Some patients develop problems with the function of the valves of their heart. This can either be due to a valve not opening or closing properly. It is very common for the valve at the top of the heart, the aortic valve, to become stiff as people age.

The Go Red For Women Campaign has as its symbol a red dress. This national symbol is intended as a visual cue to help women understand the threat of heart disease. The hope is to emphasize the need to take care of people’s inner selves as well as their external selves. The program also seeks to raise awareness among physicians regarding the need to take steps to prevent cardiovascular disease in women.

The American Heart Association has initiated an outreach campaign to make women aware of the major threat to their health and well-being. Many women are not aware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. This includes coronary heart disease and stroke. Every year since 1984, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease in women has exceeded in number in men by approximately 50,000.

By: John J. Kelly III, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Most cardiologists for years have recommended a low fat diet for those wishing to eat heart healthy. There is even evidence for regression of coronary artery disease demonstrated in patients studied by coronary angiography after following a low fat diet and exercise program. This involved the diet recommended by Dr. Dean Ornish.

By: John J. Kelly III, M.D., F.A.C.C.
When most patients worry about “heart disease”, they are thinking about coronary artery disease. The symptoms that mark the onset of significant coronary artery disease can sometimes be difficult for individuals to recognize. Angina pectoris is a term that is used to describe sensations of pain that are caused by limitations of the blood flow to the heart muscle. These symptoms are caused when coronary arteries become narrowed. The arteries can no longer deliver enough blood to the heart muscle. This imbalance between …