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Heart Attack and Atherosclerosis Prevention Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Heart Attack and Atherosclerosis Prevention. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Heart Attack and Atherosclerosis Prevention or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a...learn more »
    In This Article
    High Blood Pressure Article
    • High blood pressure facts
    • What is high blood pressure?
    • How is the blood pressure measured?
    • How is blood pressure defined?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
    • What are the different types of high blood pressure?
    • Isolated systolic high blood pressure
    • White coat high blood pressure
    • Borderline high blood pressure
    • What causes high blood pressure?
    • The metabolic syndrome and obesity
    • What are the causes of secondary high blood pressure?
    • Renal (kidney) hypertension
    • Adrenal gland tumors
    • Coarctation of the aorta
    • What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
  • Blood Clots Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Blood Clots Article
    • What are blood clots?
    • What causes blood clots?
    • What does a blood clot look like?
    • What are the risk factors for blood clots?
    • What types and conditions are caused by blood clots?
    • What are the symptoms of blood clots?
    • How are blood clots diagnosed?
    • How are blood clots treated?
    • What are the complications of blood clots?
    • How can blood clots be prevented?
    • Blood Clots At A Glance
  • Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Stroke Article
    • What is a stroke?
    • What causes a stroke?
    • What are the risk factors for stroke?
    • What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What is the impact of strokes?
    • What are stroke symptoms?
    • What should be done if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
    • How is a stroke diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of a stroke?
    • What complications can occur after a stroke?
    • What can be done to prevent a stroke?
    • What is in the future for stroke treatment?
    • Stroke At A Glance
  • Angina Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery...learn more »
    In This Article
    Angina Article
    • Angina facts
    • Introduction to angina
    • What is angina and what are the symptoms of angina?
    • What causes angina?
    • What are other causes of chest pain?
    • Why is it important to establish the diagnosis of angina?
    • How is angina diagnosed?
    • What are the treatment options for angina patients?
    • Angina medications
    • Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery
    • What's new in the evaluation of angina?
    • What's new in the treatment of angina and heart attacks?
  • Cholesterol Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cholesterol Article
    • Cholesterol facts
    • What is cholesterol?
    • What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
    • What determines the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood?
    • Does lowering LDL cholesterol prevent heart attacks and strokes?
    • How can LDL cholesterol levels be lowered?
    • What are the current NCEP cholesterol treatment guidelines?
    • Why is HDL the good cholesterol?
    • What are triglycerides and VLDL?
    • What medications are available to lower cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides?
    • Is lowering LDL cholesterol enough?
  • Heart Attack Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Attack Article
    • Heart attack facts
    • What is a heart attack?
    • What causes a heart attack?
    • What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
    • What are the complications of a heart attack?
    • What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack?
    • How is a heart attack diagnosed?
    • What about heart attacks in women?
    • What are the risk factors for heart attack in women?
    • What are the symptoms of heart attack in women and how is heart attack diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for heart attack in women?
    • What about hormone therapy and heart attack in women?
    • What is new in heart attack?
  • Chest Pain Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chest Pain Article
    • Introduction
    • What are the sources of chest pain?
    • What are the symptoms and causes of chest pain?
    • How is chest pain diagnosed?
    • What is the philosophy of the approach to chest pain diagnosis?
    • What is the diagnosis and treatment for cause of chest pain?
    • Broken or bruised ribs
    • Costochondritis
    • Pleuritis or Pleurisy
    • Pneumothorax
    • Shingles
    • Pneumonia
    • Pulmonary embolism
    • Angina and heart attack
    • Pericarditis
    • Aorta and aortic dissection
    • Esophagus and reflux esophagitis
    • Referred abdominal pain
    • Chest Pain At A Glance
  • Aneurysm (Brain) Brain aneurysm (cerebral aneurysm) is caused by microscopic damage to artery walls, infections of the artery walls, tumors,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Aneurysm (Brain) Article
    • Brain aneurysm facts
    • What is a brain aneurysm and what causes a brain aneurysm?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of brain aneurysm?
    • How is brain aneurysm diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for brain aneurysm?
    • What is the outcome of brain aneurysm?
    • What are future directions for the treatment of brain aneurysm?
  • Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from...learn more »
    In This Article
    Insulin Resistance Article
    • What is insulin resistance?
    • What causes insulin resistance?
    • What is the relationship between insulin resistance and diabetes?
    • What medical conditions are associated with insulin resistance?
    • Who is at risk for insulin resistance?
    • How is insulin resistance diagnosed?
    • How is insulin resistance managed?
    • What's new in insulin resistance?
    • Insulin Resistance At A Glance
  • Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is an abnormality in the heart rhythm which involves irregular and often rapid beating of the heart....learn more »
    In This Article
    Atrial Fibrillation Article
    • What is atrial fibrillation?
    • What causes atrial fibrillation?
    • What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
    • What are the complications of atrial fibrillation?
    • What are the risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation?
    • How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
    • EKG (electrocardiogram)
    • Holter monitor
    • Patient-activated event recorder
    • Echocardiography
    • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
    • Other tests
    • How is atrial fibrillation treated?
