Cardiology

5 facts to know about heart failure

If you are at risk for heart failure, you might be overwhelmed with information. Here are five simple facts to help you understand the basics. 1. Heart failure is common. About 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure. By 2030, that number is expected to be 8 million adults. If you have experienced heart failure, you are not alone. 2. Blood tests can diagnose and monitor heart failure. Your primary care provider PCP may ask about your medical and family health history during yo...

What is considered a heart-healthy diet?

Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and high in fiber. Choose multiple colors of fresh produce to make sure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. Especially good choices include leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas, oranges, pears, grapes and prunes. Choose fatty fish that are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These include salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout and sardines. These foods can help lower triglyceride levels and subsequently reduce your risks for heart...

Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women – more deadly than all cancers combined – yet many women aren’t aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with this dreaded condition. Here’s some important information on this much misunderstood disease: It can happen at any age. While your risk does increase with age, especially after menopause, heart disease can also strike early. For instance, young women who smoke and use birth control pills raise their risk...

Life after a heart attack

You survived a heart attack. That's news you can embrace. The big question on your mind is, What now? How can you help keep your heart healthy and avoid further problems like another attack? Fortunately, there's a lot you can do. Experts advise that you: Take your medicine as prescribed. It's not unusual for people who have had a heart attack to be on multiple medicines. Each one of them helps your heart in a different way, so it's important that you take them exactly as your doctor prescribes. ...

How does the WATCHMAN™ device reduce the risk of stroke?

People with atrial fibrillation AF are most likely to suffer blood clots which originate from an area of the heart known as the left atrial appendage. Those clots can move to the brain and cause a potentially debilitating stroke. Blood thinners, such as Coumadin Warfarin , Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Eliquis, are commonly employed to prevent blood clotting in patients who have been diagnosed with AF. For many patients, however, use of these thinners can result in excessive bleeding. The Watchman™...

Women & Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women – more deadly than all cancers combined – yet many women aren’t aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with this dreaded condition. Here’s some important information on this much misunderstood disease: It can happen at any age. While your risk does increase with age, especially after menopause, heart disease can also strike early. For instance, young women who smoke and use birth control pills raise their risk...

Love Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but it can be prevented and controlled. Even in a short month's time, you can do a lot to take better care of your heart. Week 1: Scrutinize labels. Saturated and trans fats can lead to clogged arteries. Salt can raise blood pressure. Sugar can pack on pounds. To avoid these risks for heart disease, read nutrition labels when you're grocery shopping. Look for foods with unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids,...

Cholesterol Counts in Heart Health

So what are your cholesterol numbers? If you're drawing a blank right now, it could mean you're overdue for the routine blood test that helps give a heads-up on your risk for heart problems or a stroke. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps our bodies function properly. The liver makes the cholesterol we need, but we can get more from what we eat. The two main types of cholesterol are: • Low-density lipoprotein LDL , or bad cholesterol. Excess amounts can build up in the walls of art...