Cardiovascular - February 2013 Archives

Our program featured a conversation with Dr. Rekha Mankad to discuss heart health. Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Until recently I’d never experienced heartburn, but now I seem to have it at least twice a week. I would like to avoid taking over-the-counter medications. Is it possible to prevent heartburn by avoiding certain foods? ANSWER: Heartburn, or acid reflux, happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. It is a common problem. About 40 percent of people in the United States have some symptoms of heartburn, which is usually described as a burning pain in the chest after eating.   Treatment of heartburn depends on two issues. First, how much the symptoms bother you, and second, whether these symptoms signal an underlying esophageal injury that is happening because of the reflux. These can be two different issues, as the intensity of heartburn does not necessarily correspond to esophageal injury. In fact, people with severe esophageal injuries — such as esophagitis, where tissue in the esophagus becomes inflamed, or Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition — often have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.  

We often hear the term “heart attack” but there can be confusion about what's actually happening to the heart. This Mayo Clinic animation illustrates the most common way people experience a heart attack. You can include this in any of your heart health reporting.[animation TRT :17] This voiceover script and heart attack animation are available in the downloads above Broadcast cg: Courtesy Mayo Clinic

FEATURED TOPIC Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body? Flu germs are more resilient than you may think. Learn how to protect yourself.  Highlights  Flu shots: Especially important if you have heart disease  Fitness: Tips for staying motivated  Slide show: Melanoma pictures to help identify skin cancer  Supplements: Nutrition in a pill?  Norovirus infection Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic Specialists  Ginger for nausea: Does it work? Juicing: What are the health benefits?  Flu and pregnancy: Is antiviral medication safe?  Universal blood donor type: Is there such a thing?  Can I use yoga for weight loss?  Healthy Recipes   Hearty turkey chili Southwestern cornmeal muffins Turkey club sandwich  Warm coleslaw with honey dressing