Heart failure: This doesn't mean that the heart stops beating. Heart failure, sometimes called congestive heart failure, means the heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. The heart keeps working, but the body's need for blood and oxygen isn't being met. Heart failure can get worse if it's not treated. If your loved one has heart failure, it's very important to follow the doctor's orders. Learn more at our Heart Failure website.
Arrhythmia: This is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. There are various types of arrhythmias. The heart can beat too slow, too fast or irregularly. Bradycardia is when the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Tachycardia is when the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute. An arrhythmia can affect how well the heart works. The heart may not be able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Learn more at our Arrhythmia website.
Heart valve problems: When heart valves don't open enough to allow the blood to flow through as it should, it's called stenosis. When the heart valves don't close properly and allow blood to leak through, it's called regurgitation. When the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber, it's a condition called mitral valve prolapse. When this happens, they may not close properly. This allows blood to flow backward through them.
Treatment of Heart Valve Problems
Medications
Heart Valve Surgery
Treatment of Arrhythmia
Medications
Pacemaker
Treatment of Cardiac Defibrillation
Heart Attack
Medications — clotbusters (should be administered as soon as possible for certain types of heart attacks)
Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Treatment of Stroke
Medications — clotbusters (must be administered within 3 hours from onset of stroke symptoms for certain types of strokes)
Carotid Endarterectomy
In the hospital and during the first few weeks at home, your loved one's doctor may perform several tests and procedures. These tests help the doctor determine what caused the stroke or heart attack and how much damage was done. Some tests monitor progress to see if treatment is working. Learn more about diagnostic tests and procedures.
Your loved one may have undergone additional surgical procedures. Learn more about cardiac procedures and surgeries.Your first goal is to help your loved one enjoy life again and work to prevent another stroke or heart attack. As a caregiver, you're responsible for helping your loved one take medications as directed and on time. Find out about the new medications your loved one must take. Know what they're for and what they do. It's important to follow your doctor's directions closely, so ask questions and take notes. Learn more about cardiac medications.
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