As we get older, we are at risk for certain conditions. Heart failure, or HF, is when the heart does not pump blood as well as it should. Heart failure can put us at risk for a heart attack. This is when blood flow to the heart stops. Some causes Read more…
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, or PAH is a type of high blood pressure in our lungs. It also affects the right side of our heart. The right side of the heart pumps blood that needs oxygen to the lungs. In our lungs, it affects the arteries. These are the blood vessels Read more…
A child’s heart is about the size of a fist. An adult heart is about the size of two fists. It has 4 chambers, or sections. One way valves between them control the flow of blood. The shape of these sections and valves is about the same in everyone. But, Read more…
When you are resting, your heart beats about 60-100 times per minute. When you work out, it beats faster. But it still beats in a rhythm. Electrical impulses tell our heart when to beat. Sometimes, these impulses do not work right. This can lead to heart rhythm problems. The most Read more…
The mediastinum is the space between your lungs. It contains the organs and tissues between your breast bone and your backbone. The middle part includes your heart and the main blood vessels to and from your lungs. It also contains your wind pipe (trachea), and the nerves and lymph nodes Read more…
High blood pressure (HBP) is common. One in three adults has HBP. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Two main factors decide your blood pressure. One is the force needed to get blood through your arteries. The more narrow your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. This is the Read more…
The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Before a baby is born, fluid fills its lungs. So, fetal blood does not go to its lungs to get oxygen. It gets oxygen from Read more…
The mitral valve is on the left side of your heart, between the upper and lower chambers. Your heart has four chambers. Two upper chambers and two lower ones. Valves control the flow of blood from the upper to the lower chambers. Valves work like dams. Dams hold water upstream Read more…
The aorta is the main artery from the heart. The lower left side of the heart pumps blood with oxygen to the body through the aorta. A valve controls the flow of blood from this area of your heart to the aorta. Valves work like dams. Dams hold water upstream Read more…
Heart Failure (HF) affects more than 6 million people in the United States. HF is when the heart does not work like it should. Heart attacks, high blood pressure, and heart disease can all cause HF. Genes may also play a role in HF. Most of the time, we treat Read more…