Acute coronary syndrome means your heart muscle isn’t getting enough blood because an artery is suddenly blocked by a clot. Think of it like a garden hose getting pinched—the part after the pinch can’t get water. When this blockage happens in your heart, it can cause chest pain or even a heart attack. Warning signs…
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is like a tiny machine in your body that helps control how tight your blood vessels are. It changes a substance called angiotensin I into another substance that tells your blood vessels to squeeze. When your vessels squeeze, your blood pressure goes up. Doctors use medicines called ACE inhibitors to stop this…
An ankle-brachial index is like a quick check to see if blood can get to your feet. A nurse puts small cuffs on your arm and ankle to measure blood pressure. Then they compare the numbers. If the ankle pressure is lower, it might mean the tubes (arteries) that carry blood to your legs are…
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) happens when the big blood tube in your belly, called the aorta, gets weak and swells like a balloon. This tube normally carries blood from your heart down to your legs and organs. As some people get older, smoke, or have high blood pressure, the wall of the tube can…
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) is a group of doctors who do surgery on the heart, lungs, and chest. It started in 1917 so surgeons could share what they know, learn new things, and work together to make operations better. Being part of the AATS is a big honor for heart and chest…
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and a major driver of that burden is obesity. Excess body weight raises blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, creating a cascade of risk factors that damage the heart over time. Traditional approaches to weight loss—diet, exercise and surgery—are effective but can be hard to sustain. That’s…
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Unveiling the Gut-Heart Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Cardiovascular Health Have you ever wondered how the health of your gut impacts your heart? Imagine gaining insight into how the trillions of microorganisms residing in your digestive system influence your cardiovascular well-being. By understanding these intricate connections, you can make informed decisions that enhance your heart…
Are you working those late-night shifts and worried about your heart health? You’re definitely not alone. Many shift workers share concerns about how these unconventional hours might impact their well-being. As a former night auditor at a hotel, I experienced firsthand the unique health challenges of shift work. For example, during a particularly stressful month,…
Have you ever paused and wondered if hidden factors in your genes are silently influencing your heart health? Perhaps late at night, after hearing stories about family members or friends impacted by heart conditions, you’ve felt an uneasy curiosity—could this also be my destiny? You’re not alone in feeling this way. Coming from a family…