Heart

Simply surviving a heart attack is just the beginning of a long process of recovery. Heart attack survivors now require shorter hospitalizations than years ago. Most heart attack survivors remain free of complications and are discharged from the hospital five to seven days after admission. Improved medical treatments, such as the early use of clot […]

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heart disease. Heart-healthy changes in diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), and it is never too late to make these changes. Major risk factors for coronary heart disease include high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, inactivity,

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heart attack. Q: I’ve heard I should eat more fish and try to cook with vegetable oils like canola. Why? A: Cold-water varieties of fish, such as salmon, herring, and tuna – as well as certain vegetable oils like canola oil and soybean oil – are rich in

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heart disease. Angina pectoris: Pressure, tightness, or constricting pain in the chest that occurs due to inadequate blood flow to heart muscle; is usually associated with significant coronary artery disease. Antioxidants: Substances in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds that can help prevent or slow build up of

The term “heart attack” is often used to refer to signs and symptoms that result from the sudden blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart. Without good blood flow, the heart does not receive enough oxygen and begins to die. People suffering a heart attack may experience symptoms such as chest pain,

Depending on which coronary artery is affected, and where it becomes blocked, different parts of the heart are damaged at the time of a heart attack. The right coronary artery carries blood to the right side of the heart (the right atrium and right ventricle) portions of the left side of the heart parts of

It’s sometimes hard to tell if chest pain is caused by a heart attack or another condition. For example, pain related to a heart attack is frequently mistaken for indigestion and can even be briefly and partially relieved with belching or antacids. Conversely, people with pain from gastroesophageal reflux (“heartburn”) frequently mistake their pain for

Although there is some overlap, care provided to a heart attack patient can be divided into three settings: Prehospital (outside the hospital and in the hospital emergency department) Hospital (inpatient care, including the coronary care unit) Convalescent (recovery and rehabilitation) Care provided in the prehospital and hospital settings focuses on: Relief of distress, including chest

Most patients suspected of having suffered an acute heart attack are admitted to a hospital’s coronary care unit (CCU). The CCU is intended to be a quiet, calm, and restful area in which patients can be further evaluated and closely monitored. A specially trained nurse who works with doctors and other members of the medical

Heart attacks vary widely in the amount of damage caused and whether there are any complications. Some people may suffer a mild heart attack with no associated complications, which is called an uncomplicated heart attack. Others may suffer a more extensive heart attack with a wide range of complications. Fortunately, treatments can prevent or reduce

A variety of diagnostic tests can be performed to: Confirm that a heart attack has occurred Provide additional information that can guide treatment, and/or Determine the long-term outcome or prognosis in someone who has suffered a heart attack Some tests, such as sequential electrocardiograms or blood tests, are performed on all patients suspected of having