Health A–Z
Conditions, symptoms, tests and everyday health.
Health Glossary — definitions A–Z →28 health topics
A
- A Heart Emergency Away From Home: A Family Travel Plan
Heart health
A holiday can place someone far from their usual medical team. Preparation can reduce confusion, but it cannot prevent every emergency. This is a practical guide, not a retelling of an unverified person’s experience in H
- Ageing Well: Independence, Support and Heart Health
Heart health
Ageing well means supporting function, dignity and quality of life. A positive outlook can help people cope, but ageing and illness are not simply matters of attitude. Physical limitations deserve assessment and practica
- Air Pollution Affects the Heart as Well as the Lungs
Heart health
Air pollution is more than an irritation to the nose and throat. Fine particles and other pollutants are linked with cardiovascular and respiratory illness. People with existing heart or lung conditions may need extra pr
- Alcohol and Heart Health: Know the Risks and Get Support
Heart health
Heavy or episodic drinking can harm health and make existing medical conditions harder to manage. Alcohol can also interfere with medicines, sleep, judgement and reliable follow-up. It should not be started as a heart-pr
- Anger, Stress and the Heart: Responding Without Fear
Heart health
Repeated intense anger and persistent stress can affect wellbeing and cardiovascular health. Research has examined temporary effects on blood-vessel function and possible pathways involving stress responses. It does not
- Artificial Hearts and Heart Pumps: Understanding the Technology
Heart health
“Robot heart” is an informal headline, not a precise device name. Mechanical circulatory support includes ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts, which have different roles. A total artificial heart repla
C
- Cardiac Symptoms Without Major Blockages Still Need Assessment
Heart health
A scan showing no major coronary blockage does not exclude every heart problem. Some people have abnormalities of small blood vessels, temporary artery spasm or other causes of cardiac symptoms. Conditions affecting rhyt
- Celebrations, Travel and the Heart: Avoiding Disrupted Care
Heart health
Celebrations and holidays can disrupt sleep, medicines, meals and access to care. People may also delay reporting symptoms because they do not want to interrupt family plans. A special occasion is not a reason to postpon
D
- Diabetes, Cancer and Shared Risk Factors
Heart health
Diabetes and cancer are different conditions. Type 2 diabetes and some cancers share risk factors, including excess body weight and inactivity. A statistical association does not mean everyone with diabetes will develop
- Drug-Eluting Stents and Angioplasty: When Are They Useful?
Heart health
Coronary angioplasty uses a catheter to improve blood flow through a narrowed artery. A drug-eluting stent is a small mesh tube that releases medicine locally to reduce tissue growth that could narrow the treated area ag
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- Fish and Heart Health: Why Cooking Method Matters
Heart health
Fish can form part of a balanced diet, but its preparation changes the meal. Steamed, baked or grilled fish is generally a healthier choice than deep-fried fish, especially when frying adds substantial oil, batter and sa
- Flying With a Heart Condition: Plan Before You Book
Heart health
Many people with stable heart conditions can fly, but recent cardiac events, unstable symptoms or advanced disease may require postponement and individual assessment. There is no single waiting period suitable for all he
H
- Heart and Brain Health: Shared Habits, Different Needs
Heart health
The heart and brain both depend on healthy blood vessels and adequate blood flow. Managing blood pressure, avoiding tobacco and addressing cardiovascular risks can support overall vascular health.
- Heart Protection Without Secret Tricks
Heart health
Healthcare professionals use the same broad prevention principles available to everyone: manage risk factors, avoid tobacco, stay active within ability and follow appropriate treatment. No personal routine makes anyone i
- Heartburn or Angina? Why Symptoms Alone Can Mislead
Heart health
Reflux can cause burning discomfort behind the breastbone. Angina is discomfort related to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. These can feel similar, and neither the word “burning” nor a connection with meals s
I
- Influenza Vaccination for People With Heart Disease
Heart health
Influenza can cause serious complications in people with heart disease or a history of stroke. Vaccination is an important prevention discussion, alongside everyday measures to reduce infection.
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- Less Sitting, More Movement: A Healthier Screen Routine
Heart health
Television and other screens are not inherently harmful. The concern is long periods of sitting that displace movement, sleep and other activities. Research links prolonged sedentary time with poorer cardiovascular healt
- Lipid Profile and Your Heart Health
Medical tests
Understand LDL, HDL and triglycerides, when a fasting sample may be needed and how a lipid profile contributes to an individual heart risk assessment.
- Long Working Hours and Heart Health
Heart health
Persistently long working hours can leave little room for sleep, recovery, meals and medical care. WHO and ILO reviews found higher risks of ischaemic heart disease and stroke among people working at least 55 hours weekl
O
- Old Medicine-Ban Headlines: Checking Rosiglitazone Information
Heart health
An undated medicine headline can cause unnecessary alarm. This historical topic refers to rosiglitazone, not to all diabetes tablets. Indian official records document a prohibition concerning rosiglitazone and its formul
- Oral Anticoagulants: Preventing Clots While Managing Bleeding Risk
Heart health
Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to form clots. They may be used for conditions such as selected rhythm disorders or blood clots. They do not literally make blood thinner, and they differ from antiplatelet medic
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- Pacemakers: Purpose, Implantation and Follow-Up
Heart health
A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to support an appropriate heartbeat. It may be recommended for selected slow rhythms or problems with electrical coordination. It is not a treatment for every
R
- Recognising a Possible Heart Attack
Patient education
Learn why chest pressure and related symptoms can be an emergency and why rapid assessment matters.
S
- Supportive Relationships and Heart Health
Heart health
Supportive relationships can make illness and everyday prevention easier to manage. Connection may help with stress, appointments and recovery. This applies to people of every gender and relationship status.
T
- Temperature Management After Cardiac Arrest: Hospital Care, Not a Home Remedy
Heart health
Specialist teams may use controlled temperature management for selected patients who remain unresponsive after circulation is restored following cardiac arrest. This involves monitoring and prevention of harmful temperat
- Ten Practical Habits for a Healthier Heart
Heart health
Heart protection works best as a set of repeatable habits. These ten suggestions are an editorial checklist, not a guarantee of preventing illness or an official replacement for clinical guidance.
- The Four Heart Chambers and the Journey of Blood
Heart health
The heart has four chambers. The right and left atria are the upper receiving chambers. The right and left ventricles are the lower pumping chambers. A dividing wall separates the right and left sides.
- Traffic Exposure and Heart Health: Reducing Everyday Risk
Heart health
Living or working near heavy traffic can increase exposure to air pollution. Cardiovascular risk reflects many influences; a roadside address does not mean a person will have a heart attack.