
Physical Activity and Your Heart - Benefits - NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · For people who have coronary heart disease, regular aerobic activity helps the heart work better. It also may reduce the risk of a second heart attack in people who already have had heart attacks. Vigorous aerobic activity may not be safe for people who have heart disease. Ask your doctor what types of activity are safe for you.
Why mental stress can take a toll on the heart - NHLBI, NIH
Jun 13, 2024 · Stressful events can negatively impact the heart. In 2021, NIH-supported researchers found that one in six people with heart disease were twice as likely to experience myocardial ischemia - a reduction in blood flow to the heart - when they experienced mental stress and that, in turn, was linked to increased risks for having a heart attack or a heart-related death years later.
Heart disease can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack happens when a cholesterol-rich plaque bursts and releases its contents into the bloodstream. This causes a blood clot to form over the plaque, totally blocking blood flow through the artery and preventing vital oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. A heart attack can cause perma-
Cardiogenic Shock - What is Cardiogenic Shock? | NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · Most often the cause of cardiogenic shock is a serious heart attack. Other health problems that may lead to cardiogenic shock include heart failure, which happens when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs; chest injuries; and blood clots in the lungs.
How Smoking Affects the Heart and Blood Vessels - NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · If you smoke and already have heart disease, quitting reduces your risk of cardiac death, heart attacks, and death from other chronic diseases. Not smoking is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, which also includes healthy eating, aiming for a healthy weight, managing stress, and increasing physical activity.
Heart Attack - Causes and Risk Factors - NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · High blood pressure or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) High blood sugar or diabetes; High blood triglycerides; Overweight and obesity; If you have three or more of these conditions that raise your risk for heart disease, it is called metabolic syndrome. This greatly increases your risk of a heart attack. Risk factors you can ...
Heart Attack - What Is a Heart Attack? - NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · A heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease. Your age, lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions can raise your risk of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest and upper body pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweatiness, and nausea. Women often experience ...
Heart Tests - Heart Tests - NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · During this time, your healthcare team will check your heart rate, blood pressure, and the catheter insertion site. Coronary angiography is a common procedure that rarely causes serious problems. However, as with any invasive procedure involving the heart, there is some risk.
Heart Health and Pregnancy - NHLBI, NIH
Jun 21, 2024 · Watch for warning signs of a problem during and after pregnancy. Some warning signs of a heart problem during or after pregnancy are a worsening headache, overwhelming tiredness, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest or belly pain, swelling, or nausea. If you feel like something is wrong, call your doctor or seek medical care right away.
Arrhythmias - What Is an Arrhythmia? | NHLBI, NIH
Mar 24, 2022 · An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. It is normal for your heart rate to speed up during physical activity and to slow down while resting or sleeping. It is also normal to feel as if your heart skips a beat ...