Guides you through the decision to have an angiogram. Explains why the test is done and what it can show. Discusses why you might or might not want to have the test. Lists risks and benefits. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.

Guides you through decision to have bypass surgery. Covers other treatment options. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Guides you through the decision to have catheter ablation for the heart rhythm problem atrial fibrillation. Lists benefits and risks of catheter ablation and medical therapy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Guides you through the decision to have angioplasty when you have stable angina. Lists benefits and risks of angioplasty and medical therapy. Explains why lifestyle changes are still important. Includes interactive tool to help you with your decision.

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Sally Find out how Sally lost weight and lowered her cholesterol and blood sugar levels. "My doctor told me I had some of the health problems related to metabolic syndrome. And he said that I was at a greater risk for getting heart disease or...

It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. For diagnosis, the top number may be 130 to 140 or higher. The bottom number may be 80 to 90 or higher. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other problems. You and your...

Helping or caring for a loved one with a long-term (chronic) condition, such as COPD or heart failure, can feel like a lot to take on. Sometimes it can be hard for people to accept help. Or they may choose not to accept help. So you may have to adjust the way you think, ask, listen, and respond. These tips might help...

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. The hormones produced by the adrenal glands affect nearly every organ in the body. The inner layer of the adrenal gland releases substances (hormones) such as adrenaline that: Help control blood pressure. Help the body react to stress by increasing heart rate, opening...

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of children. Pediatricians can treat children who have any type of problem, or they may specialize in specific areas, such as: Adolescent medicine (conditions and diseases common to teenagers). Cardiology (diseases and conditions of the heart and blood...

Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots. They do not actually thin the blood but increase the time it takes to form a blood clot. They also help prevent existing blood clots from becoming larger. They may be used to prevent or to treat certain blood vessel, heart, or lung conditions. The term "blood...

Discusses infection of the heart's valves or inner lining (endocardium). Covers cause by bacteria (bacterial endocarditis) or fungi (fungal endocarditis). Looks at symptoms like fever. Covers treatment with medicines or possibly surgery.

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include: Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds. Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety. Convulsion (seizure). Symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing. Fast heart...

A person who is unconscious is not aware of what is going on around him or her. He or she may not be able to make purposeful movements. A person may become unconscious from an injury or a health condition. Fainting or a seizure disorder (epilepsy) may cause unconsciousness that is usually brief. Heart problems, such as...

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that control many of the body's functions. Graves' disease causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), which may make a person's heart pound and beat irregularly and may cause...

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. High cholesterol means that you have too much of the fat in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol. But if you have too much, it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that sends out small electrical impulses to make the heart beat in a regular rhythm and at a normal speed. A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator and battery that create the electrical impulses. Most pacemakers have wires (leads) that transmit electricity to the heart. A...

Oxygen therapy helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and bloodstream. You may use it if you have a disease that makes it hard to breathe, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or heart failure. Oxygen therapy can make it...

Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids at the proper level and to maintain normal functions, such as heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function. If the body's electrolytes are not in...