MEDIC8 HEALTH GUIDE: HEART PROBLEMS

Heart disease is one of the most common problems in the western world. This section has information about heart attacks, angina and treatment.

A FEW TIPS FOR LOWERING CHOLESTEROL
This article gives a good overview of what cholesterol is and provides some useful dietary tips on reducing your blood cholesterol levels.

ACE INHIBITORS
ACE Inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and kidney problems. This article profiles their use and side effects.

AMIODARONE
This is a heart medicine used to treat arrhythmias. This article profiles how it works and when it is recommended.

AN OVERVIEW OF CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol levels are linked to heart problems. This article looks at how to reduce fat in our diets and maintain a healthy heart.

ANGINA
Angina is chest pain which can be the result of exercise. The condition is a risk factor for a heart attack, however, the condition can be successfully treated.

ASPIRIN
Aspirin has a wide range of uses. It can be used for pain relief and to help prevent a heart attack and stroke. This article looks at some of its properties.

ATORVASTATIN
Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug which can help prevent a stroke or heart attack. This article profiles the medication and how it should be used.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat which can lead to blood clots and strokes. This article looks the causes of the condition and what treatment is available.

BETA-BLOCKERS
Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and angina. This article profiles the medication, and how it should be used.

COMMON LABORATORY TESTS
Laboratory tests can help diagnose many health conditions. Here are some of the most commonly used tests.

DIGOXIN
This drug is used to treat heart failure. This article profiles the medication and its side effects.

EBCT SCAN
Electron Beam CT scans can be used to give a 3D image of the heart and lungs. It is an excellent screening tool to pick up early heart disease and lung cancer.

HEART ATTACK
Heart attacks are a leading cause of death. This article looks at how heart attacks are treated and what measures can be taken to prevent them.

HEART BYPASS SURGERY
Coronary artery bypass surgery is an effective treatment for angina, and narrowing of the arteries. It may be recommended following a heart attack. This article details the operation and follow-up care.

HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is a serious illness which requires good management. This article outlines the recommended treatments.

HEART MURMURS
This article outlines the different causes of heart murmurs and the principles of diagnosis and treatment.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)
High blood pressure is a factor in heart disease and stroke. This article provides a broad overview of the condition, the possible causes, lifestyle factors and medications used to treat it.

HOMOCYSTEINE AND VASCULAR DISEASE
Homocysteine is a chemical in the blood which is being increasingly recognised to play a key role in the risk of heart attacks. The article provides an in depth overview on the latest information available about homocysteine.

MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE
A mitral valve prolapse can cause a heart murmur, and can be serious in some cases. This article outlines the levels of severity.

NITRATES
These medicines are potent heart drugs that are mainly used to treat angina. This article profiles their use and side effects.

PALPITATIONS
An outline explaining this common symptom and tests that may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.

PERICARDITIS
Pericarditis is inflammation of the membranous sac that surrounds the heart. This article outlines the symptoms, causes and treatment of the condition.

SECONDARY PREVENTION AFTER A HEART ATTACK
Lifestyle, dietary changes, and medication are often necessary after a heart attack. This article provides an in depth overview of what measures can be taken to prevent another coronary event.

SIMVASTATIN
Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug which is used to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. This article profiles the medication and how it should be used.

STROKE
A stroke can be a devastating event for patients and their families. This article discusses the treatment and prognosis for stroke patients.

THIAZIDE AND RELATED DIURETICS
Thiazide diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This article profiles the medication, its benefits and side effects.

TRIGLYCERIDES
Recent research shows triglyceride levels are useful for indicating risk of coronary heart disease and linked with diabetes development.This article discusses how they affect risk and examines testing and treatment.

WARFARIN
Warfarin is a medication that helps prevent blood clotting and is used to treat several conditions. This article provides information about the drug and how it should be used.

 

Medic8® Family Health Guide : Heart Problems