Month: April 2014

Lyme disease, an infection transmitted by the tiny deer tick, can cause systemwide problems, including a potentially life-threatening heart condition called AV block.

Cardiovascular disease poses an equal threat to men and women, but the risks, symptoms, and outcomes for heart attack and stroke can differ along gender lines.

There can be many reasons for erratic blood pressure readings. Some people may also have higher readings in the doctor’s office, called white-coat hypertension.

Sick sinus syndrome is a set of heartbeat irregularities that can cause fainting, weakness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Once diagnosed, the problem is easily treated with an implanted pacemaker.

Many heart attacks that occur at an early age result from an inherited condition that leads to very high cholesterol levels.

People who take blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors should be aware of a rare side effect that causes the lips, tongue, and face to swell.

Several large clinical trials have failed to show a benefit from drug therapy to raise HDL cholesterol. Lifestyle change such as increasing aerobic activity, losing weight, and avoiding trans fats may be most effective.