Health Tools

Glossary of terms

Angina - Angina is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Usually, it’s due to ischemia (a lack of blood and oxygen supply) to the heart muscle, which is most commonly the result of obstruction (blockages) in the coronary arteries. Angina is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the chest, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, or arm, which occurs in the setting of exertion or emotional stress. Most people with angina complain of chest discomfort rather than of actual pain. Described as a pressure, heaviness, tightness, squeezing, burning, or choking sensation, angina may be accompanied by shortness of breath, indigestion and/or dizziness. Angina usually lasts several minutes, but can be relieved by rest and/or a medication called nitroglycerin.  

Symptoms include:

 

  • Pressure
  • Tightness
  • A heaviness or crushing feeling in the chest, back , neck, shoulders or arms
  • Burning sensation similar to indigestion
  • Shortness of breath 

Atherosclerosis/Coronary Artery Disease -      Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up on the insides of your arteries.  Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.  Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries.  The flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body is reduced.  This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death. 

Cholesterol - Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is manufactured by your body.  Cholesterol is also contained in some of the foods we eat.  Our bodies need some cholesterol to work properly.  However, high levels of cholesterol can be serious.  High cholesterol, otherwise known as Hyperlipidemia, is associated with a higher risk for developing heart disease.    The only way to know your cholesterol numbers is by having a blood test. 

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction or MI)

 

 

 

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Know your Body Mass Index Calculator (BMI)    
The most commonly used method of determining if your weight is considered healthy is the body mass index (BMI). BMI is an index of weight adjusted for your height. Want to find out your BMI? Just type your height and weight into our BMI calculator below:

BMI Calculator

Use the BMI calculator and then refer to the chart below for your results:



A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30.0 or greater is considered obese. If your BMI is above 25, follow up with your doctor to evaluate your weight status and associated health risks. Being overweight or having too much body fat (the definition of obesity) increases your chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—all of which are risk factors for heart disease.  In addition, excess body fat—especially abdominal fat—may produce substances that cause inflammation, which may raise your risk for heart disease.                                                 

Obesity can also lead to congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It's important to know your BMI and talk with your doctor or health care provider if it could be putting you at increased risk for heart disease.

Risk Assessment Scoring

Risk assessment scoring is a simple tool that helps predict your risk of having a heart attack or dying from coronary disease in the next 10 years. This scoring system takes into account your gender, as well as risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. To find out your risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years, click the link below:                                      

Risk Assessment