Heart Disease

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Know Your Risks

Coronary Artery Disease Assessment

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool.

Understanding Heart Disease See All

Basic Anatomy of the Heart in Understanding Heart Disease

Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side....more

Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System in Understanding Heart Disease

The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is regulated by electrical impulses....more

Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries in Understanding Heart Disease

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. There are two main coronary arteries: the right and the left....more

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves in Understanding Heart Disease

Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration...more

The Cardiologist in Understanding Heart Disease

A cardiologist is a doctor who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include heart attack and heart failure....more

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist in Understanding Heart Disease

A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, or cardiac EP, is a doctor who treats rhythm problems of the heart. ...more

Cardiac Tests & Procedures See AllDetailed Tests & Procedure Guides See All

Cardiac Diagnostic Tests in Cardiac Tests & Procedures

Here's a look at just a few of the tests that have been used or are being used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease....more

Cardiac Procedures in Cardiac Tests & Procedures

These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease....more

Heart Conditions and Diseases See AllArrhythmias See AllCoronary Artery Disease See AllHeart Attack See AllHeart Valve Disease See AllHeart Failure See AllHigh Blood Pressure See AllOther Heart Conditions See All

Arrhythmias in Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause problems with the contractions of your heart chambers....more

Atrial Fibrillation in Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a kind of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. AFib increases the risk for blood clots. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke....more

Coronary Heart Disease in Coronary Artery Disease

Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information...more

Atherosclerosis in Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis is a type of thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other circulatory conditions....more

Automated External Defibrillator in Arrhythmias, Heart Attack

An AED is a small, portable, battery-powered machine with a computer in it. The machine detects heart activity. It can give an electric shock to someone if needed....more

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Heart Attack in Heart Attack

Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation....more

Heart Valve Diseases in Heart Valve Disease

Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow....more

Mitral Valve Prolapse in Heart Valve Disease

The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle. It's job is to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Mitral valve prolapse is the bulging of the valve causing blood to leak backwards....more

Heart Failure in Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs....more

Cardiomyopathy in Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively....more

Heart Failure: Breathe More Easily in Living With Heart Failure

Heart failure makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood, causing shortness of breath....more

Heart Failure and Physical Activity in Living With Heart Failure

If you have heart failure, you may wonder if physical activity is good for you....more

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension in High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk for coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack)....more

Understanding Prehypertension in High Blood Pressure

Prehypertension is a term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don’t take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits....more

Pericarditis in Other Heart Conditions

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart....more

Rheumatic Heart Disease in Other Heart Conditions

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage starts with an untreated or under-treated strep infection. In some cases, strep throat or scarlet fever, which are caused by streptococcus A bacteria, can progress to rheumatic fever if not treated properly....more

Women and Heart Disease See All

For Women: Take This Risk to Heart in Women and Heart Disease

Women often perceive heart disease as an older person's disease that need not concern them until menopause....more

Heart Attacks and Women in Women and Heart Disease

For many women, a heart attack may feel like a strange discomfort in the back or some other easily ignored sign, instead of crushing chest pain....more

A Woman's Guide to Beating Heart Disease in Women and Heart Disease

Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target....more

Making Your Lifestyle Heart-Healthy in Women and Heart Disease

The millions of Americans diagnosed with heart and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from making healthy choices in their day-to-day lives....more

Heart Attack in Women and Heart Disease

A heart attack happens when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die....more

Diabetes and Heart Disease See All

Cardiovascular Disease Screening and Management in Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke....more

Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes in Diabetes and Heart Disease

Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of glucose in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes....more

Congenital Heart Disease See AllGenetic Disorders See AllHeart Defects See AllComplex Heart Problems See AllLiving With Congenital Heart Disease See AllRelated Problems See All

Fetal Circulation in Congenital Heart Disease

Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta....more

Factors Contributing to Congenital Heart Disease in Congenital Heart Disease

In most cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment....more

Congenital Heart Disease in Congenital Heart Disease

Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery....more

Cardiac Rehabilitation See All

Effects of Rehabilitation on the Family in Cardiac Rehabilitation

One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in his or her rehab....more

Choosing a Rehabilitation Unit/CARF in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers....more

After a Heart Attack in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you....more

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis....more

Managing Heart Disease See AllTaking Medications See AllWatching Your Blood Pressure See All Making Healthy Food Choices See AllBeing Active See AllStaying Motivated See AllWorking With Your Healthcare Provider See All

All About Blood Pressure Medication in Taking Medications

Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types....more

When You’re Taking Heart Medications in Taking Medications

These medications are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your doctor has prescribed....more

Heart Disease: How Disease Management Helps in Watching Your Blood Pressure, Staying Motivated

Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medication, diet, and other treatment options....more

Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home in Watching Your Blood Pressure

Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your doctor to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day....more

