If you’re considering an epidural to help manage the pain of childbirth, you’re not alone. More than 60 percent of women delivering at hospitals elect for an epidural during labor. And with good reason: An epidural is considered one of the safest methods of pain control, with just one in 3,000 pregnancies experiencing serious complications. It’s also good for you, since you’ll remain awake and alert during the birth, as well as for your baby, since the drugs will barely reach your bloodstream (so they can’t get into hers).

9 Months In The Womb: A Remarkable Look At Fetal Development Through Ultrasound

A heart attack is a frightening experience. If you have had a heart attack, or are close with someone who has, you are not alone: tens of thousands of Americans survive. As you work toward recovery, please use the following questions and answers to better understand what has happened to you and how you can help your heart heal so you can live a healthier, longer life.

Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. It’s also called arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. As you get older, fat and cholesterol can collect in your arteries and form plaque. The buildup of plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. This buildup may occur in any artery in your body and can result in a shortage of blood and oxygen in various tissues of your body. Pieces of plaque can also break off, causing a blood clot. Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure if left untreated.

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body (arteries) become thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic, but over time, the walls in your arteries can harden, a condition commonly called hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow. These plaques can burst, triggering a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in your body. Atherosclerosis may be preventable and is treatable.

Atherosclerosis is a process in which blood, fats such as cholesterol, and other substances build up on your artery walls. Eventually, deposits called plaques may form. The deposits may narrow — or block — your arteries. These plaques can also rupture, causing a blood clot.

The Steri-Strip™ brand offers an extended line of adhesive skin closures to meet your needs. Our versatile, cost-saving, non-invasive Steri-Strips™ have many applications and come in a variety of sizes. Options include reinforced, elastics, "blend-tone," an antimicrobial and a waterproof wound closure system.

Human Glue used to repair a cut in the chin of a toddler

Learn the proper technique for applying LiquiBand Flex Topical Skin Adhesive

Forehead wound repaired with "Liquiband" glue

Demonstration of Burke-Baier wound closure forceps on simulated wound near eyebrow.

This video details the layered closure of a through-and-through facial laceration

Warning! Do not watch if you are squeamish! SHOW MORE

A leaking mitral valve allows blood to flow in two directions during the contraction. Some blood flows from the ventricle through the aortic valve – as it should – and some blood flows back into the atrium. A leaking (or regurgitant) aortic valve allows blood to flow in two directions. Oxygen-rich blood either flows out through the aorta to the body – as it should – or it flows backwards from the aorta into the left ventricle when the ventricle relaxes. Leaking valves can cause the heart to work harder to pump the same amount of blood.

Mitral valve regurgitation, known as leaky heart valve, can be treated with the MitraClip procedure, especially if you're not a candidate for surgery. As premier heart specialists in the Rocky Mountains, Aurora Denver Cardiology Associates physicians perform this procedure and believe it can be an essential treatment for heart health.

Certain high-surgical-risk patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) now have a minimally invasive treatment option. MitraClip® therapy is a minimally-invasive transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) procedure that has been established as a proven option with demonstrated safety and clinically important improvements. Used in more than 25,000 patients worldwide, MitraClip® is a well-established therapy. The MitraClip® device received CE Mark approval in Europe in 2008 and U.S. FDA approval in 2013, and has been approved for commercial use in 50 countries throughout the world.

This video demonstrates the process for preparing and administering an intramuscular injection (IM)

10 Ways Humans Will Look in 1000 Years

Symptoms of blood clots in specific body locations are as follows: Symptoms of blood clots in legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are pain, redness, and swelling. Symptoms of an arterial blood clot in a limb (leg or arm) include pain, pale color, and coolness to the touch. and the leg is cool and pale.

A pulmonary embolism (PE) usually happens when a blood clot called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), often in your leg, travels to your lungs and blocks a blood vessel. That leads to low oxygen levels in your blood. It can damage the lung and other organs and cause heart failure, too. A PE can be life-threatening, so if you've been diagnosed with DVT, you should be aware of this risk. Follow the treatment plan for your DVT to stop the clot from getting bigger and to keep new clots from forming. Symptoms and Diagnosis PE won't always cause symptoms. You might have: Chest pain, which may get worse with a deep breath Sudden shortness of breath or rapid breathing Fast heartbeat Sudden cough Coughing up blood Lightheadedness or fainting Anxiety Call 911 if you notice these symptoms. They could also be symptoms of a heart attack, pneumonia, or other serious problems.