Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) facts When a coronary artery becomes blocked (usually by a blood clot), an area of heart tissue loses its blood supply. Coronary artery disease develops because of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) that supply blood to the heart muscle. In the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, helpful tests include EKG,...
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Keeping the heart healthy no matter how old you are may limit heart diseases and complications. Below are a few common ways to keep the heart healthy: Maintaining a healthy...
What is the structure of the human heart? The heart is a muscular organ situated in the chest just behind and slightly toward the left of the breastbone. It roughly measures the size of a closed fist. The heart works all the time, pumping blood through the network of blood vessels called the arteries and...
What are heart sounds? Using a stethoscope to assess different sounds the heart makes is an important diagnostic tool. Heart sounds are generated by blood flowing in and out of the heart’s chambers through the valves as they open and close. Listening to the heart sounds through a stethoscope (auscultation) is one of the first...
What is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)? There are two common MTHFR mutations, known as C677T and A1298C. The term MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acids' homocysteine and folate. Homocysteine is an amino acid that works to maintain the body’s cells. Folate is one of the B-vitamins needed...
What is isosorbide dinitrate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isosorbide dinitrate is in the class of drugs called nitrates, and it is used for treating and preventing angina or heart pain. Other nitrates include nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitroquick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur and others) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket). Isosorbide dinitrate is converted in...
Stroke definition and facts A stroke occurs when part of the brain loses its blood supply and stops working. A stroke occurs when part of the brain loses its blood supply and stops working. This causes the part of the body that the injured brain controls to stop working. A stroke also is called a...
What is rivaroxaban, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Xarelto is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) that is used to prevent and treat blood clots. Blood clots formed in the heart are dangerous since they can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Similarly, blood clots formed in the legs or lungs...
What are the uses for propafenone? Propafenone is an anti-arrhythmic agent approved for use in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia. Propafenone is also effective in suppressing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and supra-ventricular tachycardia once normal sinus rhythm has been restored. Propafenone is at least as effective as any other type...
What is nadolol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nadolol is a member of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blockers that is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include propanolol (Inderal, Inderal LA), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline)...