High-sensitivity troponin definition and facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Troponin is a protein found in the body, specifically in heart muscle cells. The three main types of cardiac troponin proteins are I, T, and C. During a heart attack, troponin spills into the bloodstream and it is a biomarker that can indicate cardiac …
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What Is the Treatment for a Heart Attack?
What is a heart attack? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction or MI) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage by a blood clot in a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing …
Read More »carvedilol (Coreg): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is carvedilol? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Carvedilol is used for treating high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is related to labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate). Carvedilol blocks receptors of the adrenergic nervous system, the system of nerves in which adrenalin (epinephrine) is active. Nerves from the adrenergic system enter the heart and release an adrenergic chemical …
Read More »Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL): Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)? Metoprolol is a beta blocker (beta-adrenergic blocking agent) used for the treatment of: High blood pressure Heart pain Congestive heart failure Hyperthyroidism Abnormal heart rhythms Some neurologic conditions. Metoprolol's off-label use is to prevent migraine headaches. Why are the uses for metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)? Metoprolol is used to treat: High …
Read More »Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Mini Stroke Symptoms & Causes
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that causes temporary stroke-like symptoms. The risks for TIA are the same as for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, and include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and family history. The artery blockage may occur …
Read More »Heart Failure Symptoms: Congestive, Diastolic & Life Expectancy
Heart failure definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story The definition of heart failure is when the heart cannot pump efficiently enough for blood to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart becomes weak or when it becomes thickened and stiff, the heart muscle cannot keep up with its workload. Signs and symptoms of heart failure …
Read More »Aspirin vs. Plavix (clopidogrel) Differences, Side Effects (Bleeding Risks), Benefits
Aspirin vs. Plavix (clopidogrel) quick comparison of differences Aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) are drugs used to prevent blood clots. Aspirin and Plavix belong to different drug classes. Plavix is an anticoagulant and aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin also is used to reduce fever, and to treat pain and inflammation in the body. Side effects of Plavix …
Read More »Ibuprofen and Plavix Warning: Can You Take Them Together?
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Plavix (clopidogrel) quick overview Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen also is used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is an antiplatelet drug prescribed to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and …
Read More »Pacemaker of the Heart: Surgery, Precautions & Procedure
Pacemaker definition and facts* A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses low-energy electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the …
Read More »Heart Attack vs. Stroke: Which is Worse? Similarities & Differences
What is a heart attack? What is a stroke? Are they the same? Share Your Story If you think either you or someone near you is having either a heart attack or stroke, you should call 911 immediately, even if you are not sure. What is a heart attack? Heart attack occurs when sudden damage and/or death occurs to a …
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