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Heart, blood and hormones: find the right page

The pages on this site for the heart, the blood, blood sugar and hormones were spread out across the long list of tools. This page puts 55 of them on one list, sorted by what you notice or what you were told. Pick one and it opens. Each line below is that page’s own description.

If you think someone’s life is in danger, call 911 now. This page is a list. It cannot tell one problem from another, and it cannot tell you how serious something is.

Our heart attack page says to call 911 even if you are not sure, and not to drive. Our stroke page says to call 911, note the time, and not to drive. Our diabetes page says, for low blood sugar: sugar now if they can swallow; glucagon and 911 if they can’t. Our high blood pressure page says what to do with a reading of 180/120 and when to call 911.

Chest pain, a face that droops, or someone who collapsed (heart attack, stroke)

The first is for pressure or pain in the chest, pain in the arm, jaw or back, shortness of breath or a cold sweat, and for someone who has collapsed and is not responding. The second is for a face that droops, an arm that goes weak or speech that comes out wrong, all of a sudden, and for signs that came and went. Both say: call 911, and do not drive.

When it might be a heart attackPressure or pain in the chest, pain in the arm, jaw or back, short of breath or a cold sweat; you are not sure it is your heart; someone has collapsed and is not responding; you are home after a heart attack; or you are beside someone who is. Keeps nothing.
When it might be a strokeA face that droops, an arm that goes weak or speech that comes out wrong, all of a sudden; signs that came and went; you are home after a stroke; or you are beside someone who is. Keeps nothing.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

The first is for anyone told their blood pressure is high, or who just got a very high reading. It says what to do with a reading of 180/120 and when to call 911, and covers high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. The second keeps the readings your doctor asks you to take at home; the numbers stay in your browser.

When it’s high blood pressure: what the numbers mean, a very high reading and when to call 911, checking at home, medicines, salt and food, pregnancy, and what to askFor people who were told their blood pressure is high (hypertension), people who just got a very high reading, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.
Blood pressure log: your readings, kept on your own deviceFor the doctor who asks you to check your blood pressure at home. What you type is kept only in this browser.

A heart that flutters, races or skips (atrial fibrillation)

Written for anyone told they have AFib, and anyone whose heart flutters, races or skips and who does not know why. It names the signs that are a 911 call, and covers blood clots, stroke and blood thinners.

When it’s atrial fibrillation (AFib): when to call 911, what it feels like, blood clots and blood thinners, medicines, cardioversion and ablation, day to day, and what to askFor people who were told they have atrial fibrillation, people whose heart flutters, races or skips and who do not know why, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.

Short of breath, swelling, or heart failure

The first is for anyone who has heart failure, or who gets short of breath or has swelling and does not know why. It says when to go to the emergency room or call 911. The second keeps the morning weigh-in a doctor or nurse asks for, most often with heart failure. It is not for losing weight.

When it’s heart failure: when to call 911, symptoms, the ejection fraction number, medicines, the morning weigh-in, salt and fluid, and what to askFor people who have heart failure (congestive heart failure), people who get short of breath or have swelling and do not know why, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.
Weight log: your morning weigh-in, kept on your own deviceFor the doctor or nurse who asks you to weigh yourself every morning, most often with heart failure, where a sudden gain can be fluid building up. What you type is kept only in this browser.

High cholesterol

Written for anyone told their cholesterol is high, and anyone holding a lab report they cannot read. It covers the numbers, statins and other medicines, food, and what to know when it runs in the family.

When it’s high cholesterol: what the numbers mean, how often to be tested, statins and other medicines, food, when it runs in the family, and what to askFor people who were told their cholesterol is high, people holding a lab report they cannot read, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.

Blood sugar that goes too low or too high (diabetes)

The first is for someone with diabetes who is shaky, sweaty, confused or has passed out, for sick days, for anyone just told they have diabetes, and for anyone who can’t afford the insulin. It says: sugar now if they can swallow; glucagon and 911 if they can’t. The second keeps the readings a doctor or diabetes educator asks you to take; the numbers stay in your browser.

When blood sugar goes too low or too highSomeone with diabetes is shaky, sweaty, confused or has passed out; blood sugar is very high, or you are sick and can’t keep anything down; you have just been told you have diabetes; you are worn out by it; you can’t afford the insulin; or you are beside someone who has it. Keeps nothing.
Blood sugar log: your readings, kept on your own deviceFor the doctor or diabetes educator who asks you to check your blood sugar. What you type is kept only in this browser.