    • Reversing the risk factors that cause atrial fibrillation
    • Slowing the heart rate with medications
    • Anticoagulation to prevent blood clots and strokes
    • Converting atrial fibrillation to a normal rhythm
    • Procedures for treating and preventing atrial fibrillation
    • What is new in atrial fibrillation?
    • Pulmonary vein isolation
    • Atrial Fibrillation At A Glance
  • Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Article
    • How does the heart work?
    • Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
    • Sinus tachycardia
    • Sinus bradycardia
    • Abnormal heart rhythms
    • Tachycardia
    • Ventricular fibrillation
    • Ventricular flutter
    • Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
    • Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Atrial Flutter
    • Bradycardia
    • Heart blocks
    • When should I seek medical care?
    • How are heart rhythm disorders diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for heart rhythm disorders?
    • Can heart rhythm disorders be prevented?
  • High Blood Pressure Treatment High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include...learn more »
    In This Article
    High Blood Pressure Treatment Article
    • What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
    • Which lifestyle modifications are beneficial in treating high blood pressure?
    • Alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Coffee and caffeinated beverages
    • Salt
    • Other dietary considerations
    • Obesity
    • Exercise
    • How is high blood pressure treated?
    • Starting treatment for high blood pressure
    • Treatment with combinations of drugs for high blood pressure
    • Emergency treatment for high blood pressure
    • Treatment during pregnancy
    • Which medications are used to treat high blood pressure
    • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers
    • Beta-blockers
    • Diuretics
    • Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
    • Alpha-blockers
    • Clonidine
    • Minoxidil
    • Combining agents
    • What about the patient's compliance with medication regimes?
    • Is alternative medicine used to treat high blood pressure?
    • What's new in high blood pressure?
  • Heart Disease Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Disease Article
    • Heart disease facts
    • Introduction to heart disease
    • What are the risk factors for heart disease?
    • What are the symptoms of heart disease?
    • How is heart disease diagnosed?
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
    • Stress testing
    • Echocardiography
    • Perfusion studies
    • Computerized tomography
    • Heart catheterization or coronary angiography
    • What is the treatment for heart disease?
    • Prevention of heart disease
    • Modifying risk factors for heart disease
    • Medications for heart disease
    • Angioplasty and stents for heart disease
    • Surgery for heart disease
    • Pictures of Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) - Slideshow View Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) When a portion of the brain loses blood supply, through a blood clot or embolus, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke)...learn more »
    In This Article
    Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) Article
    • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts
    • What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What are the causes of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What are the risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What are the symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • How is transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What is the prognosis for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
  • Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay Smoker's lung photo essay is a collection of pictures and microscopic slides of lung disease caused by cigarette smoking....learn more »
    In This Article
    Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay Article
    • Smoker's lung introduction
    • What is the structure of the normal lung?
    • What processes determine normal function of the lung?
    • What are the abnormalities (diseases) in smoker's lung?
    • What happens to the lung in emphysema?
    • How does emphysema come about?
    • Why does smoker's lung look black?
    • What happens to the airways in chronic bronchitis?
    • Are smokers with COPD predisposed to developing pneumonia?
    • What about lung cancer in smokers?
    • Are any of the pulmonary consequences of smoking reversible?
    • From what do smokers die?
  • Heart Failure Heart failure is caused by many conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and conditions that...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Failure Article
    • What is Heart Failure?
    • What Causes Heart Failure?
    • What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure?
    • What are the Types of Heart Failure?
    • How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
    • How is Heart Failure Treated?
    • Stages of Heart Failure
    • How Can I Prevent Heart Failure From Worsening?
    • How Can I Prevent Further Heart Damage?
    • What Medications Should I Avoid?
    • How Can I Improve My Quality of Life?
    • What Surgical Procedures are Used to Treat Heart Failure?
    • Treatment is a Team Effort
    • What is the Outlook for People with Heart Failure?
  • Your Cholesterol Profile - In Depth Cholesterol is the most common type of steroid in the body. The treatment of elevated cholesterol involves not only diet but also...learn more »
    In This Article
    Your Cholesterol Profile - In Depth Article
    • What is Cholesterol?
    • What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
    • Does lowering LDL cholesterol prevent heart attacks and strokes?
  • Heart Attacks in Women Heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks. Women are more likely to die from a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Attacks in Women Article
    • One woman's heart attack story
    • What is heart disease?
    • Do women need to worry about heart disease?
    • Do women of color need to worry about heart disease?
    • What can I do to prevent heart disease?
    • What does high blood pressure have to do with heart disease?
    • How can I lower my blood pressure?
    • What does high cholesterol have to do with heart disease?
    • What do my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers mean?
    • How can I lower my cholesterol?
    • How do I know if I have heart disease?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
    • One of my family members had a heart attack. Does that mean I'll have one too?
    • Sometimes my heart beats really fast and other times it feels like my heart skips a beat. Am I having a heart attack?
    • Should I take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack?
    • Does taking birth control pills increase my risk for heart disease?
