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A pacemaker is a small electronic device that helps your heart's electrical system beat at the right pace. Inserting the pacemaker into your body is called implantation. You stay awake during the procedure.

A stent is a small metal coil or mesh tube that is placed in a narrowed artery through a catheter (a long, thin tube) to help improve blood flow to your heart. The stent permanently holds the passageway open and helps reduce the rate of restenosis, renarrowing of the artery.

Most ICDs are well protected from interference with other electrical devices. But there are some devices and signals that can cause problems. Read on to learn more--and prevent these possible problems.

Your incision may be open to the air by the time you go home. But if you need to change your dressing, follow these steps.

Lower your risk: Control stress. When you're stressed, your heartbeat speeds up and your blood pressure skyrockets. The next time you feel tension taking over, sit back and look at what's bothering you.

You may have had angina, dizziness, or other symptoms of heart trouble. To help diagnose your problem, your health care provider may advise a cardiac catheterization. This common procedure is sometimes also used to treat a heart problem. Learn what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

An exercise stress test shows your heart's response to exercise. The test records your heartbeat while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. It can be done in a hospital, a test center, or a doctor's office. The test is also called a stress electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).

Cardiac nuclear imaging measures the flow of blood in your heart at rest and then during exercise. Learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.

If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can reduce your health risks by making some changes in your life.