What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on your arteries. Signs of high blood pressure include flushing, dizziness and blood spots in the eyes. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood as it pushes against artery walls. This force moves blood throughout your body. Every time...
What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is a condition in which the sac that surrounds the heart becomes inflamed. The best treatment for pericarditis depends on what's causing the infection. Antivirals, corticosteroids and surgery may be used. Pericarditis is a condition in which the protective sac around the heart becomes inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium....
What is C-reactive protein (CRP)? Readers Comments 13 Share Your Story Diagram of healthy and unhealthy ranges for C-reactive protein (CRP) C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. CRP is produced in the liver and its level is measured by testing the blood. CRP is classified as an acute...
The target heart rate zone is a term used to define a heart rate at which cardio exercises are to be done. The target heart rate zone is a term used to define a heart rate at which cardio exercises are to be done. Exercising regularly at a target heart rate ensures that there is...
What is congestive heart failure? Several factors can cause congestive heart failure including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and others. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood to body tissues efficiently. Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that progresses with time if left untreated....
What is Multaq, and how does it work? Multaq is a prescription medicine used to lower the chance that you will need to go into the hospital for atrial fibrillation. It is meant for people who have had certain types of atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal or persistent AF) in the past, but are now in normal...
What is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)? Picture of the great vessels of the heart. When the heart's electrical system malfunctions, the normal rhythm of the heart can be affected. Depending upon the abnormality, the heart may begin to beat too fast, too slow, irregularly, or not at all. Heart rhythm disorders are often referred...
What is an echocardiogram? What is the definition of echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart’s structures. The heart is a two-stage electrical pump that circulates blood throughout the body. The anatomy includes four chambers and four valves. For the heart to function normally these structures need to be intact and the heart...
A leaky heart valve may go unnoticed because frequently, a leaky heart valve causes no symptoms. A leaky heart valve may go unnoticed because frequently, a leaky heart valve causes no symptoms. If a heart valve leak is severe, it can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness and cause the heart to fail. The symptoms of...
What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? IABP is performed when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or isn’t pumping out to the rest of the body. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device which helps the heart to pump more blood. The IABP consists of a thin, flexible...