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

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

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

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

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 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 ele

What Is Defibrillation? It is a specific medical treatment in which a defibrillator (An apparatus used to control heart fibrillation by application of an electric current to the chest wall or heart) delivers electrical energy to an afflicted heart. Healthcare professionals determine the level of electrical charge (joules) to apply, based on their experience and tested practices under medical consultation. The electrical charge is applied to the patient’s chest through pads or paddles connected to the defibrillator. The electrical shock to the heart depolarizes a critical amount of the heart’s muscle, stops the arrhythmia (beating), and lets the regular sinus rhythm restart through the body’s natural pacemaker chemicals, in the sinoatrial node of the heart. This device is used for life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias or a ventricular fibrillation. A cardiac arrhythmia occurs when there is unusual electrical activity inside the heart. The hear

Chest pain causes concern in the patient as it is mostly related to an heart attack or severe pain and people are nowadays knowledgeable of the serious consequences of the symptom. However not all times is a chest pain necessarily originating from or caused by diseases of the heart. There are plenty of other structures in the thoracic cavity and a systematic approach is needed to arrive at the correct diagnosis or in other words to find out the ?real culprit? causing the chest pain. Of special importance is the issue of chest pain in women, as this group is less liable to get heart disease till menopause. Estrogen is said to confer a protective effect and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. Myocardial infarction or Coronary artery disease (CAD) is very rare in menstruating women. As menopause approaches and estrogen levels go down, the probability of development of CAD catches up with those in men. Even then, there are lots of young to middle

Symptoms include: Not feeling comfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone. Not feeling comfort radiating at the back, jaw, throat, or arm. Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (similar to heartburn). Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Feeling very weak,anxiety, or shortness of breath. Fast or irregular heartbeats. During a heart attack, symptoms generally last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or taking oral medications. Early symptoms may start as a mild discomfort that increases to severe pain. Few people have a heart attack without having any symptoms, which is known as a “silent” myocardial infarction (MI). It happens more often in people with diabetes than others. If you discover you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help.Fast treatment of a heart attack is very essential to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

The American Heart Association (AHA) identified four basic categories for heart diseases. Primarily, it is based on the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical and natural treatment that helps reduce or eliminate the mortality and morbidity rates of heart diseases. People with categories 1 and 2 risk factors can reduce their risk for having heart diseases through preventive measures. These precautionary measures include modification of diet (eating patterns), losing weight, managing of blood pressure (normal BP), and avoidance of addictive activities (smoking and alcohol intake). Additionally, there are the 4 categories that were established by AHA to help assess and evaluate an individual who is at risk for developing heart diseases:  Category 1 In this category, the major factors along with proper medical interventions are proven to reduce the risk of the person to suffer from heart diseases. These risk factors include: High serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) leve

The primary objective of treatment for people with coronary artery disease (CAD) is to reduce the serum low density lipoprotein (LDL – bad cholesterol) level. Current clinical studies verify that reducing the LDL also reduced the short-term susceptibility of cardiovascular disease by as much as 40%. It also brings even bigger risk reduction over the period of time. In 2012, the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), supported by the National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Institute of Health (NIH), and declared the first major research regarding the management of cholesterol to nearly 10 years.  The ATP III advises:  More assertive cholesterol-reducing treatment scheme and appropriate evaluation of people at higher risk for heart diseases; Full lipoprotein profile as the initial diagnostic test for high level of cholesterol; Provide better emphasis on treating high level of triglycerides; Latest cutoff point wherein low level of HDL is considered as major

Beta blocker is one of the most effective pharmaceutical treatments for hypertension. It is commonly prescribed by the medical doctors to people with high blood pressure. Moreover, there are special considerations that they need to understand before taking the drug. This goes with the dosage, route of administration and interaction of the drug to other oral medications taken by the users. Below are the common side effects (adverse reactions) of beta blockers: Lightheadedness (dizziness) Fatigability (excessive tiredness)  Blurring of vision Cold feet and hands Slow heart rate (below 60 beats per minute) Nausea and diarrhea (watery stool) However, there are side effects that can affect the neurological (nervous system) of the users. It has lesser effects but if the drug is consumed for more than what is prescribed, this will lead to serious problems. Poor sleeping pattern (insomnia) Loss of libido (lack of sex drive) Mental problem (depression) For male users, it can cau

One of the most pressing issue concerning after a heart attack is the resumption of sexual intercourse. According to the Center for Cardiovascular Health, there are several people who suffered from heart attack are anxious in engaging to sex. Moreover, most of them are worried of getting the second attack. Other times, they are preoccupied with thoughts of dying. Specialists quoted that having sex after the heart attack has low chances of getting another attack. Otherwise, they have underlying complications that can worsen the condition of the heart. Partners of people suffered from heart attack are anxious, as well. They are afraid of traumatizing their wife/husband if they die during or after sexual intercourse. According to the specialists from Women’s Cardiac Center based in New York, they encountered several women who suffered from this condition are oblivious with the signs and symptoms of another attack. Additionally, depression is often associated with heart attack.

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 hypertension shou

Rheumatic heart disease is a cardiovascular problem which is caused by rheumatic fever. The heart valves are damaged due to streptococcal infection (usually, triggered by an untreated sore throat).  The main goal for treating rheumatic heart disease is to reduce the occurrence of its signs and symptoms. Additionally, the treatment plans are prescribed to prevent the complications and correct the imbalances of the cardiac functioning.  Homeopathic therapy is a form of a treatment plan that is used to replace pharmaceutical medications. This therapy was established to people who have allergic reactions to the medications and to supply the needs of unfortunate patients (people who can’t afford to buy medicines for rheumatic heart disease).  The most common and effective homeopathic treatment is the herbal formulation. This natural treatment plan is composed of natural herbs that are proven effective for treating rheumatic heart disease.  Ginseng There are two