heart

What are the side effects of statins? Statins are a group of medications that lower a specific type of cholesterol level in your blood. You will be prescribed statins if your arteries are narrowed or you have cardiovascular disease. While these medications are highly effective in lowering your cholesterol, they often come with serious side …

While doctors believe taking the apical pulse is more accurate, studies show taking the radial pulse in 30-second counting intervals is also accurate. Doctors believe that taking the apical pulse (the pulse site over the apex of the heart), rather than the radial pulse, is the most accurate, non-invasive way of assessing cardiac health. The apical pulse provides information on …

Sudden coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may heal within a few weeks to several months. In most cases, sudden coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may heal in a few weeks to months. The healing time depends on several factors, such as the extent of damage to the heart and coronary blood vessels and any underlying health conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension). …

What is the heart rate? ‌The heart rate or pulse rate is a vital sign that gets checked every time you visit the doctor. While the average heart rate can vary from person to person, there is an ideal range it should lie in. Heart rates that are outside of this "normal" range can be a sign of underlying health …

What is an angina attack? Angina, or angina pectoris, is a sudden chest pain caused by low blood flow to the heart. It feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.  Angina is a common health condition, but it is hard to differentiate it from other chest pains. If you often feel chest pain that doesn't go away quickly, …

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is most commonly associated with heart disease; however, it may also result from respiratory diseases as well. Dyspnea (breathlessness) is a condition mostly associated with respiratory diseases, but paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)—a type of dyspnea—is most commonly associated with heart diseases. Heart diseases Heart failure: Heart failure or congestive heart failure is a condition in which …

A stroke occurs when a part of your brain gets blocked or clogged up for some time. This leads to a deprivation of oxygen in your brain, which can kill blood vessels or cause bleeding. Often, strokes will have quite severe and long-lasting effects. One area such effects can occur is in your upper extremities like your arms or your …

Sex is an integral part of most people's lives. After a heart attack, though, some people may be too shy to ask their doctors when they can resume sexual activity. However, this is a conversation that you must have with your healthcare provider since the timeframe differs from one individual to another.  Generally, it would be best if you took …

Apical pulse is felt over the left side of your chest over your heart, whereas radial pulse is felt at your wrist The main difference between apical and radial pulse is that apical pulse is felt over the left side of your chest over your heart, whereas radial pulse is felt at your wrist. The table below outlines the differences …

What is a heart attack? Most people associate heart attacks with chest pain. Some people, especially women, may have a heart attack without chest pain. It's important to know the other signs of a heart attack.  A heart attack happens when a blocked artery prevents blood from reaching your heart. The  arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart can …