    • Does using the birth control patch increase my risk for heart disease?
    • Does menopausal hormone therapy (HT, HRT, ET) increase a woman's risk for heart disease?
    • For more information on heart disease in women
  • Heart Attack Treatment A heart attack involves damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot. The aim of heart attack treatment is to...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Attack Treatment Article
    • What is a heart attack?
    • How is a heart attack treated?
    • Anti-platelet agents
    • Aspirin
    • Thienopyridines
    • Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
    • Anti-coagulants
    • Clot-dissolving drugs
    • Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
    • Coronary artery stents
    • Nitrates
    • ACE Inhibitors
    • Beta Blockers
    • Oxygen
    • Coronary artery bypass
    • What can a patient expect during recovery from a heart attack?
    • How can a second heart attack be prevented?
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart Attack Prevention Series Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help decrease one's cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce the risk of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart Attack Prevention Series Article
    • What are fats, fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acid?
    • What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
    • What is the scientific evidence behind omega-3 fatty acids?
    • Recommendations to prevent heart attacks
    • What are the screening tests for coronary artery disease?
  • Heart Attack Pathology: Photo Essay A heart attack is a layperson's term for a sudden blockage of a coronary artery. This photo essay inlcudes graphics, pictures,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Attack Pathology: Photo Essay Article
    • What is a Heart Attack?
    • What are the structures and functions of a normal coronary artery?
    • What happens to the coronary artery in atherosclerosis?
    • Who gets coronary artery plaques and what happens to the plaques?
    • What causes a Heart Attack?
    • What happens to the heart muscle after a person survives a Heart Attack?
    • Can a person have more than one Heart Attack?
  • Healthy Living & Disease Prevention The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Healthy Living & Disease Prevention Article
    • Healthy living facts
    • Eating (diet)
    • Physical activity and exercise
    • Avoid tobacco use
    • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
    • Avoid high-risk sexual behaviors
    • Avoid other high-risk behaviors
    • Additional tips for healthy living
  • High Cholesterol: Frequently Asked Questions Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease,...learn more »
    In This Article
    High Cholesterol: Frequently Asked Questions Article
    • What is cholesterol?
    • Why should I be concerned about cholesterol?
    • What's the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol?
    • How much cholesterol is too much?
    • Can I lower my risk for heart disease if I lower my cholesterol?
    • What makes my cholesterol levels go up?
    • What can I do to lower my cholesterol?
    • What medications are used to treat high cholesterol?
    • If a product's package reads "low cholesterol" does that mean that the product is low in fat and safe to eat?
    • At what age should people begin having their cholesterol checked?
  • Vitamins & Exercise: Heart Attack Prevention Series Vitamins and exercise can lower your risk for heart attack and heart disease. Folic acid, vitamins, and homocysteine levels are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Vitamins & Exercise: Heart Attack Prevention Series Article
    • Folic acid, B vitamins, and homocysteine
    • What about antioxidants for heart attack prevention?
    • How about exercise for heart attack prevention?
    • What about smoking cessation for heart attack prevention?
    • Recommendations to prevent heart attacks
  • Secondhand Smoke Secondhand smoke can cause illness and disease in nonsmokers. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, heart disease,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Secondhand Smoke Article
    • What is secondhand smoke?
    • What causes secondhand smoke?
    • What are the health risks of secondhand smoke?
    • Lung cancer and secondhand smoke
    • Cardiovascular disease and secondhand smoke
    • Other lung diseases and secondhand smoke
    • Secondhand smoke and other effects on children
    • Secondhand smoke and the effects on pregnant women
    • Secondhand smoke and the possible link to breast cancer
    • Is there a safe level of secondhand smoke?
    • What is thirdhand smoke?
    • What can be done about secondhand smoke exposure?
    • Secondhand Smoke At A Glance
  • Stroke Prevention Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States. Some of the warning signs of stroke include sudden confusion, trouble...learn more »
    In This Article
    Stroke Prevention Article
    • Introduction
    • What is a Stroke?
    • What are Warning Signs of a Stroke?
    • What are Risk Factors for a Stroke?
    • What Are the Treatable Risk Factors?
    • Do You Know Your Stroke Risk?
  • Disease Prevention in Women Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Women Article
    • Disease prevention in women overview
    • Osteoporosis
    • Breast cancer
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Cancer of the cervix
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia)
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Cancer of colon and rectum / polyps of colon and rectum
    • Bladder cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
  • Disease Prevention in Men Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Men Article
    • Disease prevention in men introduction
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Cancer of colon and rectum /polyps of colon and rectum
    • Prostate cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
    • Bladder cancer
  • Smoking and Heart Disease Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women and men. Nicotine in cigarettes decrease oxygen to the heart, increases...learn more »
    In This Article
    Smoking and Heart Disease Article
    • Smoking and heart disease introduction
    • How does smoking increase heart disease risk?
    • How can quitting smoking be helpful?
    • How to quit smoking
    • What should I do first to stop smoking?
    • How can I avoid smoking again?
    • How will I feel when I quit smoking?