Blood sugar higher than normal (prediabetes), the A1C test, diabetes in pregnancy, and diabetes caused by one gene

The first is for anyone just told they have prediabetes or insulin resistance, anyone wondering whether to get tested, and anyone holding an A1C or fasting glucose result. NIDDK says many people can take steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The second is for anyone sent for an A1C test, or holding a result: what it measures, the numbers NIDDK gives for prediabetes and diabetes, what can make an A1C wrong, and goals. The third is for anyone told they have gestational diabetes, or with a glucose test coming up in pregnancy: the tests, the eating plan and insulin, the daily targets NIDDK gives, and the test after the baby. The fourth is for anyone with diabetes who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy: getting ready, the risks, the targets NIDDK gives, insulin and medicines, and after the birth. The fifth is for anyone told they have diabetes young, with a family full of it, who wonders whether it is really type 1 or type 2, and for parents of a baby with diabetes in the first months of life: MODY, neonatal diabetes, the genetic test and genetic counseling.

Prediabetes and insulin resistance: getting tested, what the numbers mean, and the steps that can prevent type 2 diabetesFor anyone just told they have prediabetes or insulin resistance; anyone wondering whether to get tested; anyone holding an A1C or fasting glucose result; anyone whose doctor brought up their weight or metformin; and anyone worried about a child or a parent. Keeps nothing.
Getting ready for an A1C test: what it is, the numbers, what can change them, and your goalFor anyone sent for an A1C blood test, or holding a result. Keeps nothing.
Gestational diabetes: the tests, the targets, the care, and after the babyFor anyone told they have gestational diabetes, or with a glucose test coming up in pregnancy. Keeps nothing.
Diabetes and pregnancy: getting ready, the risks, the blood glucose targets, insulin, and after the babyFor anyone with diabetes who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Keeps nothing.
Monogenic diabetes (MODY and neonatal diabetes): diabetes caused by a change in one gene, who gets it, the genetic test, families, and treatmentFor anyone told they have diabetes young, with a family full of it, who wonders whether it is really type 1 or type 2; for parents of a baby with diabetes in the first months of life; and for the people who help them. Keeps nothing.

Eating better, moving more, and changing a habit

The first is for anyone who wants to eat better, move more or change another health habit: NIDDK’s four stages of change, the pros and cons, and the common roadblocks with their solutions. The second is for older adults: NIDDK’s foods to have more and less of, fluids, salt, and the five kinds of physical activity. The third is for adults: NIDDK’s foods to have more and less of, what can affect your weight, and the two kinds of physical activity and how much. The fourth is for anyone pregnant, or thinking about it: NIDDK’s advice to gain weight slowly, what to eat and what to avoid, and staying active safely. The fifth is for parents and anyone who cares for a child: NIDDK’s healthy habits to practice together, what to eat and drink, how much to move at each age, and screen time. The sixth is for anyone who wants to understand how much they eat: NIDDK on portions and servings, the Nutrition Facts label, and eating out or on a tight budget. The seventh is for teenagers: NIDDK’s guide on what to eat and drink, what to have less of, moving, sleep, and worries about weight. The eighth is for anyone tired of hearing a different rule every week: what NIDDK says about eight myths, from giving up favorite foods and going gluten-free to short bursts of activity and lifting weights. The ninth is for anyone who has been offered, or is wondering about, a prescription medicine for weight: NIDDK on who the seven medicines are for, how they work, side effects, how long, and cost, and that they work best alongside these habits, not instead of them. The tenth is for anyone looking at a weight-loss program, an app or an ad: NIDDK on what a real program is, what to look for, the warning signs, and the questions to ask before you join. The eleventh is for anyone who wants to move more at any size: NIDDK on staying safe, walking, dancing, the pool and strength, and ways past the usual roadblocks. The twelfth is for anyone thinking about weight-loss surgery: what NIDDK says about who it may be for, the types, before and after, the side effects and the cost. All twelve are about health, and every choice in them is yours.

