Recent Articles by Dr. Ana Luiza Lima

Illustrative image of the article What Causes a Heart Attack? 9 Common Causes

What Causes a Heart Attack? 9 Common Causes

Updated in 03-13-2023

A heart attack can be caused by diseases like atherosclerosis or uncontrolled hypertension, or by some medications that interfere with blood flow to the heart. A strong family history is also associated with an increased risk. Learn more ab.

Illustrative image of the article Raynaud’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Raynaud’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Updated in 03-09-2023

Raynaud’s syndrome is characterized by a change to blood circulation to the hands and feet, causing changes to color very abruptly. Learn more about the symptoms associated with this condition, what causes, how it’s diagnosed and the treatm.

Illustrative image of the article Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Updated in 02-21-2023

A brain aneurysm is a dilation of one of the blood vessels that carry brain to the blood. It is associated with symptoms like intense headaches, pain behind the eyes or double vision. Learn more about what causes a brain aneurysm, and how it is diagnosed and treated.

Illustrative image of the article How to Raise Blood Pressure: 4 Tips (& Prevention)

How to Raise Blood Pressure: 4 Tips (& Prevention)

Updated in 02-13-2023

Low blood pressure is generally not of clinical concern, particularly when patients have low blood pressure on average. However, very sudden drops in blood pressure can lead to symptoms like weakness, fatigue and dizziness. Learn more about how to raise blood pressure and how to prevent drops.

Illustrative image of the article 7 Cardiac Arrest Symptoms (& Why Stomach Pain Happens)

7 Cardiac Arrest Symptoms (& Why Stomach Pain Happens)

Updated in 01-18-2023

The classic symptoms of cardiac arrest are intense chest pain followed by loss of consciousness. However, there are some other signs that can alert that cardiac arrest is imminent, like shortness of breath and difficulty speaking. Learn about other symptoms, why stomach pain happens and first aid to provide.

Illustrative image of the article HDL Cholesterol: Normal Ranges & How to Increase

HDL Cholesterol: Normal Ranges & How to Increase

Updated in 12-20-2022

HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it is important for the prevention cardiovascular diseases. This cholesterol helps to eliminate fat in the blood before it starts to accumulate. Learn more about the normal ranges, what causes low levels, and how to increase HDL .

Illustrative image of the article How to Lower Cholesterol: 8 Natural Tips

How to Lower Cholesterol: 8 Natural Tips

Updated in 12-16-2022

Some tips that help to lower cholesterol include exercising regularly, increasing fiber intake and drinking green tea on a daily basis. Learn about other easy ways to lower cholesterol naturally, and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease .

Illustrative image of the article Blood Pressure Medications: Types, Side Effects & When to Stop

Blood Pressure Medications: Types, Side Effects & When to Stop

Updated in 11-30-2022

High blood pressure medications include diuretics, beta-blockers and vasodilators. They help to decrease blood pressure and prevent complications, like a heart attack or stroke. Learn about the different types, or classes, of blood pressure medication and the side effects they can cause.

Illustrative image of the article Normal Heart Rate: How to Measure & What Can Affect It

Normal Heart Rate: How to Measure & What Can Affect It

Updated in 10-21-2022

Normal heart rates are typically within 60 to 100 in resting, healthy adults. However, this value can vary depending on age, gender and physical activity level. Read more about how to calculate your maximum heart rate, how normal ranges differ from men to women, and what can cause a high or low heart rate.

Illustrative image of the article Fast Heart Rate: 9 Causes & What to Do

Fast Heart Rate: 9 Causes & What to Do

Updated in 09-22-2022

A fast heart rate is generally not a serious symptom and is usually associated with mild situations, like stress or physical activity. It may be sign of a heart or lung issue, however, if it occurs with other symptoms. Learn more about what causes a fast heart rate and what to do to treat it .

Illustrative image of the article 11 Heart Disease Symptoms (You Shouldn’t Ignore)

11 Heart Disease Symptoms (You Shouldn’t Ignore)

Updated in 08-26-2022

Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, ankle swelling and chest pain are some symptoms that may indicate a heart problem, like cardiac failure. Learn more the signs of heart disease that you shouldn’t ignore and complete our online quiz to assess your risk .

Illustrative image of the article Enlarged Heart: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Enlarged Heart: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Updated in 08-04-2022

An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, is a condition in which the heart increases in size. It can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness. Learn more about cardiomegaly, its symptoms, what causes it and how it is treated .

Illustrative image of the article Hiccups: 10 Common Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

Hiccups: 10 Common Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

Updated in 07-22-2022

Hiccups are an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that are triggered for many reasons, like drinking alcohol or over eating. Hiccups in babies are especially common, as their chest muscles are underdeveloped. Learn more about what causes hiccups, how to get rid of hiccups and when to see a doctor .

Illustrative image of the article Congestive Heart Failure: Symptoms, Treatment & Causes

Congestive Heart Failure: Symptoms, Treatment & Causes

Updated in 06-30-2022

Congestive heart failure is a cardiac illness in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively to the body. It is associated with symptoms like shortness of breath, increased heart rate and leg swelling. Learn more about congestive heart failure treatment and what causes it.

Illustrative image of the article 9 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

9 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Updated in 05-06-2022

Although they are rarely experienced, some people may notice signs and symptoms when they have high blood pressure, such as nausea, headache or palpitations. Learn about the other signs you should pay attention to and what to do if you suspect you have high blood pressure .