Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that causes a very high level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the body needs to build cells. The body makes all the cholesterol it needs in the liver and removes extra or excess cholesterol from the blood as needed. Excess cholesterol […]
Category Archives: Medical knowledge
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a treatment that involves connecting you to a life-support machine. You may need ECMO if your life is in danger because your heart or lungs are not working properly. During ECMO, tubes are inserted into your blood vessels and then guided to your heart. One tube removes blood returning to […]
Exercise Stress Test An exercise stress test is done to collect information about how your heart functions during exercise. The test is done while you are walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bicycle. The goal is to raise your heart rate and “stress” the heart. The heart is evaluated before, during, and after […]
An exercise stress echocardiogram is a test to check how well your heart is working. This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) and a computer to make images of your heart before and after exercise. Ultrasound images that are taken before you exercise (resting echocardiogram) will show how much blood is getting to your heart muscle […]
When you are recovering from a heart condition or surgery, it is important to have heart-healthy habits, including exercise routines. Discuss an appropriate exercise program with your heart specialist (cardiologist) and rehabilitation therapist. The program should meet your specific abilities and needs. Walking, biking, jogging, and swimming are all good aerobic activities and take light […]
When you breathe, your lungs inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). Too much or too little CO2 in your breath at the end of an exhalation is a sign that you are not breathing adequately, or that your lungs are not getting enough blood flow. Continuous end-tidal CO2 monitoring is almost always done in a hospital […]
Endovenous ablation is a procedure that seals off an abnormally enlarged leg vein (varicose vein). This procedure uses heat from radiofrequency waves or a laser to close off the affected vein. This procedure leaves the vein in place, so there is minimal pain and bruising. Closing off the vein can help reduce symptoms by preventing […]
Endovascular therapy is a procedure to widen a narrowed blood vessel and improve blood flow. It is used to treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PVD may also be called peripheral artery disease (PAD) or poor circulation. Endovascular means the procedure is done inside your artery, using a long, thin tube (catheter). The catheter is inserted […]
Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (ESVH) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove part of the saphenous vein in your leg. This vein runs from the inside of your ankle, up along the inside of your knee, and up to your groin. It returns blood from your leg to your heart. The part of the vein […]
Endoscopic robot-assisted surgery is a procedure to improve blood flow to the heart. The procedure is done through small incisions on the left side of the chest wall. During the procedure, a section of a blood vessel (graft) is taken from another part of the body and connected to a blocked artery that leads to […]