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...

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...

Cardiology transcription is a specialized record of medical transcription that deals with creation, transfer and storage of vascular health records of a particular patient. When a patient visits hospital or healthcare facility, the doctor, after proper diagnosis, dictates all observations and records them in a recording device.  This recorded voice is sent to a transcriptionist, who converts it into a computer text file. The text file is sent back to the doctor, who can now easily store it in his or her computer and retrieve it easily, whenever needed during the course of treatment. The transcriptionist should be well versed in cardiac terminology and have good knowledge about the cardiovascular system of the body so that he or she can easily understand the dictation and convert it into an error free, electronic text. When it comes to cardiology transcription, following types of medical reports are generally, transcribed: MUGA scan – It is known a...

Cardiology has been a main medical specialty throughout the history of modern science. Cardiologists treat diseases and irregularities of the heart. A general cardiologist does not perform surgery. Physicians in the cardiology field who do perform surgeries include cardiac pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and cardiovascular surgeons. Modern cardiology has a deeply rooted history with theories still in use dating back to 1628. In that time, it was believed that blood came from the liver (probably from the observation of war wounds from the abdomen bleed profusely) and was absorbed by tissues directly. William Harvey published an essay in that year paving the way for the study of what we now know as the circulatory system; whose primary engine is the heart. The first cardiac surgery in 1801 was performed in Spain by Francisco Romero, but was met with great disapproval by the medical community. His pioneering efforts were halted for quite some time. The y...

What Is Bradycardia? In the Greek language means “heart slowness”. It is basically a heart rate that is under 60 beats per minute while a person is at rest. Bradycardia is usually not detectable unless the heart rate drops to below 50 beats a minute. This slower heart rate can produce heart attacks in some individuals or even cardiac arrests. A cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack. It is caused by the normal circulation of the blood getting interrupted from the lack of heart contractions. A heart attack usually happens as a result of an interruption of the blood flow specifically to part of the heart that causes cells in the heart to die. Bradycardia may trigger a heart attack or cardiac arrest when the slow heart rhythms (bradycardia’s) are unable to pump sufficient supply of oxygen to the heart. With insufficient oxygen, the heart can display symptoms that resemble a heart attack. An individual may have difficulty breathing or have a fainting spell. It...

Mostly people think aneurysm as an instant killer or something that cannot be detected or prevented, and while it is true that many die of brain aneurysms each year, there are couple other kinds that cardiology professional see that are silent killers. Aortic aneurysms, both thoracic and abdominal can be detected, watched, and operated on for a life-saving effect; the difficult part is diagnosis. Most of these bulges in the aorta are found either accidentally as a part of another exam or by doctors, such as cardiologists, who have deemed a patient as a risk. Risks factors include high blood pressure, smoking, genetics, fatty build up in the arteries, infections and trauma, and those who have exhibited some of these symptoms are usually already under the care of a cardiologist for other reasons when these tears and bulges are found. If it is small upon discovery, the condition will be monitored while steps are taken to reduce the risk of rupture. First and fore...

Mostly patients have symptoms prior to an real heart attack – generally a “tightness” behind the breastbone, which mainly is caused by an increase in heart rate. The coronary arteries fill in between heart beats therefore anything which increases your heart rate will reduce the time your coronary arteries have to provide blood flow to the heart muscle- the myocardium. Once the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen it becomes irritable leading to palpitations and, if not relieved, death of the muscle. Surrounding the dead muscle is a variable sized area of heart muscle at risk of dying because of inadequate oxygen supply – this condition is known as myocardial ischemia. The heart rate is under the control of the autonomic nervous systems, which, in the case of the heart, is driven by adrenaline the so-called “flight or fight” hormone. Adrenaline acts at various sites of the body – On the sinus node in the heart which controls rate to increase heart rate – On the bro...

Implantable Cardiac defibrillators are invasive cardiac surgery advance in cardiac care. Health science have made amazing technological advances in cardiac surgery over the past several decades. Modern equipment, procedures, and knowledge about heart disease risk allows us to save more patient lives than ever and bring the risk of dying from a heart attack to a lower figure. Implantable defibrillators are another innovative solution to a serious cardiac problem. These devices are implanted in the chest to control sudden problems in patients who suffer from tachycardia, or an abnormally fast heart rhythm. A fast, out-of-control heart rhythm can strike suddenly and interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood to the entire body.  In a normally functioning human heart, the heart’s lower and upper chambers pump in sync with each other – delivering even and consistent blood flow. With heart failure brought on by tachycardia, something interferes with the...

Doctors will ask you many questions about your symptoms and your medical history. You will be asked about any conditions you have that may cause heart failure (such as coronary artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and high blood pressure).So it’s good to have your health data with you when you visit your doctor You will be asked if you smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol (and how much you drink), and about what drugs you take. You will also get a complete physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your heart and look for signs of heart failure as well as other illnesses that may have caused your heart muscle to weaken or stiffen. Your doctor may also order other tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure. These include:  Blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate kidney and thyroid function as well as to check cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. Anemia is a blood condition that occurs when there is not enough ...

