Category: heart-letter

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart -rhythm disorder, may increase the risk of memory loss, a decline in thinking skills, or dementia.

Drinking two cups of coffee a day may protect against heart failure, likely by lowering the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

A leaky mitral valve causes the heart to pump twice as much causing it to enlarge and weaken. When the heart’s pumping chamber starts to enlarge, it’s time to repair or replace the valve.

A new app can be customized with personal data to show heart risk and what you can do about it.

Examination of 11 antidepressants found that three (citalopram, amitriptyline, and escitalopram) may increase the risk of a potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbance. No one with a history of arrhythmias should take these medications.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that may also be fast. Medications can be used to control the heart rate, regulate the rhythm, stop uncomfortable symptoms, and prevent a blood clot that may cause a stroke.

It isn’t necessary to provide mouth-to-mouth breathing when doing CPR for someone who suddenly collapses. Chest compression alone may be better.

Type 2 diabetes damages blood vessels. People with “prediabetes” can lower the risk of progressing to diabetes by exercising 30 minutes a day, losing 5% of their weight, and changing the way they eat.

Two types of tests are used to diagnose heart disease and risk of heart attack. The first determines if a blockage in the heart’s arteries is affecting blood flow. If the answer is yes, a second type is done to pinpoint the location of the blockage.

At any age, extra weight, especially in the belly, increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and death. Losing weight is difficult, but there are many things you can do to drop pounds and keep them off.