Why am I having this test? The apolipoproteins test is done to evaluate a person’s risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol by looking at several indicators. What is being tested? The test may include measurements of the following: Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1). This is an indicator of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Low […]
Category Archives: Medical knowledge
An aortofemoral bypass is a surgery to change the way that blood flows through the upper legs or abdomen. This is a major surgery. You may have this surgery if blood vessels in your upper legs or abdomen are blocked, damaged, or too narrow, and blood cannot move through them well. During the surgery, an […]
Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. The aortic valve opens and closes to regulate blood flow between the left side of the heart (left ventricle) and the artery that leads away from the heart (aorta). When the aortic valve becomes narrow, it is difficult for the heart to […]
Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition that happens when the aortic valve does not close all the way. The aortic valve is a gate-like structure between the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the rest of the body (aorta). The aortic valve opens when […]
Aortic dissection happens when there is a tear in the wall of the body’s main blood vessel (aorta). The aorta leads out of the heart (ascending aorta), curves around, and then goes down the chest (descending aorta) and into the abdomen to supply arteries with blood. The wall of the aorta has inner and outer […]
Injectable blood thinners (anticoagulants) are medicines to help prevent and treat blood clots. Injectable anticoagulant medicines are given with a single-use syringe that already has medicine inside it (prefilled syringe). You inject the medicine through a needle into the layer of fat and tissue between skin and muscle (subcutaneous) in the left or right area […]
Why am I having this test? The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is used to diagnose peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PVD is also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PVD is the blocking or hardening of the arteries anywhere within the circulatory system beyond the heart. It is a form of cardiovascular disease. PVD is caused […]
Angiogram An angiography is a procedure used to examine the blood vessels. In this procedure, contrast dye is injected through a long, thin tube (catheter) into an artery. X-rays are then taken, which show if there is a blockage or problem in a blood vessel. The catheter may be inserted in: The groin area. This […]
Overview What is angina? Angina (say: “ann-jie-na”) is a squeezing pain or a pressing feeling in the chest. It is most often caused by blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. This is calledcoronary artery disease, or heart disease. Symptoms How do I know if my pain is angina? Angina can bother […]
Ambulatory pulmonary artery pressure monitoring is a way to help your health care provider manage your heart failure. It involves having a procedure to place (implant) a permanent wireless pressure sensor inside your pulmonary artery in your chest. Your pulmonary artery carries blood from the right side of your heart to your lungs. Increased pressure […]