Every time your heart pumps, it pushes blood throughout your body creating blood pressure, which is the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure consists of two readings: the systolic (the higher number) represents the...
Almost one-third of American adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is major risk factor of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Prescription medications to...
The largest artery in the body, the aorta, extends from the heart to the lower abdomen where it divides into a branch for each leg. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons state that an aneurysm is a weak section in the wall of the aorta that causes the...
Watermelon is a healthy snack that is very popular, especially during the hot summer months. Many people find watermelon delicious. A cup of watermelon has only 50 calories with 15mg of vitamin C, 585 international units of vitamin A and 186mg of...
Uncontrolled and untreated high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is often referred to as the silent killer, since it usually has no symptoms. Research indicates that incorporating...
A watermelon is a fruit that is part of the cucumber and squash family. Watermelons vary in size, shape and color, but most have red flesh and thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. Watermelons are a concentrated source of...
Arginine is an amino acid synthesized in your body that is vital for wound healing, ammonia removal and fighting infections. In addition, arginine is also involved in muscle tissue maintenance. Evidence indicates that taking arginine in the right...
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can synthesize it from other amino acids. It was first isolated from the watermelon, but is also found in a number of other foods. The “Manual of Dietetic Practice”...
Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that plays a role in combating infection and reducing inflammation. It is released from smooth muscle tissue and dilates or widens blood vessels, thereby boosting flood flow. Research indicates that certain foods...
The pink flesh, dark brown to black seeds and green rind of the watermelon make it an unmistakable symbol of summertime picnics. The fruit ranges from the size of a bowling ball to the giant-sized oblong watermelons sold in grocery stores. Some...
Writer Mark Twain once said, "When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what angels eat." Whether watermelon is heavenly is up for debate, but no question remains as to the nutritional value -- it is high in vitamin C and serves as a source of...
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an important risk factor for heart disease. A number of anti-hypertensive medications achieve a blood pressure-lowering effect by dilating, or relaxing, the arteries. A number of foods naturally contain...
Prehypertension refers to a blood pressure that is not low enough to be in the normal range, but not high enough to be hypertensive. If your systolic blood pressure varies between 120 and 139 mmHg and your diastolic pressure number is between 80...
Watermelon has a colorful history. Originally grown in the desert, they were a source of water for travelers, which is where their name originated. They made their way to America in the 1600s and are now enjoyed around the world. Available...
A sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension) is due to an environmental or internal factor affecting the vasomotor center (VMC) which controls the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. We will look at four different factors that can cause...
There are two types of aortic aneurysm surgery. Conventional surgical repair involves an incision into the chest or abdomen to have direct visualization of the aneurysm. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says endovascular repair is the...
The aorta is the body's largest blood vessel and supplies blood flow directly from the heart to all parts of the body. Dietary-related health problem, as such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can affect proper aortic functioning....
Watermelon is more than just a fruit that you can enjoy during the summer. Watermelon contains substances that can improve your vascular health. Eating watermelon can increase your blood levels of nitric oxide, an antioxidant and gas that relaxes...
Vasodilation is the relaxing of the arteries, a beneficial effect that can help to lower blood pressure. Many anti-hypertensive drugs achieve their effects through this mechanism. Vasodilator substances are also found naturally in foods. One...
If you are a diabetic, not only are watermelons safe to eat, but you are encouraged to enjoy them as part of a healthy, balanced diet. While they have quite a few carbohydrates and natural sugar per serving, they are also low in calories and...
Citrulline and L-arginine are both nonessential amino acids, meaning that the body is typically able to produce adequate amounts in the absence of dietary sources. As your body can use citrulline to produce arginine and vice versa, increasing your...
An abdominal aneurysm, also known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, describes a weakening and bulging of the aorta. The aorta is a major blood vessel that connects directly to the heart and runs through the chest and abdomen before splitting up...
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is a weak or bulging area in the lower part of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery responsible for delivering blood to the rest of the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm usually grows slowly and smaller...
The heart, like every other muscle in the body, benefits from exercise. However, when diagnosed with an enlarged aorta, certain types of exercises should be avoided. Bicycling is one of the exercises recommended for nearly everyone, according to...
Nitric oxide is an important substance for your cardiovascular and sexual health. Nitric oxide is a gas that relaxes and widens your blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow. Increasing production of nitric oxide protects...
The heart’s valves help direct blood flow into and out of the heart in one direction. When functioning properly, these valves open and close shut completely. However, malfunction resulting from birth defects, infection and age-related...
What affects your heart rate? Good question. There are many factors that affect your heart rate, like physical or emotional stress, medications, smoking, caffeine, and illness. A person's heart rate fluctuates throughout the day, and people...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is responsible for one in five deaths each year. You may already know that smoking causes health risks such as an increased chance of developing several types of cancer...
Any number of conditions can cause you to be short of breath and experience chest pain after you exercise. According to Medline Plus, some of those causes may be life-threatening, while others are not as critical. You should get emergency medical...
An aortic aneurysm is any swelling of the aorta, usually due to a thinning wall. The condition is not always severe, but rupture is a risk. Learn more about aortic aneurysms in this video.
