heart attack

She suspected a heart attack, but was diagnosed with broken heart syndrome

5:00am February 17, 2025

by Allison Aubrey

Broken Heart Syndrome mimics symptoms of a heart attack. It can strike after a stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, a physical shock, or prolonged anxiety. The good news: It's treatable.

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Some people have their medical wished tattooed on their bodies. CPR can save lives, especially for the young and healthy, but can add pain and chaos to a frail, sick patient's last moments.

CPR can be lifesaving for some, futile for others. Here's what makes the difference

5:17pm December 12, 2023

by Clayton Dalton

If someone young and healthy collapses, the treatment is a no-brainer. As we age or suffer serious health problems, there may come a point where it would do more harm than good.

It was 118 degrees after 5 p.m. in Phoenix, Arizona on July 18, 2023. More than 80 million people have been under heat warnings, as relentless temperatures continue to bake the western and southern U.S.

Health & Safety

Here's what happens to the body in extreme temperatures — and how heat becomes deadly

7:10pm July 23, 2023

by Maria Godoy

Multiple organ failure, heart attack and kidney failure are the primary ways people die in extreme heat. Read on to find out how to stay safe in the heat wave.

People 60 years and older should not start taking daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Those currently taking it, can consult their doctors about whether to continue.

Older adults shouldn't start a routine of daily aspirin, task force says

7:35pm April 26, 2022

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says people 60 and older should not start taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes. People ages 40 to 59 should consult their doctor.

Charlie Callagan's bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma was recently postponed at the last minute because Oregon hospitals are overwhelmed with treating COVID-19 patients.

Health & Safety

Overwhelmed With COVID Patients, Oregon Hospitals Postpone Surgeries And Cancer Care

7:58pm September 16, 2021

by Erik Neumann

Patients with advanced cancer and heart disease are among those who have had to wait for surgeries and other procedures as critically ill, unvaccinated COVID patients strain the medical system.

The pandemic has left many people unable to get needed medical care, or to delay care for a serious problem, an NPR poll finds. Such delays have often wound up hurting people's health.

About 1 In 5 Households In U.S. Cities Miss Needed Medical Care During Pandemic

3:02pm September 17, 2020

by Patti Neighmond

Some people have skipped care because of finances or fear of the virus, doctors say. Others find medical practices closed to new patients. Many are suffering health consequences, an NPR poll finds.

Emergency room physicians are seeing a drop in admissions for heart attacks and strokes. They worry patients who have delayed care may be sicker when they finally arrive in emergency rooms.

Health & Safety

Eerie Emptiness Of ERs Worries Doctors: Where Are The Heart Attacks And Strokes?

6:36pm May 06, 2020

Is fear of the coronavirus causing ER avoidance? Doctors are seeing an alarming drop in cardiovascular emergency cases. They warn that delayed care can lead to brain damage or even death.

Students in Alice Henshaw's Wilderness Medical Associates CPR training course can practice on a Womanikin, designed to help trainees understand that compressions should be performed the same way on women's bodies as men's.

Health & Safety

Meet The Womanikin, The Breasted Vest Working To Close The CPR Gender Gap

7:31am December 07, 2019

by Rachel Treisman

Studies show women are less likely to receive CPR in public than men. A manikin sleeve with silicone breasts might be part of the solution.