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Tag: types

Know The Different Heart Disease Types

MEDICAL NEWS

You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

Types of cardiovascular disease include:

* Coronary heart disease

* High blood pressure

* Stroke

* Heart failure

* Peripheral artery disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

* Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

* Cardiomyopathy

* Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

* Coronary artery disease (CAD)

* Heart failure

Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Questions About Metabolism

MEDICAL NEWS

Your body has a process for taking food and turning it into energy. This is known as your metabolism. Some diets and exercise plans claim to raise metabolism so you can lose more weight. How does this work, and is it even true?

Does exercise boost metabolism?

Exercise burns calories, and you’ll continue to burn some more calories after you’re done. But don’t count on exercise to rev up your metabolism so you can eat much more than usual.

If you exercise and then eat a lot of calories, this can lead to weight gain. Even if your workout is long and hard, watch out for high-calorie foods and drinks if you’re trying to lose extra pounds.

Use exercise for its amazing health-boosting powers. But be careful about how many calories you eat. Exercise can’t drastically change your metabolism.

Does muscle burn more calories than fat?

Having more muscle can boost your metabolism a little. But it’s only a small amount. Most of your metabolism is controlled by other organs like your brain, kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. Building muscle mass is still valuable. Lifting weights boost bone health. It can help you with everyday tasks and balance. Just don’t count on it to change your metabolism very much.

Can certain foods boost metabolism?

Green tea, caffeine or hot peppers can boost your metabolism for a short time. But it’s not enough to help a person lose weight.

Green tea has health benefits but be careful with caffeine. The Food and Drug Administration says adults should get no more than 400 mg of caffeine each day. That’s about three or four cups of coffee. Some people are sensitive to caffeine and should get much less than this amount. Remember, caffeine can also be found in tea, energy drinks and some sodas.

If I eat regular meals, does that speed up metabolism?

There are some benefits to spreading your meals out each day. You want to eat on a regular schedule so you don’t get too hungry. If you’re famished, you’re more likely to overeat and take in a lot more calories.

But there isn’t any evidence that says eating regular meals will help boost metabolism. Instead, follow your hunger cues. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you start to feel full and satisfied.

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

How can you find out for sure if you are pregnant? Do a home pregnancy urine test. You can do one yourself. Facts about these tests:

* They test for a hormone called HCG. HCG is present in the urine only during pregnancy.

* You can buy them over-the-counter. Look for them at the drug store or supermarket.

* They are 95 to 100% error-free. But you have to do what the label says.

* They come in many brands. Some brands include a second test in the package.

* They are not all used the same way. Read the label to find out what to do. Some can be used the day after you miss a period. That’s about 14 days after conception. Some have you wait 3 to 5 days after you miss a period. Some have you use your first morning urine sample.

{Note: If your test is positive, call your health care provider. Make a date to be seen. Ask what prenatal vitamins (vitamin pills) you should take. Do this if you are not already taking them. It is a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant and right at the start of pregnancy. Doing this, especially getting enough folic acid, may prevent some birth defects. Prenatal vitamins will supply the minerals you need, too.}

* Get a lab or in-office urine test. Ask your health care provider to order one. Facts about these tests:

– They test for HCG in the urine.

– They are nearly 100% error-free.

– They can confirm pregnancy 7 to 10 days after conception.

* Get a blood test. Ask your health care provider to order it. Facts about these tests:

– They test for HCG in the blood.

– They are 100% error-free.

– They can confirm pregnancy 7 days after conception. That’s even before you miss a period.

Always follow up your pregnancy test with a medical exam. Your health care provider can see signs of pregnancy by or even before the 6th week!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026