoking is probably the most important step you can take to decrease your chance of coronary artery disease and a heart attack. Smoking raises your risk of getting coronary artery disease and dying early from it. Carbon monoxide, nicotine, and other substances in tobacco smoke can promote atherosclerosis and...
Sodium Record
Use a form to record the sodium content of the foods you eat or drink each day. This record will help you see whether you are getting the prescribed daily amount of sodium in your diet. Make a chart with 3 columns and as many rows you need for meals and snacks. In the first column, record your meals. In the second...
Statins
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Statins: Should I Take Them to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?
Guides people not already diagnosed with coronary artery disease through decision to take statin medicine to lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Covers cholesterol and other risk factors. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Stress Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (also called an echo) uses sound waves to make an image of your heart. A device called a transducer is moved across your chest. It looks like a microphone. The transducer sends sound waves that echo off your heart and back to the transducer. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart...
Stroke
Discusses ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack). Describes stroke symptoms and importance of acting fast if symptoms develop. Covers stroke treatment and prevention.
Stroke Prevention: Should I Have a Carotid Artery Procedure?
Guides through the decision to have a carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting to prevent stroke if you have not already had a stroke or TIA. Lists pros and cons. Explains risks. Looks at other treatments. Has interactive tool to help you decide.
Stroke Rehabilitation
How does stroke rehabilitation (rehab) help you get better after a stroke? The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation (rehab). The goal of stroke rehab is to help you recover, prevent problems, and regain skills you may have lost or to make the most of your remaining abilities. Stroke...
Stroke: Behavior Changes
Depending on what part of the brain was affected, a person may not act the same after a stroke as they acted before the stroke. In some cases, these behavior changes may be the result of an emotional or psychological problem. But they might also be linked to: A memory problem. For example, someone may need reminders to...
Stroke: Bladder and Bowel Problems
Urinary incontinence Some people who have a stroke suffer loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) after the stroke. But this is usually temporary. And it can have many causes, including infection, constipation, and the effects of medicines. If you have problems controlling your bladder, your doctor may: Test a...
Stroke: Changes in Emotions
After a stroke, some people feel like they have lost control of their emotions. These feelings can come from one or both of two causes. A stroke can affect parts of the brain that control how you feel. You may have emotional reactions that are different from your normal ones. For example, you may have fits of crying or...
Stroke: Dealing With Depression
It is common to feel sad about changes caused by the stroke. Sometimes the injury to the brain from the stroke can cause depression. If you think you might be depressed, tell your doctor right away. The sooner you know if you are depressed, the sooner you can get treatment. Treatment can help you feel better. Your...
Stroke: Getting Dressed
A stroke often affects movement and use of one side of the body, so getting dressed is often difficult for people after a stroke. Your stroke rehab team can suggest things that can help you. But here are some tips to make getting dressed easier. Use assistive devices that may help you dress. Getting dressed may be...
Stroke: How to Prevent Another One
After a stroke, people feel lots of different emotions. Some people are worried that they could have another stroke. Or they may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn and do. Some people feel sad or depressed. No matter what emotions you are feeling, you can give yourself some control and peace of mind by...
Stroke: Memory Tips
A stroke often causes memory problems. If a person has problems with memory, you might get helpful tips from their stroke rehab team. These tips may include: Set a daily routine, if possible. Warn the person about upcoming changes in routine. Someone who has had a stroke may be very sensitive to minor changes in the...
Stroke: Perception Changes
When a stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, a person's ability to judge distance, size, position, rate of movement, form, and the way parts relate to the whole is affected (spatial-perceptual problems). People with these problems may have more trouble learning to care for themselves. Signs of perception...
Stroke: Preventing Injury in Affected Limbs
After a stroke, you may not feel temperature, touch, pain, or sharpness on one side of your body. This may lead to injuries such as: Cuts and scratches. These can happen if your nails aren't kept short and smooth. For example, if you can't feel sensations in your feet, you won't know if your toenail is cutting into your...
Stroke: Problems With Ignoring the Affected Side
Some people who have had a stroke ignore or are not aware of one side of their body. This can happen when the stroke damages one side of the brain. Caregivers may notice signs that the person is ignoring, or neglecting, the affected side, such as: Mentioning or responding to stimulation only on the unaffected side of...