Changing your habits for better health: the four stages, the pros and cons, the roadblocks, and keeping it upFor anyone who wants to eat better, move more or change another health habit. Keeps nothing.
Healthy eating and staying active as you get older: food, fluids, salt, the five kinds of activity, and being good to yourselfFor older adults who want to eat well and keep moving. Keeps nothing.
Eating well and moving more: what to eat more and less of, what can affect your weight, the two kinds of activity, how much, and getting startedFor adults who want to eat better and move more. Keeps nothing.
Eating well and staying active in pregnancy: gaining slowly, what to eat, what to avoid, moving safely, and after the babyFor anyone pregnant, or thinking about it. Keeps nothing.
Helping your child eat well and move more: healthy habits, what to eat and drink, snacks, staying active, screen time, and weightFor parents and anyone who cares for a child. Keeps nothing.
Food portions: portions and servings, how much is enough for you, reading the label, at home, eating out, and on a tight budgetWhat NIDDK says about food portions. Keeps nothing.
Take charge of your health, for teens: what to eat and drink, what to have less of, moving more, sleep, and weightWhat NIDDK says in its guide for teenagers. Keeps nothing.
Myths about food and moving: favorite foods, grains, gluten-free, fats, dairy, eating vegetarian, short bursts of activity, and lifting weightsWhat NIDDK says about eight common myths. Keeps nothing.
Medicines for weight: who they are for, how they work, the seven medicines, side effects, how long, and costWhat NIDDK says about prescription medicines for weight, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Keeps nothing.
Choosing a weight-loss program: what one is, what to look for, programs online, warning signs, and the questions to askWhat NIDDK says about choosing a weight-loss program. Keeps nothing.
Staying active at any size: staying safe, why move, walking, dancing, biking and water, strength and daily life, and getting past roadblocksWhat NIDDK says about staying active at any size. Keeps nothing.
Weight-loss surgery: what it is, who it may be for, the types, before and after, side effects, and costWhat NIDDK says about weight-loss (metabolic and bariatric) surgery. Keeps nothing.

Tired and cold, or racing and shaky: the thyroid

The first is for an underactive thyroid: anyone tired, cold and wondering about their thyroid, or starting or changing thyroid medicine. The second is for an overactive thyroid: a heart that races, hands that shake, or losing weight without trying, and Graves’ disease. The third is for anyone sent for thyroid tests: the blood tests (TSH, T4, T3, antibodies), an ultrasound, a thyroid scan, an uptake test, or a needle biopsy of a nodule. The fourth is for anyone pregnant with a thyroid problem, or whose thyroid changed after the baby.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): the signs, getting a diagnosis, treatment, and taking the medicineFor anyone just told they have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease; anyone tired, cold and wondering about their thyroid; anyone starting or changing thyroid medicine; anyone pregnant with a thyroid problem; and anyone caring for someone with one. Keeps nothing.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): the signs, getting a diagnosis, the treatments, and Graves’ diseaseFor anyone whose heart races, whose hands shake, or who is losing weight without trying and wondering about their thyroid; anyone just told they have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease; anyone choosing between medicine, radioactive iodine and surgery, or taking antithyroid medicine; anyone pregnant with a thyroid problem; and anyone caring for someone with one. Keeps nothing.
Getting ready for thyroid tests: why, the blood tests, the imaging tests, and a noduleFor anyone sent for thyroid blood tests (TSH, T4, T3, antibodies), an ultrasound, a thyroid scan, an uptake test, or a needle biopsy. Keeps nothing.
Thyroid disease and pregnancy: an overactive or underactive thyroid, the medicines, and after the babyFor anyone pregnant with a thyroid problem, or who had Graves’ or Hashimoto’s disease, and anyone changed after a baby. Keeps nothing.

Too little or too much cortisol, or coming off steroid pills: the adrenal glands

The first is for too little cortisol: anyone always tired, weak and losing weight, anyone who has taken steroid pills such as prednisone for a long time, anyone with Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency, and the people who love them; it says which signs of adrenal crisis need 911. The second is for too much cortisol, Cushing’s syndrome: the signs, steroid medicines and tumors as causes, the tests, and the treatment; it says never to stop a steroid medicine on your own.

Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease: the signs, adrenal crisis, and staying safeFor anyone always tired, weak and losing weight and wondering why; for anyone who has taken steroid pills such as prednisone for a long time; for anyone just told they have Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency; and for the people who love them. Keeps nothing.
Cushing’s syndrome: too much cortisol, the signs, steroid medicines, the tests, and the treatmentFor anyone told they may have too much cortisol; for anyone who has taken steroid medicine such as prednisone for a long time; for anyone sent for cortisol tests; and for the people who love them. Keeps nothing.

High prolactin, or hands, feet and face slowly growing larger: the pituitary gland

The first is for anyone told their prolactin is high or that they have a prolactinoma, a benign pituitary tumor, and anyone with milk from the breasts or periods that changed or stopped. The second is for too much growth hormone, acromegaly: rings and shoes that stop fitting, a face that slowly changes, the pituitary tumor behind it, the tests, and surgery, medicines and radiation. Both say which headaches and changes in sight are a 911 call.

