Who is a cardiologist? A cardiologist specializes in finding, preventing, and treating the diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular diseases). A cardiologist is a doctor with special training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists obtain extensive education and training. This includes four years of medical...
What does an angina attack feel like? Angina attacks are a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. An angina attack feels like squeezing pressure in your chest, back, arms, neck or shoulders. You may also feel like you have indigestion or an upset stomach. Angina attacks are...
Homocysteine, folic acid, and B vitamins Share Your Story Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a role in coronary artery disease. It is metabolized (chemically transformed) into methionine and cysteine with the help of the B vitamins; folic acid (B9), B12, and B6 (pyridoxine). Therefore, insufficient amounts of these B vitamins in the body...
Angina and heart disease Angina causes chest pain and discomfort when the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen. Angina is managed with lifestyle modifications, medication and cardiac procedures. When your heart doesn't get enough oxygen because of decreased blood flow, you experience chest pain or discomfort. It's not always a painful sensation. Many people describe it...
What is congestive heart failure? The four stages of congestive heart failure depending on the functional capabilities of the heart. Congestive heart failure is a severe progressive condition that affects the pumping power of heart muscles. Because of decreased cardiac output, the organs get inadequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Congestive heart failure usually affects the...
What is percutaneous valve replacement procedure? A percutaneous valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a diseased heart valve. A percutaneous valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a diseased heart valve. The malfunctioning valve is removed and replaced with a manufactured valve, which may be mechanical. Other valve replacements may...
Myotomy can be performed as a laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or an open surgery. Myotomy can be performed as a laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or an open surgery. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic myotomies are minimally invasive procedures. They involve small surgical cuts through which a thin tube-like device is inserted into the body. The device has a tiny camera at...
Pericarditis definition and facts Picture of the heart in the pericardial sac Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart (the pericardial sac). Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. This fluid may be produced by inflammation. The cause of pericarditis in most individuals is unknown but is likely...
What is the tilt-table test? The tilt-table test is a simple, inexpensive, and informative test that can help identify the causes of fainting. As its name implies, the tilt table test involves placing a patient on a table with a foot-support, then tilting the table upward. The tilt-table may start off in a horizontal position...
What is aortic stenosis? Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgically and artificially replaces an aortic valve narrowed by aortic stenosis. Sometimes, malfunction of the heart valves can lead to issues with blood flow and threaten the overall health of an individual. Stenosis, more specifically aortic stenosis (AS), is narrowing of the aortic valve (one of...