Coronary arteries are vessels that provide oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to the heart muscle. The two main coronary blood vessels, which branch from the body's main artery (aorta), are the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery (LCA). The coronary arteries attach to and wrap around the heart's...

What is cardiac arrest? In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. This causes blood to stop pumping to the body. If the heartbeat is not restarted within minutes, the person will die. This problem is also called sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which happens when part of...

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.

Angina happens when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. This low blood flow is often a result of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease happens when fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak") build up inside your coronary arteries. This plaque may limit the amount of blood to your heart muscle...

Describes heart failure (congestive heart failure). Discusses common causes like hypertension and coronary artery disease. Has info on symptoms. Covers diagnostic tests and treatments. Discusses heart failure classification system and stages of CHF.

What is dilated cardiomyopathy? Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that weakens your heart muscle and causes it to stretch, or dilate. When your heart muscle is weak, it can't pump out blood as well as it should. More blood stays in your heart after each heartbeat. As more blood fills and stays in the heart...

Topic guides reader through decision to get a pacemaker for heart rate problems. Provides general overview of what pacemakers are and what heart problems can be helped with pacemakers. Lists benefits and possible complications of getting a pacemaker.

Guides people not already diagnosed with coronary artery disease through decision to take statin medicine to lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Covers cholesterol and other risk factors. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Topic guides reader through decision to get an ICD for heart rhythm problems. Provides general overview of what ICDs are and what heart rhythm problems can be helped with ICDs. Lists benefits and possible complications of getting an ICD.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (say "pair-uh-part-uhm kar-dee-oh-my-AWP-uh-thee") is a heart condition that some people get during pregnancy or soon after childbirth. It happens when the heart muscle stretches more than normal and becomes weak. It may cause problems, such as heart failure. This means your heart can't pump...

You can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy by having a heart-healthy lifestyle. These healthy habits include eating healthy, being active, staying at a weight that's healthy for you, getting the screening tests you need, and not smoking.

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) typically includes an outpatient program. This program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. You will likely take part in a supervised or home-based exercise program. You will receive information and tools to...

Many experts say that light to moderate drinking can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. But there isn't enough evidence to tell us if drinking alcohol actually helps your heart. If you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink. But if you do not drink alcohol, do not start drinking to try to lower your risk of coronary...

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) may start while you are in the hospital. The hospital (inpatient) program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. This phase emphasizes exercise and education. A hospital program may include: A customized...

Things that put you at risk for coronary artery disease are the things that lead to a problem called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. These things include: High cholesterol. High blood pressure. Diabetes. Smoking. Being overweight. A family history of early heart disease. Early heart disease means you have...

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.

Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels, such as irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart attacks. Cardiologists administer tests that show how well a person's heart is working, such as a...

Linda, 56 Her friend's heart attack inspired Linda to quit smoking for good. "Terri's heart attack scared me to death. I decided that this time, I'm doing the whole package. I'm quitting smoking for good." Linda's best friend had just had a heart...

There are several ways to measure your body's responses to exercise and other lifestyle changes. You may want to keep track of the following measurements during your exercise sessions at cardiac rehab and at home. Target heart rate Your target heart rate can guide you to how hard you need to exercise so you can get the...

Screening for heart attack and stroke risk is a way for your doctor to check your chance of having a problem called atherosclerosis. This problem is also called hardening of the arteries. It is the starting point for most heart and blood flow...

Your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) might include an exercise program that you do at home. You might start this program after you go home from the hospital. The home program can be one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. The goals of a home...