1. Take Care of Your Heart Two Hearts: The heart on the right side of the image is enlarged and diseased , while the other heart is a “normal” heart.

2. Stress Any situation or thought that causes frustrated, angry or anxious feelings could be stress. Too much stress may affectthe heart. Stress symptoms commonly include a state of alarm and adrenaline production, short-term resistance as a coping mechanism, and exhaustion, as well as irritability, muscular tension, inability to concentrate and a variety of physiological reactions such as headache and elevated heart rate. People often stress over work, money, family and/or relationships. Irresponsible activities such as drinking, smoking and using illegal drugs can also put stress on the heart.

3. Stress TestingDoctors give stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular fitness.EKG & oxygen levels are taken while the patient exercises on a treadmill or bicycle to see how effectively the heart functions under conditions provided.

5. patients are given radioactive thallium intravenously and then scanning equipment is used to visualize the heart.

7. The heart is constantly working. So in time (as we age), the heart becomes weaker and weaker.The longevity of the heart can be increased with a healthy life-style. Avoid extra and unnecessary stress and drugs. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables in addition to regular (3-5 days/week) exercise.Finally, by having and maintaining a healthy life-style, stresstesting, cardiac scans and holter monitors may be minimal and if done, will hopefully show positive results.