Treatment of heart failure concentrates on slowing or reversing its progression. Starting early treatment will be a better result. From a initial diagnosis, your doctor will recommend several lifestyle changes. You may be asked to reach and maintain a healthy weight, increase your activity level (after consulting your doctor), restrict salt intake, restrict fluid intake, and avoid alcohol. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you’ll be advised to stop. You will need to work with your doctor to find the right balance of rest and activity — mobility is important to keep blood circulating. You will also need to weigh yourself daily and record your weight to detect fluid retention. Your doctor will also prescribe several medications to manage your heart failure or the underlying problem that caused the heart failure. Drugs used to treat heart failure, often in combination, include: Diuretics or water pills to help the body eliminate excess salt and water. Example...

According to World Health Organization (WHO), over ten million individuals around the world suffer from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). 50% of the total rate comes from U.S. The number of CHF cases has rapidly increased for the past 40 years. Based on clinical studies, men have more prevalence rate of suffering from CHF compare to women. In terms of races, the African-American people have 50% chance of getting the condition compare to Caucasians. The U.S. Center for Disease Control reported that 20% of people with CHF die within a year, another 50% will die within the next 5 years and the quality of living is significantly poor despite of the management and treatment plan reinforcements. There are two types of CHF. These are the left-sided CHF and right-sided CHF. The left-sided CHF originates at the left ventricle of the heart. Normally, the left ventricle pumps blood going to the heart and to the rest of the body. If the left ventricle is congested, there will be shor...

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension The recent modification to the recommended dietary program for hypertension is based on the clinical research made by the National Blood, Heart and Lung Institute. The team had investigated the effects of blood pressure to whole dietary program called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The research found that high blood pressure can be reduced (without controlled sodium intake or weight loss scheme) through eating based on dietary plan. This dietary plan includes low in saturated fat, cholesterol, total fat and rich in veggies, fruits and dairy products with low-fat contents. The DASH dietary plan focuses on meals around the vegetables and fruits instead of poultry meats. Also, it is high in fiber which allows about 2 – 3 times the amounts of magnesium, calcium, and potassium that most Americans can consume. It also includes an extra food groups that contain dried peas, beans, seeds, and nuts from which 4 – 5 servings...

A heart-healthy diet is very essential for managing and controlling coronary artery disease (CAD). This specific type of diet can help reduce the progression of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries). When incorporated with other heart-healthy activities, it may even help reverse or stop the worsening of the condition. What’s better, a heart-healthy diet can help lower the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels. It can also help regulate the glucose level and blood pressure of the person. Additionally, this tool can also promote weight management. To help the person lower their cholesterol levels, it is recommended for them to practice low-fat diet. It is advisable for them to restrict their total fat intake (Tran’s fats, saturated fats, mono-unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats) to less than 35% of total calories in a day. They need to restrict themselves from taking Trans fats and unsaturated fats to less than 6%. It is also recommended to keep track o...

Heart failure is a condition which refers to the inability of the heart muscle to pump sufficient blood. Lack of oxygen supply to the heart is one of the causes for heart failure.  It is classified as: Right-sided or Left-sided Chronic or Acute Systolic or Diastolic The objective of the treatment is to enhance the pumping action of the heart. Additionally, treatment must reverse the signs and symptoms by solving the compensatory mechanism (failure to supply sufficient blood to the body). Targeting the main problem is solved through prompt treatment.  These include: Use of medication (digoxin). The action of this medication is to strengthen the heart muscle. It improves contraction of the heart to pump blood for the body. Prolonged period of bed rest. Use of vasodilators (increase the opening of the vessels to accommodate blood circulation). The purpose of this medication is to increase the cardiac output. It works to minimize the impedance of blood flow. Us...

Hypertensive crisis is considered as a serious vascular problem. It is characterized by a sudden spiking of blood pressure, which may lead to stroke. In this case, the systolic pressure becomes morbidly high (above 180 mmHg) and the diastolic pressure (more than 120 mmHg) increases, as well. These manifestations may occur due to vascular resistance. Normally, the blood vessels work as a passageway of the blood. However, if the blood vessels become inflamed or an occlusion in the opening of the vessels may occur (clots or plaque) will result to vascular resistance. Thus, it will lead into the spiking level of the blood pressure. Causes of Hypertensive Crisis There are several factors that may contribute to the development of hypertensive crisis. These factors may occur to anybody who has poor lifestyle and possesses other underlying health problems.  The causes include:  Failure to take oral medication for hypertension. A person who is diagnosed with hyperten...

There are two types of heart failure. Heart failure is one of the most fatal cardiovascular problems that killed almost millions of people across the globe. It is enlisted under the top ten causes of mortality in adults. This phenomenon involves the sudden malfunctioning of the heart (failure to pump blood), which reduces the amount of blood supply to other vital organs in the body. The left-side heart failure affects the left atrium and left ventricle. The common manifestations of this type involve respiratory-related symptoms.Commonly, people suffering from left-side heart failure complain of difficulty of breathing. The right-side heart failure is more systemic. It affects the major veins and arteries in the body. Most common signs and symptoms associated to this type are edematous, swelling, and distention of the veins. What are the Possible Causes of Heart Failure? Medically, there are other health problems that can contribute to the development of heart fail...