This strengthens a weakened, bulging aorta. That's a large artery in your abdomen. You'll have one or more flexible tubes, called "stent grafts," put in your aorta to support its walls.

This is a way to learn more about your heart. With this type of monitoring, you'll wear a device that records your heart's activity for a period of time as you do different things. Your doctor uses this data to see if there's a problem with your heart.

An anticoagulant is a drug that keeps blood cells from sticking together. It keeps new blood clots from forming. It can keep existing clots from getting bigger. But it does put you at risk for uncontrolled bleeding. Let's learn about how to use your drug safely.

This treatment uses medication to keep your blood from clotting. We call these drugs "anticoagulants, or "blood thinners." You may need to take an anticoagulant if you're at risk of having blood clots. You may take one if you have a circulation problem, or a problem with your heart or lungs.

This nonsurgical procedure widens a narrowed aorta. During the procedure, a balloon is inflated inside the narrowed aorta to expand the blood vessel. Widening the aorta will improve blood flow to the body.

In this minimally-invasive procedure, a catheter equipped with a balloon and cutting device is used to remove plaque from an obstructed coronary artery. The coronary arteries are the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscles. Directional atherectomy is typically most appropriate for the removal of softer types of plaque.

In this minimally-invasive procedure, a catheter equipped with a laser tip is used to remove plaque from an obstructed coronary artery. The coronary arteries are the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscles. Laser atherectomy is typically most appropriate for the removal of softer types of plaque.

In this minimally-invasive procedure, a catheter equipped with a rotating cutting device is used to remove plaque from an obstructed coronary artery. The coronary arteries are the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscles. Rotational atherectomy is typically used to remove bulky plaque buildup before the artery is treated with balloon angioplasty or with a stent.

In this minimally-invasive procedure, a catheter equipped with a rotating extraction device is used to remove plaque from an obstructed coronary artery. The coronary arteries are the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscles.

This procedure, usually performed by the time a child reaches school age, is used to repair an atrial septal defect. The defect occurs in the wall between the heart's two atrial chambers, creating abnormal blood flow. The surgery involves closing the hole with a patch.

This procedure treats a condition called "stenosis." That's when a valve in your heart is narrower than it should be. The valve's flaps, called "leaflets," may be stiff or fused. Balloon valvuloplasty widens the valve so blood can flow through your heart normally.

If you lose blood because of an injury or surgical procedure, or if your body has trouble making blood, you may need a blood transfusion. This is a common procedure that adds blood from a donor to your own blood.

Not everyone's blood is exactly the same. Blood from one person may have small differences when compared to blood from another person. We use these differences to group blood into categories we call "types." There are eight common blood types.

This plan helps you get stronger after you've had a heart attack, heart surgery or some other heart issue. It includes exercise and healthy eating. You may also have to change some of your bad habits. 

This is a test that shows how your heart works when you're active. It can show problems with your heart. Your doctor may schedule this test if you have signs of coronary artery disease, or if you have an irregular heart rhythm. A cardiac stress test can also show how well a certain treatment is working. Here's what you can expect during your test.

Your heart health matters. And to check your heart health, we use cardiovascular screening. It shows your risk for heart disease, stroke and other problems. It's an important part of a complete care plan.

This procedure puts a mesh stent into a narrowed or blocked artery in your heart. The stent widens the artery and holds it open. This improves blood circulation to your heart's tissue.

If your heart beats too fast or doesn't beat with a regular pattern, you may need electrical cardioversion. During this hospital procedure, your heart is shocked with electricity. It can help give your heart a normal beat. Cardioversion isn't the same as defibrillation. That's an emergency procedure that uses high-energy shocks. Cardioversion uses low-energy shocks.

This procedure improves blood flow in a neck artery that's clogged with plaque. You have two carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck. They supply blood to your brain. When blood can't get through these arteries, you can have a stroke.

Two large blood vessels, known as the "carotid arteries," travel from your aorta up through your neck. There's one on each side of your neck. They carry blood to your head and brain. In some people, these arteries become narrowed over time by a waxy buildup called "plaque." When this happens, we say you have "carotid artery disease." This disease restricts blood flow. And it can lead to serious health problems.

This procedure removes plaque that's blocking a carotid artery. That's an artery that sends blood to your brain and your face. You have two of these arteries, one on each side of your neck.

This procedure corrects an abnormal heart rhythm. It uses energy pulses to change the way your heart's electrical signals flow.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It is found in all of your body's cells. It is also found in some of the foods you eat. Cholesterol screening is a test used to measure the amount and type of cholesterol in your blood.

After a heart attack, it's normal to feel powerful emotions. You may feel anxious and afraid. You may be angry, depressed or lonely. It can be overwhelming, and even make your recovery harder. Well, you need to know that many people experience these emotions. With help, you can cope with them and regain control of your life.

Just after a stroke, it's common for people to experience emotional changes. You may have drastic mood swings from one minute to the next. Your reaction to things may not make sense. This can be surprising and confusing to you and to those around you. But it's a normal part of recovery.

This is a procedure used to examine your coronary arteries. Those are the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. This procedure can help your doctor find blockages in these arteries.

This procedure uses a balloon-tipped catheter to open one or more arteries in your heart. After an artery is opened, a mesh stent may be placed to hold it open.

This treats a blocked coronary artery in your heart. That's one of the arteries that supplies blood to your heart's tissue. With a bypass, blood will flow around the blockage so it can nourish this tissue.

This procedure corrects an irregular heartbeat. During the procedure, the doctor creates a pattern of scars on your heart. These scars block the electrical signals that cause your heart to beat irregularly.

Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that can develop when you sit still for long periods. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions that make the blood clot more easily. You can take precautions to reduce your risk for developing this dangerous condition.

