High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure, the force of blood pressing against the artery walls, is measured using two numbers: systolic “over” diastolic (110 “over” 80 or 110/80). The first number, systolic blood pressure, is the pressure of blood flow when the heart beats. The second, diastolic, is when the heart is relaxed between beats. What do these numbers […]

Congenital Heart Defects

The term “heart defect” can be the name for a variety of heart problems, but it’s usually used to describe defects in the wall, or septum, dividing the upper or lower heart chambers. It may also describe problems with the heart valve. The more common defects are listed below. Atrial septal defect (ASD). This is […]