Health Article description.An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the tracings are called waves. The heart...

Health Article description.An ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart while you do your usual activities. Ambulatory means that you are able to walk during the test. This type of monitoring may also be called ambulatory EKG,

Health Article description.An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a test that measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. The test measures how electrical impulses move through the heart muscle as it contracts and relaxes. During an electrocardiogram, small pads (electrodes) are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. The...

Health Article description.Learn what an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) for children is and how it's done.

Health Article description.Covers exercise stress test, also called treadmill test or exercise EKG. Explains why it's done, such as finding cause of angina symptoms and checking exercise tolerance after heart attack. Includes how it's done and how it feels. Includes risks.

Health Article description.An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a test that measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm. The test measures how electrical impulses move through the heart muscle as it contracts and relaxes. The electrocardiogram translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips...

Health Article description.Provides link to info on high cholesterol and cholesterol/triglyceride tests. Also has links to info on coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease of the legs, plus tools to decide about treatment options.

Health Article description.Includes causes and symptoms of heart disease. Looks at cholesterol, hypertension, and risk of heart attack. Covers diet, physical activity, and treatment with medicines, angioplasty, and bypass surgery. Includes how to help prevent heart disease.

Health Article description.Covers causes and symptoms of asthma in teens and adults. Includes info on avoiding triggers and treating attacks. Looks at treatment with controller medicine. Covers delivery systems that include metered-dose and dry powder inhalers and nebulizers.

Health Article description.Discusses ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack). Describes stroke symptoms and importance of acting fast if symptoms develop. Covers stroke treatment and prevention.

Health Article description.Covers causes of heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) and unstable angina. Discusses symptoms like chest pain or pressure. Explains MI and angina differences. Offers prevention tips. Covers diagnostic tests and treatment with medicines and surgery.

Health Article description.Discusses atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Covers causes, including high blood pressure and CAD. Discusses what increases your risk. Covers treatment with medicines, cardioversion, and catheter ablation.

Health Article description.Discusses causes and symptoms of COPD. Looks at chronic bronchitis and emphysema, two diseases that are usually a part of COPD. Covers quitting smoking. Includes treatment with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.What is bradycardia? Having bradycardia (say "bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh") means that your heart beats slower than normal. For most adults, a heart rate of about 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal. For some people, bradycardia is healthy and normal. It does not cause any symptoms or problems. In other...

Health Article description.Discusses problems with how a baby's heart forms. Also looks at problems found when a person is an adult. Includes info on patent ductus arteriosus, aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. Covers treatment with medicine and surgery.

Health Article description.What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)? Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress. For most people who have SVT, the heart still works normally to pump blood through the body. During an episode of SVT, the...

Health Article description.Discusses cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), which helps you feel better and reduce risk of future heart problems with exercise and lifestyle changes. Looks at rehab for people who have heart conditions such as heart attack, heart surgery, or heart failure.

Health Article description.Heart tests can help your doctor find out if you have or are at risk for a heart problem and what treatment you might need. The tests help doctors find out what's causing new symptoms, such as discomfort in your chest, shortness of breath, and...

Health Article description.Includes tips to comfort a child before a medical test. Offers tips based on age, from newborns through the teen years.

Health Article description.The best way to stay healthy on your trip is to plan ahead. If you are planning to travel to another country, see a doctor several months before you leave so you will have enough time to get the vaccines you need. Also ask your doctor if there are...

Health Article description.What is ventricular tachycardia? Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower part of the heart (ventricles). The heart beats more than 100 beats per minute. Some forms of VT may get worse and lead to ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening. With ventricular...

Health Article description.An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your...

Health Article description.Guides you through decision to get an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Gives information about ICDs and asks questions to help you learn if an ICD is right for you. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.

Health Article description.A cardiac perfusion scan measures the amount of blood in your heart muscle at rest and after it has been stressed. It is often done to find out what may be causing symptoms like angina (such as chest pain or pressure). It may be done after a heart...