Heart Diseases: An Overview
Stefania’s Disease Disease of the heart’s arteries. Most cases of heart disease are related to the buildup of plaque in the arteries—that is, the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood. This condition, known as atherosclerosis (also known as hardening of the arteries), depends on risk factors. This “problematic” plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and […]
Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases
Your doctor will perform the clinical examination and ask you about your personal and family medical history. Depending on your clinical presentation and history, you may undergo one or more of the following additional tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG) An ECG records the heart’s electrical signals, which may indicate abnormalities in both heart rhythm and structure. This […]
Heart Conditions: Symptoms
Overview Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the function or structure of your heart. The spectrum of cardiovascular diseases includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), valvular heart disease, heart failure from various causes, and congenital heart disease—that is, heart conditions present from birth. Symptoms The symptoms […]
When to See a Cardiologist
A cardiologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the cardiovascular system. This can be done on a routine or emergency basis. Seek emergency medical care if you have any of these symptoms: Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early. Tell your doctor about any symptoms […]
How the Heart Works
The heart is a pump. It is a muscular organ about the size of a fist, located slightly to the left of the center of your chest. The heart is divided into the right and left sides. This division prevents oxygen-rich blood (arterial) from mixing with oxygen-poor blood (venous). In this way, through the blood […]