This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at the most common type of heart disease, including information about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment and prevention options. It also offers a list of statistics on this disease in the United States.
This eMedTV page examines the causes of heart disease, which involve a hardening or narrowing of the arteries. While not causes of the condition per se, certain risk factors (such as having diabetes) can increase a person's chances of developing it.
Having high cholesterol and a family history of early heart disease are possible heart disease risk factors. This eMedTV article discusses these and other risk factors, and offers tips for reducing or eliminating those you can control.
It often takes many years for symptoms of heart disease to develop. As this eMedTV resource explains, common symptoms include chest or arm pain and discomfort, nausea, and shortness of breath.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, in order to diagnose heart disease, the doctor will consider your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and recommend certain tests, such as stress tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG).
As this eMedTV article explains, a CRP (C-reactive protein) test is a simple blood test that is used to show the presence of inflammation in the body. This segment talks about the possible use of a CRP test for heart disease.
There are several tests a doctor may use to assist with a heart disease diagnosis. This eMedTV resource explains the various procedures used to help diagnose heart disease, such as EKGs, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization.
Treating heart disease is a lifelong process. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides details about different aspects of treatment for heart disease, including lifestyle changes, medications, procedures and surgery, and cardiac rehab.
This eMedTV Web page explains that, while there is no heart disease cure, you can help prevent it or minimize its effects by adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, routine checkups, and maintaining a healthy weight.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, avoiding heart disease often involves making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising more. This article also describes other aspects of heart disease prevention.
There are many myths regarding women and heart disease. This eMedTV resource debunks such myths and provides statistics on how heart disease affects women, including the fact that heart disease kills more American women than breast cancer.
A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to part of the heart is blocked. This eMedTV article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of heart attacks and provides links to additional resources.
As this eMedTV article explains, research is being done to improve how heart disease is diagnosed, treated, and prevented. This page offers an overview of current areas of research and looks at the potential benefits of participating in research studies.
An estimated 11.5 percent of Americans had some form of heart disease in 2004. This eMedTV resource provides other heart disease statistics, including facts and figures about risk factors and associated costs.
