An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound of the heart. It does not “tell” the future, but it does answer key questions: how is the pumping force, how are the valves, are there changes in the size of the heart, and are there findings that explain symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness or swelling. The problem is that the report [...].
Echocardiogram: what does it evaluate and how to read common results? Read More "
When someone hears “heart tests are needed,” the same question almost always comes up: “which one do I need and why? It is not the same to look for an arrhythmia as to evaluate the heart's pumping or to see how it responds to exercise. This guide helps you to understand, in clear language, what each test is for and how to perform it.
What test do I need? ECG, Holter, Echo or Stress Test. Read More "
Snoring is common. But snoring loudly, with pauses for breathing, awakenings and tiredness during the day, may be something else: obstructive sleep apnea. And this diagnosis is important for a simple reason: it not only affects rest; it increases cardiometabolic risk (especially hypertension) and is associated with arrhythmias and cardiovascular events in certain profiles.
Sleep apnea and snoring: the hidden cardiac risk factor Read More "
Smart watches with ECG (Apple Watch, some Galaxy Watches and the like) can be very useful... if you understand what they are for and, above all, what NOT to use them for. The typical mistake is to use the watch as the “definitive diagnosis” or, the other way around, to ignore it altogether. Think of it this way: the watch can help you capture a rhythm in the
Smartwatches and ECGs at home: what are they for and when to consult them? Read More "
If you smoke (or smoked) and are concerned about your heart, there is a useful truth: quitting smoking improves cardiovascular risk faster than people think. It's not “just” cancer or lungs. Smoking affects blood pressure, blood vessels, inflammation and the tendency to form clots. That's why quitting has a direct impact on heart attack,
Smoking and heart: what improves with smoking cessation Read More "
“Prediabetes” often sounds like “it's not diabetes yet, so it's okay.” That's the mistake. Prediabetes and insulin resistance are signs that the metabolism is already under stress and, in many people, that comes with high blood pressure, high triglycerides, fatty liver, inflammation and cholesterol changes. The heart does not
Prediabetes and insulin resistance: how it affects the heart Read More "
“I got prediabetes” is often read as “it's not serious yet.” The problem is that prediabetes and insulin resistance are not an innocent “pre-something”: they are often the prelude to a cardiometabolic profile that increases cardiovascular risk if allowed to progress (high blood pressure, high triglycerides, fatty liver, increased waistline and
Prediabetes and insulin resistance: how it affects the heart Read More "
Being told “you have high triglycerides” or “you have a fatty liver” raises two questions: is it serious and does it affect the heart? Often both findings point to elevated cardiometabolic risk that should be understood and corrected early. Most importantly, what are triglycerides? Triglycerides (TG) are fats that circulate in the blood. They are raised by: excess sugars/refined flours,
High triglycerides and fatty liver: cardiovascular impact Read More "
Seeing a very high figure on the baumanometer can be frightening. And rightly so: some situations require immediate attention. But not every elevated pressure is an emergency. The key is to distinguish between “very high blood pressure” and “high blood pressure with damage or alarm symptoms,” and to know what to do at that moment without making things worse. Lo
Hypertensive crisis: when is it an emergency and what to do? Read More "
Swelling of the ankles or legs (edema) is a very common reason for consultation. It is often related to prolonged standing, heat or venous circulation problems. But it can also be a sign of fluid retention due to heart, kidney or liver problems. The difference usually lies in
Swollen legs: causes and when to suspect heart failure Read More "
Severe dizziness or fainting can occur from relatively common things like dehydration, a sudden change in position, or a vasovagal episode. But in some cases, it can also be a sign of a heart problem (e.g., an arrhythmia). The difference is in the context, the accompanying symptoms and certain alarm data. See
Dizziness and fainting (syncope): causes and cardiologic workup Read More "
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom. Sometimes it is related to something temporary (such as a respiratory infection, stress or poor physical condition), but it can also be a sign of a heart, lung or blood problem. The important thing is to identify when it is an emergency and when an evaluation is appropriate.
Shortness of breath: when it may or may not be heart-related Read More "
Feeling pain, pressure or tightness in the chest is one of the most worrisome symptoms. Sometimes it is due to something relatively common such as reflux or muscle tension, but at other times it can be an emergency. The key is to recognize warning signs and know when not to wait. TL;DR (the bottom line) How can you
Chest pain: common causes and when is it an emergency? Read More "
“My heart is racing”, “I feel pounding in my chest”, “it feels like my heart is going to burst”. Palpitations are one of the most frequent reasons for cardiology consultations and also one of the most anxiety-producing sensations. In this guide you will see: What exactly are palpitations We call “palpitations” to the perception.
Palpitations: common causes and when to worry about them Read More "
For years, heart attack was thought of as a “men's” problem. Today we know that heart attacks in women are common, are often diagnosed late and often present with less clear symptoms than classic oppressive chest pain. In this guide you will see: This text is informative and is not a substitute for a
Women and the heart: signs of heart attack and prevention Read More "
