Being told that you or your child has a heart murmur can sound frightening, but a murmur is not always a sign of heart disease. In many people, especially children, a murmur is harmless and simply reflects normal blood flow through a healthy heart. In other cases, it may be a clue that the heart valves, heart muscle or heart structure need further assessment. The most important thing is to understand what a murmur means, which symptoms matter and when a check-up is needed. On this page What is a heart murmur? When a murmur may be harmless When a murmur may need further investigation Heart murmurs in children Heart murmurs in adults How doctors check a heart murmur When to seek medical help What is a heart murmur? An extra sound heard through a stethoscope A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heartbeat. Instead of the usual “lub-dub” sound, a doctor ...

  Does heart disease run in your family? If so, you might wonder what that means for your own heart health. Our genes play a significant role in health, especially when it comes to conditions like heart disease. In fact, having a family history of heart disease can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular problems yourself. But family history is not destiny – it’s one risk factor among many. In this article, we’ll explore how genetics and family history influence heart health, what a “strong” family history looks like, and most importantly, what you can do about it. How Family History Affects Heart Disease Risk Heart disease remains one of the top causes of death worldwide. While lifestyle factors (like diet, exercise, and smoking) are major contributors, heredity is also a key piece of the puzzle. You share a lot with your relatives, including genes and often lifestyle habits. If your parents or siblings developed heart disease at a relatively youn...

  You’re sitting quietly when suddenly you feel it – a strange flutter in your chest, like your heart just did a little flip or skipped a beat. Many people describe this sensation as their heart “fluttering,” “palpitating,” or “skipping a beat.” If it’s happened to you, you might wonder: what’s going on? Is it dangerous? In this friendly guide, we’ll demystify palpitations – common causes, when they’re usually harmless, when to seek help, and how to keep your heartbeat steady and strong. Understanding Heart Flutters (Palpitations) “Heart flutter” usually means palpitations – being aware of your heartbeat. You might feel pounding, fluttering, skipping, or an irregular beat for a moment. Often this is due to a brief rhythm hiccup, like an extra beat (premature atrial or ventricular contraction) or a transient speed-up. These minor rhythm blips are common, even in healthy hearts, and often relate to stress or adrenaline. Common Causes of a Fluttering Heart Stress and anxiety...

  Most of us know the routine: get your cholesterol checked, aim for good HDL and low LDL. But when it comes to predicting heart disease, are we overlooking more telling tests? According to leading cardiology experts, two key blood markers – ApoB and Lipoprotein(a) – can offer critical insight into your heart health risk. Yet many people have never even heard of them. Here’s why these tests matter and what they reveal about your heart.   Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Your “Bad Cholesterol” Particle Count What it is:   ApoB is a protein found on all the particles that carry “bad” cholesterol in your blood – including LDL, VLDL, and others. Essentially, each ApoB corresponds to one cholesterol-carrying particle. The ApoB test measures the total number of these atherogenic particles circulating in your bloodstream. This is important because the number of cholesterol particles can be more predictive of heart disease risk than the standard LDL cholesterol concentration alone....

  The Power of Movement Exercise isn’t just for building muscle or fitting into jeans - it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic diseases. From heart disease to diabetes to mental health issues, regular physical activity can lower risk dramatically. The best part? You don’t need to be a gym rat. Even small, consistent steps can have a huge impact. Heart Health and Circulation Cardiovascular exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and prevent plaque build-up in arteries. Active people have lower risks of heart attacks and strokes. Your heart is a muscle - keep it fit with movement. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps muscles use glucose more efficiently. This is key in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Regular movement lowers blood sugar naturally, reducing the need for medication. Pair it with a balance...

  Your heart works tirelessly to keep you alive beating around 100,000 times a day. While you might think you know your heart well, there’s more to this amazing organ than meets the eye. From unexpected connections to your emotions to the incredible strength of a heart muscle, these facts might just change how you care for your ticker. Here are ten fascinating things about your heart that may surprise you - and why they matter for your health. 1. Your Heart Beats Over 3 Billion Times in a Lifetime That’s right - your heart keeps beating every second of every day, even while you sleep. Over the course of an average lifetime, this adds up to more than 3 billion beats. Each beat pumps blood through a network of 60,000 miles of blood vessels. It’s a powerful reminder of how resilient your heart really is. 2. Heart Disease Is the #1 Killer Worldwide Despite medical advances, heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor d...

  Your circulatory system is like a well-organized highway, transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. However, when traffic jams occur in the form of blood clots, serious problems can arise. Blood clots can lead to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and even stroke. Understanding what causes clots, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to prevent them can help you maintain a healthier, happier life. Understanding Blood Clots A blood clot forms when blood thickens and clumps together into a solid mass. While clotting can be helpful when it stops bleeding from a cut, it becomes dangerous if it develops unnecessarily or breaks loose and travels through your veins. Clots often form in the legs, but they can occur anywhere in your circulatory system, including the heart and lungs. Common Risk Factors 1.        Prolonged Immobility : Sitting for extended periods, such as on flights or behind a des...

  When you come down with the flu, you might assume the worst is over once your fever subsides and cough eases. However, research shows that certain after-effects of influenza can linger well beyond the acute infection. From persistent fatigue to potential heart complications, the flu’s impact may last longer than you think. In this article, we’ll explore how the flu can affect your body in the long run and offer practical tips on how to protect yourself and achieve a full recovery. Lingering Fatigue and Weakness Even when your immediate symptoms disappear, you may find yourself feeling unusually tired or weak. The immune system requires a significant amount of energy to fight the influenza virus, leaving your body in a state of “catch-up.” Studies indicate that this post-viral fatigue can last several weeks, affecting daily routines, concentration, and overall quality of life. Prioritizing rest, hydration, and balanced nutrition during and after a flu infection can help speed ...

  Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a global health issue that quietly affects millions. Often without symptoms until severe complications arise, CAD restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to heart attacks and other potentially life-threatening events. Understanding its risk factors, detection methods, and treatment options is essential in combating this “silent killer.” The Basics of Coronary Artery Disease CAD is caused by the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, hardens, and narrows the arteries over time. Reduced blood flow deprives the heart of oxygen, causing symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and, in severe cases, heart attacks. This gradual development makes CAD challenging to detect early, underscoring the importance of regular health screenings for at-risk individuals. Advances in Early Detection: Coronary Calcium Scoring One of the ...

  Mental stress is an inevitable part of modern life, but its impact extends beyond just emotional well-being. Research has increasingly highlighted a significant connection between mental stress and heart health. Understanding this link is crucial for developing effective strategies to maintain cardiovascular health in the face of daily stressors. The Physiological Impact of Stress on the Heart When a person experiences stress, the body responds by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and higher blood sugar levels. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on heart health. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to hypertension, inflammation, and other cardiovascular issues. Over time, these factors contribute to the development of heart diseases such as coronary arter...