Index of explainers
The heart, explained in plain language
15 short explainers on how the heart works and on the conditions around it, from blood pressure and rheumatic valve disease to rhythm, stroke and pregnancy. Every entry lists the public sources it rests on.
Read in any order. Part A is the groundwork, Part B covers valves, heart failure and pregnancy, Part C covers rhythm, stroke and emergencies. General information only; it cannot replace a clinician who knows you.
Part A
Heart and pressure
6 entries
- 01
How the Heart Works: Chambers, Valves and the Beat
Chambers, valves, the two circuits and the heartbeat's own wiring.
4 min - 02
High Blood Pressure Explained: Numbers, Risks and Management
What the two numbers mean, why it is silent and how it is managed.
5 min - 03
Measuring Blood Pressure at Home: What the Guidance Says
Cuffs, posture, repeat readings and what one number can and cannot say.
5 min - 04
Salt and Heart Health: Sodium, Blood Pressure and Everyday Food
Sodium, pressure and where the salt actually comes from.
5 min - 05
Cholesterol and blood fats: what the numbers mean
LDL, HDL, triglycerides and how artery build-up starts.
5 min - 06
Physical activity and the heart: how much is enough
How much movement the evidence supports, and how to begin.
5 min
Part B
Valves, failure and pregnancy
5 entries
- 07
Rheumatic heart disease: how a sore throat can scar a heart valve
Valve damage that follows rheumatic fever, and why it still matters.
5 min - 08
Sore throats and rheumatic fever: when a common illness matters
How a throat infection can lead to rheumatic fever, and the warning signs.
4 min - 09
Heart valve problems: narrowing, leaking and what can be done
Stenosis, regurgitation, common causes and the options for care.
4 min - 10
Heart failure basics: what the term means and how it is managed
What the term means, why it develops and how it is managed.
4 min - 11
Pregnancy and the heart: what changes and what to watch
Circulation in pregnancy, existing heart disease and warning signs.
5 min
Part C
Rhythm, stroke and emergencies
4 entries
- 12
Atrial fibrillation: an irregular rhythm, explained
An irregular rhythm: how it feels, how it is found, how it is treated.
5 min - 13
Atrial fibrillation, stroke and the heart-brain link
The heart-brain link: clots, TIAs and follow-up after a stroke.
5 min - 14
Stroke signs and what to do in the first minutes
FAST, the two main types of stroke and why minutes count.
4 min - 15
Heart attack signs and what to do
Typical and less typical signs, and the first steps.
5 min