An artery becomes clogged when a buildup of plaque forms on the inner walls. Plaque consists of calcium, fat, cholesterol and cellular waste. If you have clogged arteries due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, you are at an increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke or suffering from heart failure.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Stage 1 hypertension is the beginning stage of high blood pressure. Your blood pressure is measured in numbers that are in a fraction. Your systolic pressure is the top number and represents when your heart beats.

The typical American diet, which is high in animal-based and processed fats, contributes to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. If you have -- or suspect you have -- buildup of arterial plaque, you should take steps to try to clear it away. Certain vitamins may help a bit, but other measures are more effective.

A normal heart rhythm has the ability to pump blood to and from the heart without undue stress. Tachycardia is a rhythmic disorder of the heart that causes it to beat at a faster rate than normal.

Many people have had an electrocardiogram, or EKG, at some point in their lives. Although it is one of the simplest medical tests to perform, it can give doctors a wealth of information, some of which could ultimately prove lifesaving. Many conditions can cause an abnormal EKG result.

Beta blocker drugs are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (also called adrenaline) on beta receptors, which are molecules that receive signals from the nerves.

Starvation is a type of malnutrition, which is caused by being deprived of food or eating food that is inadequate for your body’s nutritional needs. Not eating for a day or longer will cause starvation.

According to the American Heart Association, up to 5 percent of people over age 65 have atrial fibrillation, which occurs when the two upper-chambers of the heart quiver rather than beat normally. Because blood isn't pumped fully out of the chambers, it can pool and form clots.

If you've recently had a heart attack, your life has already started to change--and many more changes need to happen in order for you to get healthy and reduce your risk of additional problems.

If a person experiences a drop in blood pressure, fever, diarrhea, loss of hydration from vomiting or dizziness, lightheadedness can occur. Further, if the brain does not receive enough blood, it can cause lightheadedness as well.

The left atrium is the chamber of the heart that receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs. Blood moves from the left atrium through the mitral valve into the main pumping chamber of the heart -- the left ventricle -- and then out to the body.

People frequently use their hands when telling a story. Your feet sometimes have a story to tell as well, revealing a medical problem that might otherwise go unrecognized.