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Check in on your heart health with a quick assessment to determine your risk factors for developing heart disease.
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows doctors to study the heart and surrounding blood vessels. One or more thin, flexible tubes are inserted through a blood vessel in the arm or leg to record blood flow, calculate cardiac output, and evaluate the heart’s electrical activity.
Cardiac catheterization lab procedures
Complex procedures
PCI and angioplasty
During angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or the wrist. With X-ray guidance, your doctor will move this thin tube up to the diseased coronary artery. He or she will inject a dye to better visualize the artery. Once the catheter reaches the blockage, a small balloon is inflated and pushes the plaque aside while adding a stent in place. This opens the coronary artery to increase blood flow to the heart muscle.
A cardiologist will perform your angioplasty in a cardiac catheterization lab (Cath lab) at Mercy Medical Center. You will be sedated and comfortable during the procedure.
Risks of angioplasty include problems with the dye, blood vessel damage, irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack, and possibly emergency heart surgery. These risks occur infrequently, but you should be aware of this possibility.
It's well known that living a healthy lifestyle is important for long-term health, especially for your heart. Exercise is a key part of staying healthy, and so is eating the right foods. Enjoying a balanced diet not only contributes to helping lower the risk of heart disease but also can help lower cholesterol. Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat while including healthy fats—such as those found in fish, nuts, avocados, and tofu—as well as whole grains, is one of the best habits for your heart. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets are popular for promoting heart health because they focus on heart-healthy nutrients. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine which diet may be best for you.
Resources: Top 8 Heart Healthy Foods, Heart Healthy Food Tips, What is the Mediterranean Diet?, DASH Eating Plan, The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations, Add Color to Your Plate
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. As we age, blood pressure may rise gradually, though this varies from person to person.
If you’re wondering how to lower blood pressure, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage it. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet low in sodium are all key factors. Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking can also play a role in managing blood pressure, but other factors contribute as well.
One of the most important things you can do is to “know your numbers” by regularly checking and tracking your blood pressure. This helps you monitor your progress and spot any concerning changes early.
Resources: What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?, How to Check Blood Pressure at Home Video, How to Manage High Blood Pressure, Common High Blood Pressure Myths
Heart attacks happen frequently—about once every 40 seconds in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many people think heart attacks happen suddenly, but often they start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Heart attack symptoms can vary widely and may sometimes be subtle, so it’s important to be aware of any unusual signs for you personally. Women may also experience heart attack symptoms differently than men, and recognizing any signs of a heart attack can be crucial for timely intervention. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
While chest pain is common, heart attacks can also occur without chest pain or with few to no symptoms at all, though this is less common. Being aware of the signs of a heart attack is especially important if you have certain risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Quick action can save lives, including your own.
Resources: Heart Attack Symptoms: Know the Gender Differences, Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Stress is something everyone faces. However, when stress persists over time, it can negatively impact many aspects of your physical health, and especially your heart. Elevated stress levels can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, putting extra strain on your heart and potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack. Learning how to reduce and manage stress is important for heart health. Exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and avoiding harmful habits may help, but may not be effective for everyone. If stress becomes a problem or leads to mental health challenges, seeking advice from your doctor or a mental health professional is recommended.
Resources: Stress and the Heart: How Are They Connected?, Stress Management Video Tip, Stress and Heart Health, 3 Tips to Manage Stress, Understanding How Stress Affects the Body
Heart disease comes in many forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The more you can learn about your heart health, the better. Knowledge is truly powerful medicine that helps you understand your risks and take action to lessen your potential for problems. It can lead to early detection, and most importantly, to early treatment and better outcomes.
Take this quick assessment to:
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a program of heart specific exercise and education that is designed to assist you in resuming a healthy lifestyle.
Mercy Outpatient Center
Therapy Services
2740 M Street
Merced, CA 95340
Learn more about our Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
Apple iPhone 12 models and MagSafe Accessories may cause interference with some medical devices including pacemakers and defibrillators when not kept at a safe distance. Apple MagSafe accessories are wireless magnetic charging systems, including wireless chargers that attach magnetically to iPhone devices, cases with built-in components, wallets with built-in components, and leather sleeves with built-in components.
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