Certain conditions, lifestyle habits, as well as your age and family history can increase your risk of heart disease. These are called heart disease risk factors. According to Heart and Stroke, a surprising 9 in 10 Canadians have at least 1 risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Some of these risk factors are [...]
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of an individual’s arteries. It requires two measurements: systolic and diastolic. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The systolic (top) number measures the pressure force when the heart contracts and pushes out the blood. The Diastolic (bottom) number measure when the heart [...]
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used to help build cells and make vitamins and other hormones in the body. There are two types of cholesterol: one is carried by high density lipoprotein particles (HDL). HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because HDL transports excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the [...]
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Normal blood glucose levels range from 4.0 to 7.0 prior to eating. Glucose is made through the consumption of bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, milk, and fruit. If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of [...]
The arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart are called the coronary arteries. These arteries can narrow due to cholesterol build up and fatty deposits on the inner walls, limiting blood flow to the heart. This is called cardiac ischemia. With this limited supply, the heart does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it [...]
Chest pain caused by a reduced blood flow to the heart is called angina. Angina can also be described as chest squeezing, tightness, pressure, or heaviness. If this is a new pain, please seek medical attention from your family doctor or a hospital depending on severity.
A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood (called the coronary arteries) are blocked. The part of the heart muscle that receives the blood from this artery becomes starved for oxygen. When this occurs, the heart muscle cells can die, causing permanent damage to your heart. Symptoms can [...]
The most commonly mentioned symptoms of a heart attack include squeezing chest pressure or pain, jaw/neck/back/arm pain, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath. According to the American Heart Association, women having a heart attack may experience the symptoms listed above, but can also have less obvious warning signs: Upper back pain Pain or pressure [...]
Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart abruptly stops beating. This is normally an electrical problem that disrupts blood flow to the body. This causes the person to lose consciousness and stop breathing. Immediate action is required to save this person – call 911, start CPR, and use an AED if available.
Heart failure is chronic and progressive condition in which the weakened heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's need. Symptoms of heart failure can include (but are not limited to): Fatigue Shortness of breath Swelling in the legs and feet Coughing Rapid or irregular heart rate Nausea Activities such [...]