News

High blood pressure can cause the heart to enlarge, even when you feel perfectly healthy. Over time, the extra pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood, potentially causing its muscular walls to thicken, its chambers to enlarge, or its ability to function properly to change. However, an enlarged heart isn't always caused by […]

Vascular disease can interfere with blood flow in many ways, but finding a narrowed or blocked blood vessel is only the first step in deciding what to do about it. The same diagnosis can require different treatments depending on a variety of factors, such as where the blockage is located, how much it is impacting […]

Most leg pain is not caused by a blood clot. In many cases, soreness, cramping, or calf pain is related to overuse, minor injuries, muscle fatigue, or a simple muscle strain. However, blood clots can sometimes produce symptoms that closely resemble muscular injuries in the early stages, which can delay evaluation and treatment. Recognizing the […]

A diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD) raises an immediate concern for many individuals: Does this mean surgery is next? In many cases, no. Treatment often begins with medication, physical activity, and changes that address the underlying disease. A procedure may be necessary for some patients, but it is not the automatic first step.  PAD […]

Dr. Monica Lo is featured in the September 2026 issue of EP Lab Digest, contributing her expertise to a national discussion on the future of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) management and remote monitoring. One of the biggest challenges in remote monitoring is managing the growing volume of information while making sure clinically important findings […]

Leg cramps are common and can happen for plenty of reasons. A strenuous workout, dehydration, muscle fatigue, or even sitting in one position for too long can leave your legs aching or cramped. But when cramping repeatedly appears during walking or exercise and improves after you stop, it may be telling you something about your […]

“Improve your circulation” is common advice for symptoms such as tired legs, swelling, cold feet, or discomfort after sitting for long periods. Walking more, staying hydrated, elevating your legs, and wearing compression socks may be useful in the right circumstances. But when symptoms are caused by vascular disease, the problem is more specific than circulation […]

“LVH” on an EKG means the test detected an electrical pattern that can be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, or thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber. However, an EKG cannot confirm that the heart muscle is actually thickened, and the finding does not automatically mean you have heart failure, permanent heart damage, or another […]

Summer heat affects every cardiovascular system, but several aspects of female physiology can influence how women respond to high temperatures. Reproductive hormones affect body temperature and blood vessel function, the menstrual cycle can subtly alter heat regulation, menopause brings important changes in cardiovascular risk, and pregnancy requires major adaptations in circulation. Women are also more […]

Seeing the words "abnormal EKG" on a test result can be unsettling, especially when you are not sure what the finding actually means. An electrocardiogram, commonly called an EKG or ECG, records the heart's electrical activity and provides information about heart rate, rhythm, and how electrical signals move through the heart. An abnormal result does not […]