Diet to Help Prevent Heart Disease in Making Healthy Food Choices

The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet....more

Cholesterol in the Blood in Making Healthy Food Choices

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs....more

Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program in Being Active

It's always important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. This is especially true if you have certain health conditions....more

Designing an Exercise Program in Being Active

To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week....more

8 Mistakes Heart Patients Make in Staying Motivated

The way you respond to a heart attack can make a profound difference in what happens to you in the future....more

Learning to Live with Heart Disease in Staying Motivated

Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking on their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives....more

Heart Disease: Communicating with Several Providers in Working With Your Healthcare Provider

If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several providers who each treat you for a different health issue....more

Heart Disease Worksheet in Working With Your Healthcare Provider

It's important to get regular checkups and periodic exams, especially when you have cardiovascular disease....more

Preventing Heart Disease See AllSelf Care See AllRisk Factors See AllSmoking See AllBlood Pressure See AllDiet and Nutrition See AllHigh Blood Cholesterol See AllOverweight and Obesity See AllPhysical Inactivity See AllStress See AllOther Factors See All

Making Changes to Avoid Heart Disease in Self Care

Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes....more

What You Can Do to Prevent Atherosclerosis in Self Care

Atherosclerosis can be devastating, causing strokes, heart attacks and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease....more

Take Action to Beat Heart Disease in Risk Factors

Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there’s a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems....more

Metabolic Syndrome: Lowering Your Heart Disease Risk in Risk Factors, Overweight and Obesity

Control your blood pressure, keep your cholesterol in check, and take your medicine as prescribed....more

How to Quit Smoking, Again in Smoking

Fewer than a quarter of those who attempt to quit are able to make it beyond three months before resuming smoking. Here are suggestions to help you kick the habit, again, for good....more

Quitting Smoking Quiz in Smoking

No matter what your age, or how long you have smoked, giving up cigarettes is the ticket to a longer life. Find out more about the benefits of quitting by taking this quiz....more

Understanding Prehypertension in Blood Pressure

Prehypertension is a term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don’t take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits....more

How to Manage Prehypertension in Blood Pressure

Prehypertension is a term that alerts people to the very real risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don't take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits....more

Diet to Help Prevent Heart Disease in Diet and Nutrition

The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet....more

Cholesterol in the Blood in Diet and Nutrition

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs....more

Lower Your Cholesterol in High Blood Cholesterol

High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined....more

The Truth About Triglycerides in High Blood Cholesterol

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Most of your body's fat is stored as triglycerides....more

Overview of Obesity in Overweight and Obesity

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects....more

Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obesity

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome greatly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or all three....more

Medical Treatment for Obesity in Treatment for Obesity

Medical treatment can help with weight loss if your own efforts are unsuccessful—or if you have a medical condition that makes it crucial to lose weight....more

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Surgery in Treatment for Obesity

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a type of weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric surgery. It’s often done as a laparoscopic surgery, with small incisions in the abdomen....more

Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program in Physical Inactivity

It's always important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. This is especially true if you have certain health conditions....more

Designing an Exercise Program in Physical Inactivity

To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week....more

Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease in Stress

Mental stress does more than diminish your sense of well-being. It also can increase your risk for heart disease....more

Heart Disease: Keep Your Gums Healthy in Other Factors

People with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums....more

Get to the Heart of Oral Health in Other Factors

Evidence is mounting that people with periodontal (gum) disease may be more at risk for heart disease and stroke....more

Interactive Tools See All

Target Heart Rate Calculator

Your target heart rate is the range at which sustained physical activity - running, cycling, swimming laps, or any other aerobic exercise - is considered safe and effective....more

Adult BMI Calculator

Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more

Cholesterol Quiz

An excess of cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Take this quiz to learn more about cholesterol and its role in your health....more

Coronary Artery Disease and Angioplasty Quiz

Atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease (CAD), plays a major role in the leading cause of death in this country: heart attack. Learn more about this disease and a common procedure used to treat it....more

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment

The questions in this assessment ask about risk factors—conditions that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes....more

Coronary Artery Disease Assessment

Multimedia See All

Holter Monitor Podcast

The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG) used to monitor the ECG tracing continuously for a period of 24 hours or longer....more

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion Podcast

An ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity and responds with either anti-tachycardia pacing or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest....more

Atrial Flutter

The beating of your heart is very organized, taking its cue from a built-in electrical system. A normal heart rate is regular, at 60 to 100 beats per minute. An arrhythmia is any kind of abnormal heartbeat—too fast, too slow, or irregular. This video explains different arrhythmias and what you should do if you have one. ...more

Cardiac Stress Test: Exercise Imaging

An exercise imaging stress test shows how well blood flows inside your heart and how well your heart pumps blood. It gives your healthcare provider more information than a non-imaging stress test....more