Psychology & Psychiatry

Research shows hope still matters when it comes to heart health

Heart patients who experienced feelings of hopelessness had an increased risk of dying or suffering a heart attack, according to new University of Liverpool research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society.

Cardiology

Guidelines target high cardiometabolic risk among South Asians

People of South Asian descent make up one-quarter of the world's population, but they account for 60% of cardiovascular disease cases. To help reduce the elevated risk of heart disease among South Asians living in North America, ...

Genetics

Study identifies a new factor linked to heart failure

When the workload on the heart increases, the ventricular wall may thicken too, known as cardiac hypertrophy. This is an adaptive response that reduces pressure on the heart and maintains the activity of this vital organ. ...

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Coronary heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis (sometimes called “hardening” or “clogging” of the arteries) is the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries. These plaques can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle by physically clogging the artery or by causing abnormal artery tone and function.

Without an adequate blood supply, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly. This can cause chest pain called angina. If blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is cut off entirely, or if the energy demands of the heart become much greater than its blood supply, a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle) may occur.

It is most commonly equated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, but coronary disease can be due to other causes, such as coronary vasospasm. It is possible for the stenosis to be caused by spasm.

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