Chronic ischemic heart disease is caused by restricted blood supply to the heart muscle, often due to coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and aging. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and heart failure. Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medication. Chronic ischemic heart disease is a medical condition that results in […]
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to cancer and heart disease due to the stress it places on the body during fructose metabolization. The average American consumes 90 pounds of sugar per year, with low-income individuals consuming the most. Consuming too much sugar could cause cancer and contribute to heart disease, research suggests. This is thought […]
An enlarged heart can be caused by high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension, and anemia. Risk factors include a family history of an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Treatment includes medications, pacemakers, valve surgery, and heart transplantation. Typically, […]
Studies suggest a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, potentially due to bacteria in the mouth entering the bloodstream and causing infections or promoting the formation of blood clots. Preventing gum disease through regular dental care may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Gum disease and heart disease appear to be related, thanks […]
Commotio cordis is a rare heart problem caused by a blow to the chest during the repolarization phase, which can cause the heart to stop and lead to death. It is most common in youth sports, but can also occur in traffic accidents. Timely treatment is crucial, and chest protectors can help prevent it. Commotio […]
Heart tumors can be benign or malignant and can develop in the heart or spread there from other parts of the body. Myxomas are the most common benign variety, followed by rhabdomyomas. Other types of benign heart tumors include fibroids, lipomas, and pericardial cysts. The most common malignant heart tumor is angiosarcoma, which often begins […]
Heart failure nurses specialize in caring for patients with chronic heart conditions, acting as a liaison between doctors and patients, executing treatment orders, and providing routine care. They may also prepare patients for transplants or restorative surgery and provide end-of-life care. Certification is optional, and nurses may choose this specialty based on personal interest or […]
Valvular heart disease affects the four valves of the heart and can be congenital or acquired. Stenosis and regurgitation are the two types, with symptoms ranging from an irregular heartbeat to heart failure. Treatment depends on the severity and type of the disease, with surgery being an option for severe cases. Valvular heart disease is […]
The Framingham Cardiac Study began in 1948 to determine how certain risk factors contribute to heart disease. The study identified controllable and uncontrollable factors and developed the Framingham Risk Score to assess the possibility of heart disease. The study has been criticized for following a predominantly white population, but expansions have increased diversity. The Framingham […]
The San Antonio Zoo hosts a Valentine’s Day fundraiser called “Cry Me a Cockroach,” where donors can buy a cockroach for $5 and name it after their ex before watching it be fed to a larger animal. The event raised over $35,000 USD in 2021, with the option to nominate a pre-frozen mouse or offer […]
Third-degree heart block is a condition where the heartbeat becomes disorganized, often caused by ischemic heart disease. Treatment usually involves an artificial pacemaker, and exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing heart problems. Third-degree heart block is a heart disorder in which the heartbeat becomes disorganized because the pacemaker signal […]
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare and serious congenital heart condition where the left ventricle is undersized and too weak to pump blood around the body. It can be diagnosed through routine ultrasound and confirmed through fetal echocardiography. Treatment options include compassionate care, Fontan surgery, or heart transplantation. Improved survival rates have changed […]
Research shows that blood pressure is consistently higher on Mondays, leading to more heart attacks. Going to work can cause additional stress and raise blood pressure, putting workers at risk. While the exact cause is unknown, lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation techniques can help reduce the risk. There may be more to the […]
Heart cancer is rare and difficult to detect. Tumors can develop in the heart’s chamber walls or valves. If diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation can be effective, but treatment can damage the heart. Symptoms can mimic other heart conditions, and cancer can develop as a secondary cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve chances of […]
Enlarged heart symptoms include fatigue, chest pains, and swelling. Abnormal heart rhythm, weakness, and edema are also common. High blood pressure can cause edema in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and cardiac arrest. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and heart transplant. The heart muscles thicken when the organ has to work harder than […]
Target heart rate is a measure of maximal aerobic efficiency during strenuous exercise. It is usually 50-85% of your maximum heart rate, which can be calculated by subtracting your age from 220 bpm. Beginners should start with the lowest target heart rate and gradually increase it. Checking your heart rate can be done by taking […]
Irregular heart rates can be caused by electrolyte imbalances, heart attacks, or coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help return the heart rate to normal, but it may also be a sign of future heart problems and should be checked by a doctor. An irregular heart rate, also known as an arrhythmia, […]
Ancient Greeks believed the heart controlled reason, emotion and thoughts. Egyptians believed the heart contained the soul’s essence and decided one’s fate. Physiological responses to emotions are felt in organs other than the brain, such as the heart, which is associated with love. For many modern people, it’s hard to understand why you would love […]
An elevated heart rate, or tachycardia, can have various causes including health problems, medication, excessive activity, caffeine, and alcohol. Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. Medical evaluation is necessary to diagnose the cause of an elevated heart rate. Pulse rate is the rate at which the heart beats. In […]
The phrase “change of heart” means a conversion of opinion or feeling, not a physical heart transplant. It involves changing one’s mentality and making a decision based on that change. English has over 3,500 idioms, and many relate to the heart, but have nothing to do with the physical organ. The origin of the idiom […]