Heart Disease

Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of a fist. ...more

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

Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more

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

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

A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, or cardiac EP, is a healthcare provider who treats rhythm problems of the heart. Learn more about their medical training, and the tests and procedures that they do. ...more

Here's a look at just a few of the tests used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease. ...more

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs. ...more

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

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

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

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

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

Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services. ...more

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

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

Whether you take prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or both, there are important guidelines to follow to get the most from them. ...more

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

Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your healthcare provider to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day. Read on to learn about the two different types of home devices, along with helpful tips for buying one. ...more

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

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

The key to cardiovascular fitness is getting a good but safe aerobic workout. Heart rate monitors can help you do that with ease. Learn about how to find your target heart rate. ...more

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

Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. You can take care of your heart by making lifestyle changes. ...more

Atherosclerosis can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. But you can prevent this condition with things like a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and keeping a healthy weight. ...more

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

Tips for keeping your heart healthy, from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your cholesterol in check. ...more

Follow these suggestions to help you kick the habit, again--this time, for good....more

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

Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat. ...more

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

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

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

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

Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure? You can’t do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors can be changed. Learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure by taking this quiz....more

Atrial flutter is when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast. Learn how it happens, and how it can be treated....more

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