Stroke: Speech and Language Problems
Some people have speech and language problems after a stroke. Their ability to speak, read, or write may be affected. Also, they may not be able to understand what someone else is saying. Trouble communicating can be very frustrating. When you talk to someone who's had a stroke, be understanding and supportive. You...
Stroke: Your Rehabilitation Team
Your stroke rehab team will include doctors and nurses who specialize in stroke rehab, as well as other professionals. Each team member will help you in specific ways. The team may include the following professionals. Rehab doctor A rehab doctor is a specialist in charge of your rehab program. The doctor may also work...
Sudden Heart Failure
Sudden heart failure occurs when heart failure gets worse very quickly. Your heart suddenly cannot pump as much blood as your body needs. Sudden heart failure causes rapid fluid buildup, or congestion, in the lungs and other parts of the body. Sudden heart failure is an emergency. You need care right away. Sudden heart...
Supraventricular Tachycardia
What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)? Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress. For most people who have SVT, the heart still works normally to pump blood through the body. During an episode of SVT, the...
Temporal Artery Biopsy
If you have symptoms of temporal arteritis (also called giant cell arteritis), your doctor may order a temporal artery biopsy to make sure. Giant cell arteritis can occur at various points along an artery. To test for giant cell arteritis, your doctor may have a surgeon take a sample of a blood vessel on your temple and...
Thrombolytics for Heart Attack and Stroke
Thrombolytics are medicines that rapidly dissolve a blood clot. They are used when a blood clot causes an emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke. These clot-busting medicines help blood to flow normally again. Thrombolytics are used as soon as possible after a heart attack or stroke. These medicines are used in the...
Tilt Table Test
A tilt table test is used to check people who have fainted or who often feel lightheaded. The results help your doctor know the cause of your fainting or feeling lightheaded. The test uses a special table that slowly tilts you to an upright position. It checks how your body responds when you change positions.
Tony's Story: Taking Medicine for High Cholesterol
Tony has done well with getting his cholesterol under control. And he's had a notable failure. But as Tony tells it, "I've learned as much from the failure as I have from the success. Maybe more." About 2 years ago, Tony's doctor told him that he had a high risk for heart attack and that his cholesterol was high. So...
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a procedure to implant a replacement aortic valve in the heart. It is also called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to put in your new heart valve. Your doctor will put the catheter into a blood...
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram is a test to help your doctor look at the inside of your heart. A small device called a transducer directs sound waves toward your heart. The sound waves make a picture of the heart's valves and chambers. Your doctor may do this test to look for certain types of heart disease. Or it may...
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Discusses transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. Covers causes, including blood clot as a result of atherosclerosis. Looks at treatment with medicines, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Discusses prevention steps.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (also called an echo) uses sound waves to make an image of your heart. A device called a transducer sends sound waves that echo off your heart and back to the transducer. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen. In a transthoracic echocardiogram...
Turning Off Your ICD
An ICD is always checking your heart for a life-threatening, rapid heart rhythm. The ICD may try to slow the rhythm back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm doesn't stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart. This restores a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode...
Tyrell's Story: Taking Pills for High Blood Pressure
When Tyrell's doctor told him he had high blood pressure, he was shocked. "I thought, 'Hey, I'm a physical fitness trainer. I'm in great shape. How could I have high blood pressure?' " He knew that both of his parents have high blood pressure. And one of his uncles recently had a stroke. But Tyrell had always been kind...
Understanding Virtual Care (Telemedicine)
This article explains what virtual care (telemedicine) is, when and how it's used, and what the risks are.
Using Nitroglycerin for Angina
Discusses using nitroglycerin to treat angina. Covers how to take quick-acting nitroglycerin. Provides info on side effects and interactions with other drugs. Covers how to store nitroglycerin. Includes info on when to call for emergency help.
Vagal Maneuvers for Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Vagal maneuvers are used to try to slow an episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). These simple maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve. This can sometimes slow the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node of the heart. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying these. Your doctor...
