What You Need to Know About Pacemakers
A pacemaker is one of the most reliably effective interventions in cardiology. Here is how it works, what implantation involves, and what life looks like afterwards.
Conditions
A heart diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but understanding what you have is the first step to feeling more in control. The Conditions section covers the most common heart and cardiovascular conditions in plain language, written by specialist cardiologists. From atrial fibrillation to heart failure, each guide explains what the condition means, how it’s treated, and what life looks like going forward.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation and How Does It Increase Stroke Risk?
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, and one of the most important to manage well. Here is what AF is and how it increases stroke risk.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): What It Means and Why the Outlook Is Excellent
Most people with HCM live completely normal lives. Here is what the diagnosis means, what monitoring is needed, and why the outlook is better than most expect.
Heart Stent Unboxing: What’s Inside the Tiny Device That Keeps Arteries Open
Most people who have had a stent have never actually seen one. This article opens the box, explaining what a coronary stent is made of, how it is delivered, and what it does.
First-Degree AV Block on Your ECG: What Does It Really Mean?
First-degree AV block is a common ECG finding that sounds alarming but is usually harmless. Here is what it means, what causes it, and when further investigation is warranted.
What Does a Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) Mean on an ECG?
A left bundle branch block is an electrical finding on an ECG, not a blocked artery. Prof. Peter Barlis explains what it means, what causes it, and when it matters.
When a Slow Heart Rate Is Not Normal: Understanding Bradycardia
A slow heart rate is often a sign of good fitness, but bradycardia can also reflect underlying electrical disease that needs attention. Here is how to tell the difference.
Ventricular Ectopic Beats: What They Are and What They Mean
Ventricular ectopic beats are one of the most common causes of palpitations, and one of the most reassuring findings in cardiology. Here is what they are and what they mean.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: The Broken Heart Syndrome: and Why the Heart Heals
Takotsubo feels exactly like a heart attack, but the coronary arteries are open, and in most cases the heart recovers completely within weeks. Here is why the coronary arteries are open, and why the heart almost always recovers.