Understanding Hypertension and Its Silent Nature Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated. Blood pressure is generated by the force of blood being pumped by the heart through blood vessels, and when this pressure is too high, it forces the heart to work harder than normal. One of the most concerning aspects of hypertension is that it often presents without

By Ariana Merino What Is Broken Heart Syndrome? Have you ever heard someone say they felt heartbroken? Whether it’s after a breakup, losing someone they love, or receiving devastating news, heartbreak is something almost everyone experiences. Most of us think of it as an emotion that slowly fades over time. But what if heartbreak could affect more than just your emotions? As surprising as it sounds, there is a real medical condition called broken heart syndrome, also known a

By Megan Meier, BSN, RN Heart attack, or myocardial infarction, results from a blocked cardiac artery, or a blood vessel that supplies blood in the heart. Up to 70% of women have chest tightness or pressure, but 30% of women have different symptoms (1). Signs of heart attack, or myocardial infarction, in women can appear differently than in men. Heart disease in men most of the time forms in the larger coronary arteries, or the blood vessels that supply blood to the hear

Although, easier said than done, running provides many benefits. It improves coordination and exercises your heart. Which is often overlooked because many forget it even is a muscle just because one can't visibly see it. As they would with their arms or maybe even their legs or glutes. However, running strengthens not only your skeletal muscles but also your heart, making it more efficient at pumping blood and supporting long-term cardiovascular health But what are some ways

The Many Benefits of Physical Activity Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and provides benefits for all people, regardless of age. Staying active can improve physical health, support mental well-being, and make everyday activities easier. Regular movement can also reduce the risk of several serious health conditions. Benefits for the Heart and Lungs Consistent physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves its ability to pump blood

Open heart surgery is one of the most important advances in modern medicine and has helped save millions of lives worldwide. It is commonly performed to treat serious heart conditions such as blocked coronary arteries, damaged heart valves, congenital heart defects, and certain diseases affecting the aorta. Although hearing the term “open heart surgery” may sound frightening, advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and postoperative care have made these procedures safer

Introduction For decades, dental hygiene was viewed through a narrow lens: we brushed our teeth to avoid cavities, freshen our breath, and maintain a bright smile. However, modern medical research is fundamentally shifting this perspective. Today, scientists view the mouth not as an isolated cavity, but as a critical gateway to the rest of the body. An emerging body of evidence highlights the oral-systemic link—the profound physical connection between oral health and systemic

Welcome to the future! Ok, maybe we thought that we would have flying cars and (more) robots walking around, but it's safe to say that technology has taken the leaps and bounds that science fiction authors from the 1980s told us it would, even if it looks a little different from their predictions: we have the internet, artificial intelligence, and smart devices. Look down at your wrist. Chances are, most of the people reading this have some sort of smart watch on. Just about

Image Credit: iStock What Is a Cardiac Stress Test? A cardiac stress test evaluates how well the heart functions when it is working harder than usual. By monitoring the heart during physical activity or with medication that mimics exercise, healthcare providers can assess blood flow, heart rhythm, and overall cardiac performance. What the Test Evaluates During a stress test, healthcare providers observe how the heart responds to increased demand. This includes: Heart rate an

Introduction Right-sided heart failure is a condition where the right ventricle of the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively. Normal Mechanism- The right ventricle’s primary job is to receive deoxygenated blood returning from the body (via the veins) and pump it into the lungs to get oxygen. When the right ventricle weakens, blood backs up in the veins, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues and organs. This is the reason that right sided heart failure is

Introduction Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, making it harder to pump blood around the body (1). This can cause symptoms such as tiredness and breathlessness, although some people may not notice anything at first (1,2). DCM can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in adults between 20 and 60 years old (1). As symptoms may develop slowly, many people are only diagnosed once the heart has already

When visiting a primary care doctor, most established patients will have their cholesterol levels checked as part of their annual health check-up. They are an important indicator of cardiovascular health and disease risk, often reflecting how fats are transported and contribute to the formation of plaque within blood vessels and clogged arteries. Cholesterol is carried in particles called lipoproteins, aiding in transport throughout the bloodstream. These lipoproteins are mad

From: https://www.socialworker.com/extras/social-work-month-project-2021/every-beating-heart-essential-i-want-social-workers-to-know/ If you’ve ever felt your heart pounding after exercise or during a scary movie, you have probably noticed the beats come faster than they would when you are relaxed. While temporary elevation of heart rate (the speed of those thumps) is normal in a lot of situations, constantly high heart rate can indicate serious issues. Learn how to check yo

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy? Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition that causes the heart chambers (ventricles) to progressively stretch and enlarge over time. It is characterized by the impaired ability of the left ventricle to contract and pump blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. The estimated prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy ranges between 1:2500 and up to 1:250-400 in the general population, and is more common in men than in women. It is a co

What is hypertension Hypertension is frequently termed "the silent killer" because it typically lacks early symptoms while acting as the primary driver for atherosclerosis and its complications. As an independent risk factor, it predisposes patients to heart failure, stroke, and coronary, renal, and peripheral artery diseases. Consequently, it remains the leading contributor to cardiovascular illness and death in developed nations. Hypertension is characterised by consistentl

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions worldwide. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because many individuals with hypertension do not experience noticeable symptoms until serious complications occur. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain. Early detection and proper management are therefore essential to prevent long-term health p

Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep within the body, typically in the thigh or calf. The circulatory system can be thought of as a network of internal pipes, where a DVT is essentially a blockage in one of the primary lines. While the initial symptoms may feel like a minor leg cramp or increased swelling, these clots are serious because they can break loose, travel to the lungs, and cause a life-threatening emergency. Why Do The

Image Credit: https://cpap.community/ What Is a CPAP/BiPAP Titration Study? A CPAP or BiPAP titration study is an overnight sleep study designed to figure out the optimal air pressure necessary to keep the airway open during sleep. It is often performed after a diagnosis of sleep apnea and helps tailor treatment to individual differences. Why Titration Matters While CPAP and BiPAP machines both deliver pressurized air, the correct pressure level is key. Too little pressure m

Rotational atherectomy: a diamond-tipped burr is advanced through a narrowed coronary artery to grind calcified plaque into tiny particles, helping restore blood flow. What it is? Atherectomy is a catheter based procedure used to remove or modify plaque inside an artery. Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, calcium, and scar like material that can narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow. Atherectomy is performed through a small tube placed into an artery, often in the groin

Note: There are a few types of sleep apnea with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common, which is the focus of this piece. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, in the world, affecting around 5 million people just in the United States. A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation can have many downstream effects; long-term fatigue, increased risk for stroke, and overall increased risk of death. In modern days, it is a manageable condition a