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

By Jennifer Navarro MSN, RN, NPD-BC Hypertension High blood pressure, also called hypertension (HTN), is a very common health issue in the United States, affecting both men and women about equally. The reasons people develop high blood pressure are complicated, and it can happen to anyone, but it tends to be more severe and starts at a younger age in African American communities, often leading to more health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventio

Why “High Cholesterol” Is More Serious Than It Sounds Many people casually say they have “high cholesterol,” usually followed by advice to cut down on oily foods. What often gets missed is that this simple phrase describes a medical condition called dyslipidemia, one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke worldwide. Dyslipidemia rarely causes pain or obvious warning signs. That silence is exactly why it is dangerous. Problems can build quietly in the blood v

Introduction Despite the widespread success of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death globally. A significant portion of this "residual risk" is driven by Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically determined lipoprotein that affects approximately 20% of the global population (>1.4 billion people). Unlike LDL-C, Lp(a) levels are resistant to diet, exerci

Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) stands as the most common inherited cardiac disease, fundamentally characterized by unexplained thickening of the heart muscle and hypercontractility. In patients with the obstructive subtype (oHCM), the hypertrophied muscle acts like a roadblock, impeding the ejection of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta (Left Ventricular Outflow Tract [LVOT] obstruction). This results in debilitating symptoms such as dyspnea, chest p

Note: There are a number of methods used to monitor heart rhythms outside of the hospital for diagnostic purposes, also known as remote cardiac monitoring. While those are valuable tools, this article focuses solely on the methods used in an inpatient or hospital setting. Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the world for the last 100 years, creating a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. In 2021, there were over 4.6 million cardi

Every sip of water may carry more than hydration—it could deliver invisible plastic particles to your body. Once thought of only as an environmental concern, microplastics are now showing up inside human arteries, raising urgent questions about their impact on heart health. What Microplastics Are and Where They’re Found Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. They can be primary—manufactured intentionally, such as microbeads in cosmetics—o

Introduction In recent years, drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide, originally developed for diabetes, have captured global attention for their remarkable weight-loss effects. But scientists are now discovering that the benefits of these medicines extend far beyond the bathroom scale. New studies are revealing powerful effects on the heart, liver, and overall metabolism, suggesting that GLP-1 receptor agonists could reshape the way we treat some of the most common chronic d

Most people think of heartbreak as an emotional ache — something that hurts but eventually fades away. Yet for some, intense stress or grief can literally break the heart. Known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or "broken heart syndrome," this rare condition causes the heart muscle to suddenly weaken after a shock, like losing a loved one or experiencing extreme fear. Though it often looks like a heart attack, the cause isn't a blocked artery but the body's own stress respo

While melatonin is widely considered a benign over-the-counter sleep aid, a recent large observational study suggests that chronic use (≥12 months) may be associated with a significantly increased risk of incident heart failure, hospitalisation, and mortality in adults with insomnia. These findings—presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025—raise important questions about the long-term cardiovascular safety of melatonin. Given the study’s obs

What is Pulmonary Hypertension? Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a disease in which the blood vessels connecting the heart and the lungs develop high blood pressure. This can lead to fluid congestion in the lungs and dysfunction of the right side of the heart, known as Right Heart Failure. Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms of PH vary from person to person, but commonly include the following: Shortness of Breath (worse with exercise or lying flat) Fatigue Dizziness/lig