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A helpful look at medicines to control heart failure, and how they work.

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.

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.

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.

Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks out of the lung and is trapped in the space between the lung and the chest wall. The air presses on the lung and can cause part or all of the lung to collapse. Learn about how the condition is treated.

Vascular access port implantation is surgery to place a port under your skin. This allows medicine or nutrition to be sent right into your bloodstream. Here's what you need to know about the procedure.