Infective Endocarditis

About 34,000 cases of infective endocarditis are reported each year. A dangerous condition, infective endocarditis (IE) refers to bacteria-caused damage to the inner lining of the heart, called the endocardium, or heart valves. Left untreated, it could cause serious heart damage or death. While considered fairly uncommon, it tends to appear in those with previous … Devamını oku

PTSD and Heart Disease

Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) occurs as a result of experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. It is estimated that about eight million people experience post-traumatic stress syndrome. There is increasing evidence of the connection between PTSD and heart disease. While most commonly associated with those who have served in combat, anyone who has been involved … Devamını oku

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) – Take Mini-Strokes Seriously

Often called “mini-strokes,” transient ischemic attacks (TIA) should be taken very seriously and viewed as emergencies. Even though they may not last long, a TIA is a strong indicator that a major stroke is on the way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that without treatment, ten- to fifteen-percent of people who … Devamını oku

The Impact of Opioids on the Cardiovascular System

Opioids are defined as a particular class of drugs used to reduce pain. The name is derived from the original ingredient, opium, which comes from the poppy plant. Opioids originally referred to certain legally prescribed drugs including OxyContin, Fentanyl, hydrocodone and morphine. However, the National Institute of Drug Abuse has expanded the definition to include … Devamını oku

Effective Stress Management Helps the Heart

Long-term or chronic stress can have a negative impact on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. The specific results of chronic stress have been identified as contributors to heart disease, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol rates and other factors dangerous to the heart. Cardiovascular disease accounts for about one of every three deaths in … Devamını oku

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm can occur in many parts of the artery, the organ that is responsible for the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the other parts of the body. An aortic aneurysm happens when a section of the aorta, the body’s main artery, expands, or balloons. As an aneurysm continues to enlarge, the … Devamını oku

Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease

With colder weather approaching, it is important to note the particular impact of dropping temperatures on the cardiovascular system. Heart attack is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women throughout the year. The probability of heart attacks, angina and other heart-related problems increases as temperatures decrease.  Knowing about the link … Devamını oku

Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease may also be called CAD, coronary arteriosclerosis or coronary atherosclerosis. No matter the chosen terminology, it is the most common cause of death among men and women in the United States. It is the result of restricted blood flow to the heart muscle, preventing oxygen and necessary nutrients to properly flow to … Devamını oku

The Impact of Smoking on Cardiovascular Disease

Smoking makes a major contribution to cardiovascular disease (CVD), causing deterioration of the system that keeps the heart working and blood circulating smoothly. Smoking causes thirty percent of cardiovascular deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart attack is the most common cause of death in the United States and more than … Devamını oku