Heart

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heart failure. Q: My brother was just diagnosed with heart failure. How can he continue his normal activities if his heart has failed? A: Heart failure does not mean that your brother’s heart has failed. It simply means his heart is not working as efficiently as it should, […]

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heart failure. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has failed. It simply means that the heart is not pumping as powerfully as it used to. Symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue, shortness of breath (especially when lying down), and swelling

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heart failure. Angina: A condition in which the heart does not get enough oxygen, resulting in chest pain and a feeling of suffocation. Arrhythmia: Any rhythm that is not the normal rhythm of the heart; it may mean a slow or fast heart rate or an irregular rhythm. Cardiomyopathy: Any

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heart disease. American Dietetic Association  Phone: (800) 877-1600 http://www.eatright.org American Heart Association  Phone: (800) 242-8721 http://www.americanheart.org National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute  Phone: (301) 251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heart failure. American Heart Association  Phone: 800-242-8721 www.americanheart.org They will advise you of the location of the nearest chapter in your area. They’ll also offer you information about local rehab groups. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute  Phone: 301-251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Heart failure does not mean that the heart has failed. It simply means that the heart does not pump as powerfully as it used to, and is not working efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs for oxygen-rich blood. In heart failure: The contractions of the heart muscle are less powerful than they used to

This depends on how severe the heart failure is. If the heart failure is mild, it may not significantly affect a person’s lifestyle and day-to-day living. On the other hand, severe heart failure can affect a person’s every move and can be fatal. Thus there is a “spectrum” of severity from very mild heart failure

Risk factors can be divided into two categories: Risk factors you can’t do anything about Risk factors you can do something about Need To Know: People who have more than one risk factor for coronary heart disease may be at much greater risk for CHD than people with no risk factors. For example, a person

In order to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), you first must identify what may be putting you at risk. Determine if you’re at risk by reviewing your lifestyle and diet. Ask your physician to check your blood cholesterol level. If you have only one uncontrollable risk factor, smoking or being overweight could make

Cholesterol is necessary for our bodies to function, and it is found in every cell in our body. About 80 percent of the cholesterol in our bodies is manufactured by the liver, while the other 20 percent comes from the foods that we eat. However, a diet high in cholesterol can cause our bodies to make

The risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) increases with rising blood cholesterol levels. When blood cholesterol exceeds 220 ml/dl (milligrams per deciliter-the units blood cholesterol is measured in the United States), risk for CHD increases at a more rapid rate. All adults should have their blood cholesterol level measured at least once every five years. If your