Learn to recognize the warning symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and prevent it from becoming a problem. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not a life-threatening condition if it is detected and treated in the early stages. The severity of DVT stems from its potential consequences, which are essentially: Thrombosis and embolism in the lung despite …
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Iron’s role in the body Low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. If you are anemic, you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. Being low on iron is one cause of anemia. If you are anemic, you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. You also may be low on hemoglobin, a protein …
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Learn the most common causes and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not a single disorder; instead, it is an umbrella word used to represent a variety of heart and blood vessel-related disorders. The terms heart and blood vessel disease or heart disease and CVD are used interchangeably. In the United States, about 659,000 individuals die …
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How risky is an aortobifemoral bypass? Learn about the potential complications of this major surgery An aortobifemoral bypass is a major surgery that has a success rate of about 80% and a mortality rate of about 2%-5%. The goal of the surgery is to redirect blood flow around a blocked artery and reduce symptoms for at least 10 years, provided precautions …
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An LVAD helps maintain the pumping capacity of a heart that is too weak to function on its own A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a surgically implanted mechanical device that pumps blood from the lower left chamber of the heart (ventricle) to the rest of the body. An LVAD helps maintain the pumping capacity of a heart that …
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Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) involves inserting a catheter with an ultrasonic inducer into the artery Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the inside of a coronary artery to assess blood flow. IVUS involves inserting a catheter with an ultrasonic inducer into the artery. What to expect during an intravascular ultrasound Before the procedure Before …
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Learn about peripheral vascular stent implantation and how it can be used to treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD) A peripheral vascular stent is a wire mesh tube that is used to open a blocked or clogged artery, resulting in improved blood flow. The stent keeps the artery open and sometimes contains medications that help prevent the artery from becoming blocked. How …
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Generic Name: prasugrel Brand Name: Effient Drug Class: Antiplatelet Agents, Cardiovascular; Antiplatelet Agents, Hematologic What is prasugrel, and what is it used for? Prasugrel is a medication used during the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes two types of heart attacks (myocardial infarctions), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that can be traced in the ECG and non-ST elevation …
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Two circulatory systems Catheterization is the process where doctors use a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to look at the heart. Right heart catheterization is performed by going into a vein. Heart catheterization, heart cath, and cardiac catheterization are three terms that all mean the same thing. In the process of catheterization, doctors use a thin, flexible tube called …
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Learn about which medications and surgical procedures can help reset your heart rhythm You can reset your heart rhythm through cardioversion, which is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with an abnormal heartbeat. Cardioversion can be done through either medications or surgical intervention. When would you need to reset your heart rhythm? Resetting your heart rhythm may be …
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