A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
The network of organs and blood vessels responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A common type of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. CAD can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, and other complications.
A serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for an extended period, resulting in damage or death of heart muscle tissue.
An abnormal heart rhythm, which can manifest as a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or irregular. Arrhythmias can increase the risk of complications such as stroke or cardiac arrest.
A common condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Untreated hypertension can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other organs over time.
A chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and abdomen.
A non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of the heart’s structure and function. It is commonly used to diagnose heart conditions and evaluate heart function.
A procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart, where various tests or interventions can be performed.
A small device implanted under the skin to regulate the heart’s rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle. Pacemakers are commonly used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and other rhythm abnormalities.
A minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. During angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the artery and inflated to compress the plaque and restore blood flow.
A small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery during angioplasty to help keep it open and maintain blood flow. Stents can be made of metal or other materials and may be coated with medication to prevent re-narrowing.
A blood test that measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which are fats in the blood. Abnormal lipid levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Identifying and managing risk factors is crucial for heart health.