Heart palpitations are an uncomfortable awareness of the heart beating rapidly or irregularly. Palpitations can be caused by many things. These include stress, certain health conditions, medicines, alcohol, and caffeine. Heart palpitations can feel like: Pounding or fluttering in your chest. Your heart is doing a...

After you've had a heart attack, you may be worried that you could have another one. That's easy to understand. But the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having another heart attack. Take your medicine. Medicines...

The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria (the right atrium and the left atrium), and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. Normally, the heartbeat starts in the right atrium in a group of special heart cells called the sinoatrial (or sinus) node. These cells act as a pacemaker for the...

Guides people who have not had a heart attack or a stroke through decision to take daily aspirin. Discusses benefits and risks. Looks at who can take daily aspirin. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.

Joan, 54 Joan was only 52 when she had a heart attack. Learn how she coped with depression and anxiety. "I would sit at my kitchen table and feel I was in this cloud of dread. I didn't feel like me. I felt like, 'I'm never going to be me again.' "

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.

Alan, 73 Read more about Alan and the lessons he's learned about diet and exercise. "I've had to work at keeping my weight under control, and that has really helped my cholesterol. When you have heart disease, you learn to eat better for the rest...

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (say "hy-per-TROH-fik kar-dee-oh-my-AWP-uh-thee"), or HCM, happens when the heart muscle grows too thick. The heart gets bigger, and its chambers get smaller. Many people have no symptoms and live a normal life with few...

Heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias, can cause a few types of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include: Palpitations. Having palpitations means that you are unusually aware of your heartbeat. Some people describe them as: A "fluttering" in...

Learn how to check your heart rate with these simple steps.

Covers risk of heart disease in women. Lists things that increase risk. Lists prevention steps, such as diet, exercise, not smoking, managing cholesterol and blood pressure, and making decisions on birth control and hormone therapy.

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.

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) includes a phase that helps you keep the healthy behaviors and habits that you learned in rehab. This phase, or program, is often referred to as the maintenance part of rehab, because it can help you maintain a...

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Covers walking as one of the easiest ways to increase your physical activity and improve health. Outlines how to safely start a walking program. Provides tips for staying motivated.

Sex is part of a healthy life and is part of your quality of life. Most people with heart failure can still have an active sex life. You can ask your doctor to help you know if or when it's okay for you to have sex. If you or your partner is worried about having sex, talk with your doctor about your concerns. Your...

Caring for a child who has congenital heart disease can be challenging. But there are things you can do to make sure that your child is as healthy and comfortable as possible, whether they are at home or in the hospital. And while you're taking care of your child, remember that it's important to take care of yourself...

Covers how exercise can improve health when you have heart failure. Explains importance of working with your doctor to create a plan for safe exercise. Includes tips for staying safe during activity, staying motivated, and getting support for being active.

Resistance training may be done with many things, including weights, elastic bands, machines, or your own body weight. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. Do not start a...

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.