An analysis of 33 studies on drugs known as beta blockers has concluded that they are not useful in any surgical procedure other than heart surgery. In fact, using beta blockers for non-coronary surgery may actually increase the risk of stroke, the s

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Your child’s heart is a muscle about the size of his or her fist. It works like a pump and beats 100,000 times a day. The heart has two sides, separated by an inner wall called the septum. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs t

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There are many different types of congenital heart defects. They range from simple defects with no symptoms to complex defects with severe, life-threatening symptoms. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 8 of

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Will I Be Able to Move Around After the Procedure? You may move your arm normally. Do not lift objects that weigh more than 10 pounds. Do not hold your arms above shoulder level for a long time. Avoid activities that require

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You will be admitted to the hospital overnight. The nurses will monitor your heart rate and rhythm. The morning after your implant, you will have a chest X-ray to ensure the leads and pacemaker is in the proper position. You will be shown how to ca

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The endocardial pacemaker implant takes about two to five hours to perform. You will lie on a bed and the nurse will start an intravenous line (IV) into your arm or hand. This is so you may receive medications and fluids during the procedure.

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The normal, healthy heart has its own pacemaker that regulates the rate that the heart beats. However, some hearts don't beat regularly. Often a pacemaker device can correct the problem. A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses

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What Is Your Pulse? Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Heart rates vary from person to person. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest and increases when you exercise (because more oxygen-rich blo

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When it comes to heart failure, medications are intended to improve symptoms. Unfortunately, they cannot cure heart failure. Your doctor will work with you to find the best medications to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. What

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To diagnose heart failure, your doctor will first ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will want to know: If you have any other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, angina, high blood pressure

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This listing is provided for your reference and is not a complete list of available resources. The information and opinions provided by these organizations are not necessarily those of The Cleveland Clinic Health System. Organizations Heart Fai

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Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a type of vasodilator medication that dilate (widen) the blood vessels to improve the amount of blood the heart pumps. ARBs increase blood flow, which will decrease the amount of work the heart has to do an

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Heart pump medication, also called inotropic therapy, stimulates an injured or weakened heart to pump harder. The primary purpose of this medication is to increase the force of the heart muscle's contractions. It may also speed up the heart's rhythm.

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Diuretics are generally prescribed in combination with an ACE inhibitor, digoxin, and a beta-blocker. If you experience an increase in side effects after taking your medications together, contact your doctor. You may need to change the times you are

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Diuretics, commonly known as "water pills," cause the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt. Getting rid of excess fluid makes it easier for your heart to pump. Diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure and reduce the swelli

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The best cardiac rehabilitation programs are multidisciplinary, with doctors, nurses, exercise physiologists, psychologists and dietitians either on the premises or in direct contact with the program staff. A good program will study each person's nee

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Your doctor may encourage you to participate in the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program. A cardiac rehab program is designed to help you exercise safely and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. The program generally incl

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Calcium channel blockers are prescribed to treat angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers affect the movement of calcium in the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, calcium channel blockers relax blood vesse

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Potassium or magnesium are often prescribed to patients taking diuretics. They replace what can be lost due to increased urination caused by diuretics. Potassium medications include: Kaochlor 10% Kaon CL Kay Ciel K-Lor

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Treating Heart Failure With Aldactone Aldactone, an aldosterone inhibitor, is a potassium-sparing diuretic. This medication is used to treat patients with severe heart failure when systolic dysfunction is present. Aldactone is usually prescribed

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Medicine that causes blood vessels to dilate, or widen, are called vasodilators. They are used to treat heart failure and control high blood pressure because they cause blood vessels to relax so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Vasod

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What Are the Side Effects? Dizziness or lightheadedness. This side effect may be strongest when you get out of bed or rise from a chair. Get up more slowly. Contact your doctor or nurse if these symptoms persist or are severe. Tiredness

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Beta blockers improve the heart's ability to relax, decrease the production of harmful substances produced by the body in response to heart failure, and slow the heart rate. Over time, beta blockers improve the heart's pumping ability. Beta blocker

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Digoxin, also called digitalis, helps an injured or weakened heart pump more efficiently. It strengthens the force of the heart muscle's contractions, helps restore a normal, steady heart rhythm and improves blood circulation. Digoxin is one of fou

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One of the most important things a person with heart failure can do to improve their health is to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in their diet. Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. It helps keep normal fluids balanced in the body. Eating too

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The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside a person's chest to help a weakened heart ventricle pump blood throughout the body. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn't replace the heart. It j

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During minimally invasive bypass surgery, the surgeon performs the surgery through a small incision (about 3 inches) in the chest. It may be an option for some patients who require a left internal mammary artery graft to the left anterior descending

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"Off-pump" or beating heart surgery allows surgeons to perform surgery while the heart is still beating. The heart-lung machine is not used. The surgeon uses advanced operating equipment to stabilize (hold) portions of the heart and bypass

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During traditional CABG, a surgeon makes an incision (about 6 to 8 inches) down the center of your sternum (breastbone) to get direct access to your heart. You are connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which allows for circulation of blood throug

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There are several types of bypass grafts. The surgeon decides which graft(s) to use, based on the location of the blockage, the amount of blockage, and the size of the patient's coronary arteries. Internal mammary arteries (also called thorac

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