GREETING

Hypertension (aka high blood pressure) is a silent killer that can bring you down without warning. Does that mean you’re a ticking time bomb? Should you worry about hypertension, or does that raise your blood pressure ? Don’t worry: Get the facts.

You’re relieved to find out that your body doesn’t need your varicose veins, because you don’t want them, either. When you remove damaged veins, you improve your circulation. But you should also address the underlying problem that caused them.

Is chest pain always serious? It could be. Dismissing chest pain because you think it’s just heartburn or another benign condition literally risks your life. Your cardiologist gets to the root of your chest pain so you can relax … or take action.

When you’re scheduled for surgery or are about to embark on a new, intensive exercise regimen, your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram. Why? You don’t have cardiac symptoms. What can an “echo” tell your doctor about your overall health?

When you read about a heart-healthy diet, it sounds so … grim. Do you really have to give up all your favorite snacks and meals? You may, but what you replace them with can quickly become new favorites, both for your taste buds and your heart.

What’s the big deal about sleep apnea? Isn't it just really bad snoring? If you have sleep apnea, you literally stop breathing for many seconds at a time, many times a night. The consequences can be deadly.