If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether a heart attack and heart failure are the same thing, you’re not alone. Many patients, even some caregivers, use the terms interchangeably. After all, both sound serious, both involve the heart, and both can be life-threatening. But here’s the truth: a heart attack and heart failure are not the same. They are very different events, with different causes, consequences, and treatment approaches. The difference is important to understand because it will allow you to make more informed choices regarding your own health or the health of someone you love. The Common Mix-Up: Why It Happens It's understandable why the terms become confused. Both illnesses involve coronary artery disease, and both may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and hospitalization. But then the resemblance ends. A heart attack is typically something abrupt. It's almost as if it springs out of nowhere like a crisis. Heart failure, however, is a chron...

  When it comes to knowing your heart health, there's a whole lot more than cholesterol and blood pressure to monitor. One not-so-well-known but increasingly crucial metric is the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. On initial glance, it may seem like another complicated medical term, but it can actually teach you a great deal about your likelihood of heart attack. But here's the surprise: more recent studies are refuting past assumptions. While doctors previously considered elevated calcium to be a warning sign, others now interpret it as evidence of stability. So, what exactly is the coronary calcium score, and should you be concerned if yours is elevated? What Is a Coronary CalciumScore? A coronary calcium score is a test result that is measured with a non-invasive CT scan to look for deposits of calcium in your coronary arteries, the tubes that bring blood to your heart muscle. These calcium deposits are an indication of atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing...

When you have heart disease, two things come to mind for most patients: pills and surgery. And for years, that's been the course of action, taking a pill every day or having you cut open with procedures like bypass or angioplasty. But what if there were something softer, something you could do more than once, and yet just as good at fixing your heart? That is where EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) comes into the picture. It is non-invasive, risk-free, and, in contrast to most other treatments, can be reapplied. But patients would like to know, how often should I do it? Heart Disease: An Ongoing Battle But first, let’s understand heart disease. Heart disease isn't something you "fix" once and for all. It's not like treating a cold where a round of antibiotics clears it up. Instead, it’s a progressive condition; it continues to evolve over time, especially if underlying causes like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or poor lifestyle habits ar...

When patients hear they have a blockage in a coronary artery, their first question is often, “Do I need a stent?” It’s an understandable concern. Stenting—formally known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) —is one of the most commonly performed cardiac procedures. But not everyone fully understands when it’s truly necessary or what risks and lifelong changes it may bring. Let’s explore the facts. What Is a Stent and How Does It Work? A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to help keep it open. The typical procedure involves: A coronary angiogram to locate blockages A balloon catheter to open the narrowed artery Placement of a stent at the blockage site to hold the artery open This is called angioplasty with stenting . The Immediate Benefits of Stenting Stenting can be lifesaving in emergency situations , such as: Ongoing chest pain Acute coronary syndrome Heart attack In such cases, stents quickly res...

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) has long been recognized as a non-invasive, non-surgical therapy for relieving angina and improving blood flow to the heart. But new research indicates that EECP may offer far more benefits than previously understood. From supporting kidney function to enhancing blood flow to the brain and limbs, EECP could be a promising supportive treatment for various non-cardiac conditions as well. Let’s explore how EECP works and the broader therapeutic effects it may offer. How EECP Works EECP therapy involves placing pneumatic cuffs around the legs, thighs, and hips. These cuffs inflate and deflate in synchronization with the heartbeat. During diastole (when the heart is resting), the cuffs inflate, pushing blood back toward the heart. During systole (when the heart contracts), the cuffs deflate, reducing the heart's workload. This timed compression: Enhances venous return Increases oxygen delivery to the heart Reduces cardiac ...

  If you’ve ever experienced unexplained dizziness, tiredness, or irregular heartbeats, your doctor may recommend a 24-hour Holter monitor test . While the name might sound technical, the concept is simple. This test helps your cardiologist understand what’s going on with your heart when you're away from the hospital and going about your day. Learning about how this device functions and what it shows you can assist in alleviating your concerns and make you better prepared for the experience. What Is a Holter Monitor? A Holter monitor is a small, portable, wearable machine that records your heart's electrical activity over a period of time—typically 24 to 48 hours. It is different from the usual ECG performed in the clinic that takes only seconds. The Holter monitor keeps recording your heart's rhythm round the clock while you carry out your daily activities. Doctors employ it to identify abnormalities that aren't always visible on short ECGs. These may include o...