Angina Pectoris is the medical condition that refers to chest pain. It is due to the insufficient amount of oxygen supply to the heart. The accumulated fatty plaques or blood clots that obstruct the coronary artery (artery that supplies blood to the heart) are the main reasons for the occurrence of this condition. Below are the important facts of angina pectoris. The cause of Angina Pectoris is due to insufficient amount of oxygen to the cardiac muscle. Predisposing factors related to chest pain are activities (too much exertion), climate (extreme cold weather), eating pattern (heavy meals), and stress (emotional conflict and anxiety). Sometimes, chest pain can occur even the person is at rest. The quality of pain associated with angina pectoris is commonly described as squeezing, vise-like heavy, pressing and tightness of the chest. Other times, the person suffering from this condition complains of burning sensation at the chest area (heartburn). The locations of pa

The increased pressure of the blood in the blood vessels is called hypertension. Nowadays, there are millions of people throughout the world, who are becoming the victims of this dreadful disease. Yet, they are unaware of the serious implications that this condition poses on their health. Sometimes, people are also not aware, that they have hypertension. In majority of the people, it is diagnosed accidentally, during routine health check-ups. What are the types of Hypertension? The normal blood pressure of a person is 120/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure of a person exceeds 140/90 mmHg, when taken on three separate occasions of a week, it is called hypertension.  Prehypertension: It is a condition, which predisposes to hypertension. When the systolic blood pressure of a person (pressure when the heart contracts) is between 120 to 139 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure of a person (pressure when the heart relaxes) is between 80 to 89 mmHg, it is called Pre-Hypertension. 

Rheumatic fever is affecting many people throughout the world, yet many people are not aware about this disease. Generally, people think that this is some sort of fever, by looking at its name, but this is one of the most important conditions related to the heart. Rheumatic fever is a type of hypersensitivity reaction. Hypersensitivity is the abnormal or excessive reaction of the immune system to certain particles called antigens. Antigens are any substances, which your body recognizes as being foreign to your body, or as foreign particles. Rheumatic fever is a type 2 hypersensitivity reaction. Why is Rheumatic fever caused? Rheumatic fever is caused due to the infection of the body with a bacteria called Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. This Bacterium enters the body from sore throat or when having certain types of skin infection, which enters the body through the wounds. So, we need to be really careful when we suffer

What is cholesterol -it is a waxy steroid of fat produced in liver or intestine, used for the synthesis of hormones and cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. Cholesterol is a very important structural component of plasma membrane of mammals required for maintaining proper membrane permeability and fluidity. It is also an essential agent required for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. It is the principal steroid synthesized by animals however, smaller amounts are also produced in plants and fungi. Cholesterol is entirely absent among prokaryotes. If its concentration increases in blood then the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases so its level must be kept under control. The word cholesterol has originated from a Greek word and was first discovered by Francois Poulletier de la Salle in gallstones in solid form in 1769 but, chemical identification was done by Eugène Chevreul in 1815 who gave the term cholester

Frequent and acute Rheumatic Fever (RF) is considered as a systemic form of heart disease. It usually occurs during childhood period. The disease itself develops after sore throat (streptococcal infection). On the other hand, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) refers to the condition which includes the signs and symptoms of RF and swelling of the heart (inflammation of inner, middle and outer part of the heart). This condition usually occurs if there is problem with the vein and artery. Commonly, RF can affect children ages 5 to 15 and the condition is considered as a lifelong disease. The treatment goals for this type of heart disease includes: People who have RF or RHD need to have stable vital signs. The rate and the rhythm of the heart should remain within normal limits; If infection subsided, they need to increase the level of their daily activities; Anyone who is suffering from this condition should be free from pain; and They need to verbalize their understanding wi

Physical examination for people with heart diseases is very important. It provides baseline data for medical doctor to properly evaluate the current condition(*health status) of the person. Moreover, it is highly recommended that people ages 40 and above needs to have annual check-up. This is to monitor the overall state of well-being. Disease of the heart is the leading cause of death to elderly people. That is why they need to undergo series of tests to check the status of their heart. Below are the possible physical evaluation done by the doctors to assess the heart condition.  Body Mass Index (BMI*)   The BMI refers to the weight of the person in relation to its height. It provides an acceptable estimation of the body fats. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, a BMI of lesser than 18.5 is described as underweight. People with BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 are considered normal. Those who have 24 to 29.9 are considered as overweight and people who ha

Several studies and researches from around the globe recommend that taking sufficient amount of vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin) and folic acid (folacin) can help maintain healthy blood vessels and heart. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 works in combination to help lower the blood level of homocysteine (a natural form of protein that is broken down in the blood). Scientific study shows that low level of homocysteine can reduce the risk of the person from getting heart diseases.  The most leading sources of folic acids are ready-to-eat cereals, veggies, fruits, dry beans, enriched breads, and citric juices. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required folic acid to be added in the enriched grain-based staples like rice, pasta and bread. On the same issue, the FDA also authorized ready-to-eat cereals to be completely fortified of folic acid up to 100% of the daily value (400 mcg). The only food allowed containing this high

Coronary Artery Disease  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaques(a fatty deposit on an artery wall in atherosclerosis ) build up in the walls of the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle). These deposits can gradually block the artery, or they can suddenly rupture, causing a more acute obstruction.  Basically, the heart muscle requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to survive, obstruction of a coronary artery rapidly leads to significant problems. CAD is caused by atherosclerosis(a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls),a chronic, progressive disorder of the arteries in which deposits of cholesterol, calcium, and abnormal cells (that is, plaques) build up on the inner lining of the arteries. Atherosclerosis – the left artery shows a normal lumen (the central cavit

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that occurs when the heart fails to initiate its ability to pump blood. There are two types of CHF, the left side heart failure and the right side heart failure. It is considered as one of the most common form of heart diseases which requires medical attention. However, there are some simple ways that are feasible to treat this condition. These include self-care or home management recommendations. When someone is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, they are usually in need of qualified cardiologist. People with CHF can do several things at home that enhance their comfort and minimize the risk of worsening the condition. As a matter of fact, the more they become active in performing their daily routines, the better they can overcome the severity of their condition. Modifying the lifestyle practices will mark a better influence. This will not only make them become better but it enhances their opportunity to liv

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that occurs when the heart fails to initiate its ability to pump blood. There are two types of CHF, the left side heart failure and the right side heart failure. It is considered as one of the most common form of heart diseases which requires medical attention. However, there are some simple ways that are feasible to treat this condition. These include self-care or home management recommendations. When someone is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, they are usually in need of qualified cardiologist. People with CHF can do several things at home that enhance their comfort and minimize the risk of worsening the condition. As a matter of fact, the more they become active in performing their daily routines, the better they can overcome the severity of their condition. Modifying the lifestyle practices will mark a better influence. This will not only make them become better but it enhances their opportunity to live a longer

Cardiology doctors see the effects of a poorly restrained heart everyday. While some heart problems can not be prevented, such as congenital defects of the heart, serious problems of the heart can often be prevented or improved greatly by a regular exercise program. New studies have shown that even moderate exercise done regularly can improve the function and health of the heart. Good cardiac exercise is not pumping iron at the gym. In order to reap benefits of the heart, you need to elevate your heart rate through cardiovascular exercise, such as fast walking, riding a bicycle or jumping rope, and maintain the elevated heart rate level for a period of time. The heart is a muscle just like any other, but it works differently. Pumping iron will not strengthen the heart muscle as it does the biceps and quads. The only way to strengthen the heart muscle is through cardiovascular exercise. Cardiology specialists recommend a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of ex