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Congenital Heart Disease

Key Points: Congenital Heart Disease Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 8 out of ... (more...)

Coronary Angioplasty and Stents

How Is Coronary Angioplasty Done? Before coronary angioplasty is done, your doctor will need to know whether your coronary arteries are blocked. If one or more of your arteries are blocked, your doctor will need to know where and how severe the blockages are. To find out, ... (more...)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Key Points: CABG Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of surgery used to improve blood flow to the heart in people with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). During CABG, a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body is connected, ... (more...)

Coronary Artery Disease

Key Points: Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes ... (more...)

Coronary Calcium Score

Key Points: Coronary Calcium Score A coronary calcium scan is a test that can help show whether you have coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary calcium scanning looks for specks of calcium (called calcifications) in the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcifications are an early ... (more...)

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Key Points: How Can Deep Vein Thrombosis Be Prevented? You can take steps to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you're at risk for DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), you can help prevent the condition by: Seeing your doctor for regular checkups. Taking all medicines your ... (more...)

Echocardiography

Key Points: Echocardiography Echocardiography is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart. This test provides your doctor with information about the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart's chambers and valves are working. In addition, a ... (more...)

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Key Points: Electrocardiogram An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. EKGs are used to evaluate signs and symptoms that could indicate heart problems. Many heart problems change the electrical "signature" of the heart in distinct ways. EKG recordings ... (more...)

Electrophysiology Study

Key Points: Why is the doctor performing this test? To locate the source of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), to determine its cause, and to determine the best way to treat the arrhythmia. Some symptoms associated with arrhythmia are palpitations, dizziness or fainting spells. Arrhythmias are ... (more...)

Embolectomy

Key Points: Embolectomy  What is it? The main artery running down your bad leg is blocked near the knee. The leg is starved of blood. This causes pain, infection and even loss of the limb. The blockage in the artery is because of a blood clot. This ... (more...)