Heart

Lifestyle changes play an important role in managing high blood pressure. Although permanent changes in lifestyle and diet are sometimes difficult to achieve, they may eliminate the need for drug treatment or allow reductions in the dosages of medications. A recent study showed that well-motivated individuals with Stage 1 and 2 hypertension were able to […]

Although changes in lifestyle and diet are essential steps to take in controlling high blood pressure, many people also need to use medications to keep their blood pressure in control. Drug treatment has been shown to protect against stroke, heart failure, coronary events such as a heart attack, progression of kidney failure, and progression to

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heart failure. Q: My brother was just diagnosed with heart failure. How can he continue his normal activities if his heart has failed? A: Heart failure does not mean that your brother’s heart has failed. It simply means his heart is not working as efficiently as it should,

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heart failure. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has failed. It simply means that the heart is not pumping as powerfully as it used to. Symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue, shortness of breath (especially when lying down), and swelling

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heart failure. Angina: A condition in which the heart does not get enough oxygen, resulting in chest pain and a feeling of suffocation. Arrhythmia: Any rhythm that is not the normal rhythm of the heart; it may mean a slow or fast heart rate or an irregular rhythm. Cardiomyopathy: Any

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heart disease. American Dietetic Association  Phone: (800) 877-1600 http://www.eatright.org American Heart Association  Phone: (800) 242-8721 http://www.americanheart.org National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute  Phone: (301) 251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heart failure. American Heart Association  Phone: 800-242-8721 www.americanheart.org They will advise you of the location of the nearest chapter in your area. They’ll also offer you information about local rehab groups. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute  Phone: 301-251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Heart failure does not mean that the heart has failed. It simply means that the heart does not pump as powerfully as it used to, and is not working efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs for oxygen-rich blood. In heart failure: The contractions of the heart muscle are less powerful than they used to

This depends on how severe the heart failure is. If the heart failure is mild, it may not significantly affect a person’s lifestyle and day-to-day living. On the other hand, severe heart failure can affect a person’s every move and can be fatal. Thus there is a “spectrum” of severity from very mild heart failure

Heart failure may occur for a number of different reasons: Because of chronic high blood pressure. When the blood pressure is high, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood through the arteries. This results in enlargement of the heart, especially the left ventricle, which is the heart’s main pumping chamber, making it less

It’s important for your doctor to determine whether you have heart failure or another condition that has similar symptoms. It’s also important to find out what caused your heart failure, so the doctor will know how to treat it. Nice To Know: Your doctor will examine you carefully and listen to your heart and lungs. The