Valvuloplasty for Aortic Valve Stenosis
Valvuloplasty is a procedure that widens a heart valve that is narrow. When you have a condition called aortic valve stenosis, the valve between your heart and the large blood vessel that carries blood to the body (aorta) is narrow. That forces the heart to pump harder to get enough blood through the valve. The...
Valvuloplasty for Mitral Valve Stenosis
Valvuloplasty is a treatment for mitral valve stenosis. It is a procedure that widens the mitral valve so that blood flows more easily through the heart. It's also called a balloon commissurotomy or valvotomy. It's a minimally invasive procedure. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. You...
Varicose Veins
Discusses causes and symptoms of twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin called varicose veins. Covers treatment with self-care, sclerotherapy, endovenous laser, and radiofrequency. Includes vein surgery called ligation and stripping.
Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?
Discusses reasons to have or not have surgery or a procedure for varicose veins. Includes info on endovenous ablation, ligation and stripping surgery, sclerotherapy, external laser treatment, and microphlebectomy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Vein Ligation and Stripping
Vein ligation and stripping is a minor surgery. It is used to remove one or more varicose veins. These are twisted, swollen veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. The surgery can also be done to prevent venous skin ulcers from coming back after treatment. You may be asleep...
Venous Insufficiency
Learn the basics about venous insufficiency, including what causes it and how it is treated.
Venous Skin Ulcer
What is a venous skin ulcer? A skin ulcer is a type of wound that develops on the skin. A venous skin ulcer is a shallow wound that occurs when the leg veins don't return blood back toward the heart the way they should. This is called venous insufficiency. These ulcers usually form on the sides of the lower leg, above...
Venous Skin Ulcers: Home Treatment
Venous skin ulcers develop when the lower leg veins are weakened and cannot efficiently move the blood back toward the heart. Pooled blood and fluid in the lower legs then leads to tissue breakdown. You can prevent or heal a venous skin ulcer by helping your blood circulate back toward your heart. Elevate your legs...
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) for Heart Failure
A ventricular assist device (VAD) helps pump blood from your heart to the rest of your body. It's used when your heart is not able to pump enough blood on its own. The device consists of a pump, tubes that connect the pump to the heart, a control system, and a power source. A thin cable connects the pump with the...
Ventricular Tachycardia
What is ventricular tachycardia? Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower part of the heart (ventricles). The heart beats more than 100 beats per minute. Some forms of VT may get worse and lead to ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening. With ventricular...
Ventriculogram
A ventriculogram is a test that shows images of your heart. The images show how well your heart is pumping. The pictures let your doctor check the health of the lower chambers of your heart, called ventricles. This test can be done as a noninvasive test or as part of an invasive procedure. Noninvasive imaging test. You...
Warfarin and Vitamin K
Warfarin is a pill that you take regularly to help prevent blood clots or to keep a clot from getting bigger. Coumadin is the common brand name for warfarin. To make sure that warfarin is effectively thinning your blood, it's important to eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Here's why: Vitamin K normally...
Warfarin: Taking Your Medicine Safely
Warfarin (such as Coumadin) is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is often called a blood thinner. Doctors give warfarin to reduce the risk of blood clots. Warfarin slows the time it takes for your blood to clot. That means it can cause bleeding problems. So it's important to know how to take it safely. Foods...
Weight and Coronary Artery Disease
There is a strong link between being overweight and the risk for coronary artery disease. Being overweight increases your chances of having risk factors for the disease. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight can help lower your risk for coronary...
What to Do if Your Cardiac Device Is Recalled
Explains what a recall of a medical device is. Mentions that failure or recall of cardiac devices is rare. Covers the FDA classes of recall. Explains what to do if your cardiac device is recalled.
When to Have a Cholesterol Test
Doctors use different guidelines to decide when a person should have a cholesterol test. A cholesterol test can be one of the things doctors use to check on your risk of heart attack and stroke. Some health organizations recommend cholesterol screening every 4 to 6 years for everyone ages 20 to 39 and more often for...
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart rhythm problem that causes a very fast heart rate. WPW is one type of supraventricular tachycardia called atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). With WPW, an extra electrical pathway links the upper chambers (atria) and...
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