Your body needs plenty of iron to make red blood cells. Because of this, most people who take epoetin alfa (EPO) need extra iron. EPO is the injection that people with kidney disease take to boost their red cells. Iron can be given in pill form or by IV. Some people receive it both ways.

Anemia is a health problem that affects your blood. Normally, the kidneys make a protein called erythropoietin. It tells your body when to make new red blood cells. But if you have kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to make enough of this protein. You may also not have enough iron in your body. Iron is vital to making red blood cells.

Bypass surgery creates a new pathway around the blocked part of your artery. This allows blood to flow again.

Event monitoring is a painless way to record your heartbeat. The monitor is a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. It records your heartbeat for your provider to review at a later time.

Holter monitoring is a painless way to record your heartbeat away from your healthcare provider's office. It's a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. Holter monitoring records your heartbeat for your provider to review at a later time.

This type of echocardiogram uses the medicine dobutamine and sound waves to help see if any blood vessels in your heart are blocked.

Fiber is what gives strength and structure to plants. Most grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits contain fiber. Foods rich in fiber are often low in calories and fat, and they fill you up more. They may also reduce your risks for certain health problems.

The ongoing flow of blood from the heart to the body and back to the heart again is called circulation. Blood vessels carry blood throughout your body. Veins are the vessels that return blood to the heart.

A vasectomy is a safe procedure. But it does have risks. Read on to learn more.

The no-scalpel procedure is similar to a traditional vasectomy. But it's done without cuts (incisions) or stitches. And it generally results in faster healing. Read on for details.