Heart Disease

Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of a fist. ...more

The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is controlled by electrical impulses. ...more

Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more

Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration. ...more

A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include heart attack and heart failure. ...more

A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, or cardiac EP, is a healthcare provider who treats rhythm problems of the heart. Learn more about their medical training, and the tests and procedures that they do. ...more

Here's a look at just a few of the tests used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease. ...more

These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease. ...more

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause problems with the contractions of your heart chambers. ...more

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a kind of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. AFib increases the risk for blood clots. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke. ...more

Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information...more

Atherosclerosis is a type of thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other circulatory conditions. ...more

An AED is a small, portable, battery-powered machine with a computer in it. The machine detects heart activity. It can give an electric shock to someone if needed. ...more

Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. Read on to learn about other treatment options. ...more

Women often perceive heart disease as an older person's disease that need not concern them until menopause. ...more

Heart attacks and their aftermath tend to be more deadly in women. Yet for many women, the warning signs of a heart attack are very subtle and easy to ignore. Read on to learn more about the signs and risks. ...more

Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target. ...more

The millions of Americans diagnosed with heart and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from making healthy choices in their day-to-day lives. ...more

A heart attack happens when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die. ...more

Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke. ...more

Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes. ...more

Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta. ...more

In most cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment. ...more

Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery....more

One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in their rehab. ...more

Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services. ...more

Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you. ...more

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis. ...more

Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types. ...more

These medicines are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your healthcare provider has prescribed. ...more

Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medicine, diet, and other treatment choices. ...more

Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your healthcare provider to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day. Read on to learn about the two different types of home devices, along with helpful tips for buying one. ...more

My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. ...more

Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. You can take care of your heart by making lifestyle changes. ...more

Atherosclerosis can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. But you can prevent this condition with things like a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and keeping a healthy weight. ...more

Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems. ...more

Tips for keeping your heart healthy, from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your cholesterol in check. ...more

Follow these suggestions to help you kick the habit, again--this time, for good....more

No matter what your age, or how long you have smoked, giving up cigarettes is the ticket to a longer life. Find out more about the benefits of quitting by taking this quiz....more

Your target heart rate is the range at which sustained physical activity - running, cycling, swimming laps, or any other aerobic exercise - is considered safe and effective....more

Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more

An excess of cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Take this quiz to learn more about cholesterol and its role in your health....more

Atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease (CAD), plays a major role in the leading cause of death in this country: heart attack. Learn more about this disease and a common procedure used to treat it....more

The questions in this assessment ask about risk factors—conditions that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes....more

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool....more

Atrial flutter is when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast. Learn how it happens, and how it can be treated....more

An exercise imaging stress test shows how well blood flows inside your heart and how well your heart pumps blood. It gives your healthcare provider more information than a non-imaging stress test....more

Heart-healthy habits not only boost your well-being now, but they also set you up for better health later in life. And they’re as good for your children or aging parents as they are for you. These simple steps can help you and your loved ones maximize health at any age....more

Your healthcare provider doesn’t have a crystal ball. But there is a way they can predict the future, at least when it comes to your chances of developing heart disease....more

Two fingers on the neck, eyes fixed firmly on the watch––we’ve likely all seen someone checking their heart rate. ...more

Have you gone through menopause? If so, then experiencing certain types of stress can increase your risk for a heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation....more

Research shows that some diet trends may increase your risk for heart problems like cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently identified some of the heart-riskiest dietary patterns. These included the following:...more

When it comes to heart-healthy eating, you might be doing everything by the book—but your cholesterol numbers tell a different story. ...more