What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) is the same thing. An electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) is the same thing. An EKG is a test that examines the heart function by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through the...
HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals aged less than 30 years Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may develop and manifest at any age. Some may be born with the condition while others may develop it during childhood. The heart may, however, show no signs at this age. In some cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy...
What is coronary artery bypass grafting? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery that helps create adequate blood flow to the heart by using healthy blood vessels harvested from some other sites (e.g., leg, arm, or chest) to bypass the flow of blood from the site of the blockage. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)...
What are omega-3 fatty acids? Share Your Story Certain foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end (terminal) of the carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other terminal is a carboxyl...
What is coronary CT angiography? Coronary computerized tomography angiography (CCTA) is a heart scan or imaging test that helps diagnose plaque buildup and consequent narrowing of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart). During a CCTA scan, you may receive an iodine-containing material (contrast) as an intravenous injection to ensure the best...
What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? You need to live with an ICD for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to have regular check-ups and monitoring every three months to ensure the proper functioning of an ICD. An implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that tracks the heart rate and restores...
What is an echocardiogram? EKG helps the doctor diagnose various heart conditions. An echocardiogram (EKG) is a painless test that uses ultrasound to show the structure and function of the heart muscle. The ultrasound waves create pictures of the heart so the doctor can diagnose any abnormalities of the heart. What does an echocardiogram test...
What is cardiac catheterization? Cardiac catheterization, also known as cardiac cath or heart cath, is a procedure to examine the functioning of the heart. A thin, narrow tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel of an arm or a leg, and is guided to the arteries of the heart using an X-ray...
What is PDA heart surgery? Ductus arteriosus is a normal connection or opening in a fetus between the descending thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery. In normal development, the ductus arteriosus closes after birth. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure surgery is a procedure to close this connection if it persists (remains patent) after birth. The...
What is a transradial heart catheterization procedure? Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the radial artery in the hand and into the heart...