When you spend long periods of time in a hospital bed, you may be at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. This is a type of blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. You may be prone to developing this type of clot because of a blood clotting disorder or other condition. But these clots are also caused by lack of movement. If you keep your legs in the same position for long periods of time, you raise your risk for a clot. Fortunately, you can take some simple precautions to keep a clot from forming.

This test, which we call an "echo," makes images of your heart. It shows more detail than we see with an x-ray. It lets your doctor see how your heart beats. It can reveal problems within your heart.

This is test of your heart. It lets your doctor see how well your heart is working. A doctor can use this test to find out if you have a heart problem, or to monitor a heart problem your doctor already knows you have.

This is a way we remove plaque that's blocking a coronary artery. The coronary arteries are tiny blood vessels that provide blood to your heart tissue. Clearing a blockage lets your heart get the blood it needs to work properly.

When your heart surgery ends, your recovery journey begins. Let's see what you can expect for the next few days.

This scan creates images of your heart. They're made with a CT scanner and show more detail than you can see with a regular x-ray. A heart scan helps your doctor diagnose heart disease, or see if you are at risk for it.

This device, which we call an "ICD," is put inside your chest or abdomen. It's used to treat arrhythmia. That's an irregular heart rhythm. An ICD monitors your heart and keeps it beating properly.

In this procedure, a small device called an electrical impulse generator is implanted in the chest to monitor and regulate the rhythm of the heart. When the device detects a certain type of irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, the impulse generator sends electrical impulses through one or more wire leads to the heart muscle. These impulses are designed to correct the heart's rhythm.

You've had heart surgery, and it's time for you to leave the hospital. Let's learn about the process, and what you can expect.

If you've recently been given a pacemaker, you may have some concerns. You may worry that it will keep you from activities you enjoy. But it won't. Sure, you'll need to cut back on some things while your pacemaker settles into place. But soon, you'll be as active as anyone else your age.

If your doctor says you have high blood pressure, you need to get it under control. It's important for your health. So take it seriously. Prepare to make some changes in your lifestyle. Medications may help, too. Here are some things that will make a difference.

If your doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high, you need to take steps to get it under control. It's important for your health. So take it seriously. You'll likely need to make some changes in your lifestyle. Here are some things that will make a difference.

This is a procedure to fix a problem with your heart's mitral valve. That's the valve between the two chambers on the left side of your heart.

This is a procedure to fix a problem with your heart's mitral valve. That's the valve between the two chambers on the left side of your heart.

This is a procedure to fix a problem with your heart's mitral valve. That's the valve between the two chambers on the left side of your heart.

This test maps blood flow through the heart while you are at rest and while you are doing physical activity. It can show problems with the structure and function of your heart. And, it helps diagnose heart disease or other problems.

A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to regulate the beat of the heart. Pacemakers may be used to treat a variety of heart problems, including irregularities of the heart's rhythm (called arrhythmias) and weakness of the heart muscle.

In this procedure, an impulse generator (called a pacemaker) is implanted in the chest to regulate the rhythm of the heart.

This is a treatment for peripheral artery disease in the legs. It improves blood flow through an artery clogged with plaque.

This scan lets doctors see inside your body. A PET scan is different from an MRI or a CT scan, because it shows how your organs and systems are working. It can give doctors a clear view of some types of cancer cells, which show up brightly on a PET scan. It can also help doctors diagnose other disorders throughout your body.

Heart valves regulate the flow of blood through the heart. If a poorly-functioning valve cannot be repaired, it may be replaced with a mechanical or biological valve. Any of the four heart valves can be damaged, but the mitral and aortic valves are the ones most frequently replaced. This animation will show the replacement of the mitral valve through a small opening in the patient's side.

You may need a pulmonary artery catheter to see how well your heart and lungs are working. It is often used for people in intensive care. It can help patients with heart issues, severe burns, organ failure or other serious problems.

Your risk for heart attack is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these aspects of your health.

Your risk for stroke is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these healthy habits.

This is a way we remove hardened plaque that's blocking a coronary artery. The coronary arteries are tiny blood vessels that provide blood to your heart tissue. Clearing a blockage lets your heart get the blood it needs to work properly.

After a heart attack, it's important to get regular exercise. By exercising your heart, you lower your risk for future problems. But you need to make sure you're exercising safely. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get back on your feet. Of course, before starting any exercise plan, talk to your doctor.

As you recover from your heart attack, it's good to set goals for yourself. Goals keep you motivated. And they help you see improvements as they happen.

If you've had a stroke, you're likely facing some unexpected challenges. Strokes affect different people in different ways, and every recovery is unique. But here are some things you'll need to consider.

This is a procedure to correct a narrowed aorta. That's the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. In many cases, this surgery is done soon after a baby's birth.

In this non-surgical outpatient procedure, a small, flexible tube containing a probe is inserted into the esophagus to provide live images of the heart. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This surgery replaces a defective valve in your heart with one that works properly. The new valve may be mechanical. Or, it may be a valve taken from a human or animal donor.

Spending long hours in a bed or a chair can increase your risk for venous thromboembolism, commonly called "VTE." This is a type of blood clot that can form in a vein in your leg and then travel to your lungs. It can be fatal. It's important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider so you can prevent this dangerous condition.

This procedure is usually performed in the first year of a child's life to repair a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Sometimes called a hole in the heart, this defect occurs in the wall between the heart's two ventricular chambers, creating abnormal blood flow. The surgery closes the hole with a patch.

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in care of the heart and blood vessels. They treat a wide range of conditions. They also help you lower your risk for disease.

Measuring your blood pressure is an important tool for tracking your health. If your blood pressure is too high, you're at risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious problems. When it's too low, you can have dizziness, fainting and other issues. But what is considered "normal" pressure?