Cardiovascular
The Cardiovascular section offers the latest research and expert insights, focusing on prevention, treatment, and management of heart and blood vessel-related conditions.
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What Is Serum Cholesterol and Why Is It Important?
Serum cholesterol, often called total blood cholesterol, gauges the quantity of specific lipids circulating in your bloodstream. This blood test helps clinicians assess your likelihood of developing heart disease over the next decade. Cholesterol is a kind of fat, also referred to as a lipid. It moves through your circulatory system as tiny particles enclosed […]
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What Does It Mean If Your Stress Test Results Are “Abnormal?”
Failing a stress test happens when you’re unable to complete it because of exhaustion or other limiting factors. Abnormal findings can point to an underlying issue, such as coronary artery disease or an arterial blockage. A stress test — often called an exercise stress test or treadmill test — is a diagnostic exam that assesses […]
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Cómo leer una tabla de presión arterial para determinar tu riesgo de hipertensión
¿Qué es presión arterial? La presión arterial cuantifica cuánta fuerza ejerce la sangre contra las paredes de tus vasos sanguíneos mientras el corazón bombea. Se expresa en milímetros de mercurio (mm Hg). La presión arterial sistólica corresponde al número más alto en una medición. Refleja la presión en los vasos cuando el corazón impulsa la […]
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6 Best ECG Monitors for At-Home Use
ECG monitors, sometimes called EKGs, record your heart’s rhythm and rate. Keeping one at home can be useful — but which model is right for you? Below are our recommendations to help you begin. A quick look at the best ECG monitors for home use Best compact ECG monitor:EMAY Portable ECG Monitor | Skip to […]
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Atrial Premature Complexes
Atrial premature complexes (APCs) are a frequent type of heart rhythm disturbance marked by early heartbeats that begin in the atria. They are also called premature atrial contractions. A common symptom of APCs is palpitations or an unusual awareness of your heartbeat. Palpitations describe heartbeats that are unusually fast, slow, or irregularly timed. APCs happen […]
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How Does a 24-Hour Holter Monitor Work Your Heart Health?
Your physician may recommend a 24-hour monitor to gain a clearer picture of your cardiac health. This information can guide adjustments to medications or lifestyle habits related to heart care, or prompt further diagnostic testing. A Holter monitor is a compact, battery-powered device that records your heart’s electrical activity, including rate and rhythm. You typically […]
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Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body requires to manufacture certain hormones and to form the outer membrane of every cell. While some cholesterol is necessary, excess amounts can accumulate in your blood vessels and increase your chances of: heart disease stroke atherosclerosis, a narrowing or stiffening of your arteries The recommendations advise starting cholesterol […]
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The Recommended Cholesterol Levels by Age
Recommended overall cholesterol targets are below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults and below 170 mg/dL for children. Women generally benefit from higher HDL (good) cholesterol compared with men. Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy compound produced by your liver. Your body makes all the cholesterol it requires for normal functioning, though cholesterol is also […]
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Open Heart Surgery Survival Rate by Age: What the Numbers Really Mean for You
That Sinking-Then-Hopeful Feeling Ever get news that makes your stomach do a flip? Like, sit-down-for-this levels of worry? That’s exactly how I felt when my uncle’s doctor uttered those words: “We need to do open heart surgery.” Suddenly, everything in the room faded—except a single thought pulsing in my head. Does he even stand a […]
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Open Heart Surgery Cost: Real Talk on What You’ll Actually Pay
Sticker Shock? Let’s Get Real You know that punch-to-the-gut moment? The one where the doctor calmly drops words like “open heart surgery” and your brain instantly flashes giant glowing dollar signs? Yeah… I remember it. My dad actually needed a bypass a few years ago. We braced ourselves for bad news, but nothing makes you […]