A number of health problems can affect the heart, including cardiovascular disease, congenital defects and infection. Each of these conditions can affect the heart in different ways, causing warning signs that may be difficult to differentiate...
Usually, heart problems develop slowly and remain undetected until a drastic event, such as a heart attack. Diseases of the heart are often silent killers and exhibit few, elusive symptoms. Knowing such things as risk factors, your blood pressure...
Almost one in every 100 babies born in the United States has some form of congenital heart disease, according to KidsHealth website. Viruses, chest injuries, the progression of muscular dystrophy and certain medications also can damage a toddler's...
There is a wide range of potential problems with your heart. The most common is high blood pressure, which typically affects many people as they get older. Other types of heart problems include congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and blocked...
The heart is arguably our most critical organ, other than the brain. Yet it is often the most mistreated -- with poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and extra weight. The American Heart Association reports that over a third of Americans die due...
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...
Heart disease, a general term used to describe conditions and diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, remains the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. Heart disease includes diseases of...
According to 2008 information from the March of Dimes, approximately 1 out of every 125 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. These can range from very mild, producing no symptoms, to very serious, leading to death. However, most babies...
Each of the heart’s four valves--aortic, pulmonary, mitral and tricuspid--is susceptible to developing problems. Sometimes, the pathway through the valve may narrow, resulting in a condition called stenosis. Alternatively, the valve may fail...
Heart disease, the No. 1 killer in the United States, is responsible for more than 40 percent of all deaths, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women tend to delay seeking medical treatment because their warning signs can mimic other conditions, such...
Electrocardiogram, abbreviated as either EKG or ECG, is used to record the heart's electrical activity. The EKG is a valuable tool for doctors, as it can help diagnose heart problems, like heart attacks, arrhythmia and heart failure. Besides...
Second to your brain, you probably consider your heart to be your most important organ. Yet, the American Heart Association reports that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. While many deaths are unavoidable, some...
Exercise, even when intense, should not produce chest pains. Occasionally, athletes experience pain that radiates from other areas, such as gas pain or side stitches. However, these pains disappear after you slow down for a moment. Do not try to...
Cystolamine, marketed under the brand name Proin, is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence in dogs according to Animal Shelter. It is an adrenic agent that works by tightening up the muscles of the sphincter. Available by prescription...
The heart pumps blood to the various organs of the body; if the heart ceases to function, massive tissue and organ death results. Heart function depends on the optimal concentration of various important ions such as calcium, potassium and sodium,...
Kawasaki symptoms include dry lips, a sore throat, a rash, a swollen tongue with big red bumps, swollen lymph nodes and very red eyes. If you suspect that your child has Kawasaki disease, it is important that you consult with your doctor as soon...
Women account for almost 50 percent of all heart attack deaths, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). While heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, women are less likely to recognize the signs of an...
Potassium is a significant mineral that helps your cells, organs and tissues function as they are supposed to. It also works in conjunction with magnesium, sodium, chloride and calcium to conduct electricity in your body, according to the...
When a clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart, a heart attack can occur, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The heart can be permanently damaged when the flow of blood is cut off for any length of time. Often the signs of a heart attack in men...
Potassium is a mineral found in food that is vital to the human body. It's needed by all living cells in order to carry out life functions. Potassium is an electrolyte used to transmit messages through your nerves as well as control the activity...
Pushing yourself to exercise harder and become more fit is generally a good thing, but it is possible to push yourself too hard. If your body isn't prepared for vigorous exercise, or if you have an underlying health condition such as a heart...
The human body must maintain a constant pH level to function properly. According to Dr. Ben Kim, the blood plasma in the body must maintain a pH between 7.35 and 7.45 for your cells to function properly. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0...
Many heart problems cause symptoms similar to asthma. Until doctors establish a specific heart diagnosis in a patient, the cause of breathing problems cannot easily be discerned from asthma. This is most true early in the onset of heart problems...
Potassium is a nutrient that helps support the normal function of the muscles and nerves in your body. If the amount of potassium in your bloodstream exceeds the recommended 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L, your doctor may diagnose...
When you walk, do you get pain in the calves? It is common for patients to see their doctors for limb pain. Predictable discomfort that occurs with exertion in the legs may be the first sign that you have heart problem brewing. Peripheral...
Calcium is the major component of bone that provides strength. Calcium is absorbed in the small intestines; its absorption is facilitated by vitamin D. Calcium is maintained in the blood by the parathyroid gland, thyroid gland and vitamin D. The...
When the body fails to produce adequate new blood cells, the resulting condition is called aplastic anemia. The Mayo Clinic explains this is a rare and serious condition that can affect people at any age. Generally, younger people are more likely...
Your heart rate can tell you a lot about your health and fitness level. Your heart rate changes depending on what you’re doing and the environment around you, so you must consider several factors when assessing whether your heart rate is...
Heart rate, or pulse, is the number of times that your heart beats each minute. Heart rate is influenced by age, fitness level, emotions and medication. Abnormal heart rates are signs of medical problems associated with circulation, such as...
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that causes signs and symptoms ranging from rash and flu-like fever and body aches to more serious ones including joint swelling, weakness, fatigue and temporary paralysis. Lyme disease is caused by the...
Tick bites should be treated immediately, the concern being transmission of Lyme disease. Learn more about tick bites in this medical video.