Prolactinoma: high prolactin, the signs, the tests, and the treatmentFor anyone told their prolactin is high or that they have a prolactinoma, anyone with milk from the breasts or periods that changed or stopped, and men with less interest in sex. Keeps nothing.
Acromegaly: too much growth hormone, the signs, the pituitary tumor, the tests, and the treatmentFor anyone whose rings or shoes stopped fitting or whose face has slowly changed; for anyone told they have acromegaly or a pituitary tumor; for anyone facing surgery, medicines or radiation; and for the people who love them. Keeps nothing.

High calcium, weak bones or kidney stones: the parathyroid glands, and MEN1

The first is for anyone told their blood calcium is high or that they have primary hyperparathyroidism, and anyone deciding between surgery and watching. It names what it can do to the bones and the kidneys, and when to go to the emergency room. The second is for anyone told they have MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1), an inherited disorder that causes tumors in the parathyroid glands, the pituitary gland and the pancreas, and for their families; it says who in the family the gene test is recommended for.

Primary hyperparathyroidism: high calcium, the parathyroid glands, the tests, and surgery or watchingFor anyone told their blood calcium is high; for anyone told they have primary hyperparathyroidism or a parathyroid adenoma; for anyone deciding between surgery and watching; and for the people who love them. Keeps nothing.
MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1): an inherited condition that causes tumors in the parathyroid glands, the pituitary and the pancreas, the signs, who should be tested, the tests, treatment, and genetic counselingFor anyone told they have, or might have, MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1), anyone whose parent, brother, sister or child has it, and the people who help them. Keeps nothing.

A low blood count, low iron, sickle cell, a bone marrow that makes too few blood cells, or porphyria

The first is for anyone told their blood count, hemoglobin or iron is low, or tired, weak, pale or dizzy and wondering why. The second is for anyone with sickle cell disease or the trait, and parents whose baby’s newborn screening came back with it; it names the symptoms that are emergencies. The third is for anyone told they have aplastic anemia or MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes), when the bone marrow makes too few healthy blood cells, and the people who care for them; it says that a fever or bleeding that will not stop needs care right away. The fourth is for anyone told they have porphyria, when the body fails to turn certain chemicals into heme, the substance that gives blood its red color, with attacks of belly pain and weakness or skin that blisters in the sun; it names what can set off an attack.

Anemia: the signs, getting tested, iron and vitamin B12, and treatmentFor anyone told their blood count, hemoglobin or iron is low; anyone tired, weak, pale or dizzy and wondering why; anyone with heavy periods; anyone pregnant; anyone just handed iron pills or B12 shots; and anyone worried about a baby or young child. Keeps nothing.
When it’s sickle cellFor people who have sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, parents whose baby’s newborn screening came back with it, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.
Aplastic anemia and MDS: when the bone marrow makes too few healthy blood cells, the signs, who gets them, the tests, transfusions, a stem-cell transplant and other treatment, and foodFor anyone told they have, or might have, aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), anyone tired, pale and bruising easily whose blood count came back low, and the people who care for them. Keeps nothing.
Porphyria: attacks of belly pain and weakness, or skin that blisters and burns in the sun, the types, what sets off an attack, the tests, treatment, and foodFor anyone told they have, or might have, porphyria, anyone with attacks of severe belly pain, dark urine or weakness, or skin that blisters or burns in sunlight, the parent of a child with it, and the people who help them. Keeps nothing.

Hot flashes, night sweats, and the years around menopause

Written for anyone going through perimenopause or menopause, and the people beside them. It says which bleeding to have checked: any bleeding after a full year without a period.

Menopause, and the years around itFor anyone going through perimenopause or menopause, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.

Where diabetes and high blood pressure can reach: the kidneys, the eyes, the nerves, the mouth, the heart, sex and the bladder, and the feet

The first is for anyone who has diabetes or high blood pressure and has never been told how their kidneys are, and for anyone with kidney disease. The second is for anyone with diabetes, in pregnancy too, who wants to protect their eyesight. The third is for anyone with diabetes whose feet burn, tingle or feel numb, or who was told they have nerve damage. The fourth is for anyone with diabetes whose gums bleed or whose mouth is dry, or who faces dental work or a dentist they can’t afford. The fifth is for anyone with diabetes who wants to protect their heart: what raises the risk, the warning signs of a heart attack and a stroke, and the medicines to ask about. The sixth is for anyone with diabetes whose sex life or bladder has changed, and for their partners. The seventh is for anyone with diabetes who wants to take care of their feet every day, and for anyone afraid of losing a toe or a foot.

When it’s your kidneysFor people who have kidney disease, who have diabetes or high blood pressure and have never been told how their kidneys are, or who are facing dialysis, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.
Diabetic retinopathy: the signs, who is at risk, the yearly eye exam, protecting your sight, and treatmentFor anyone with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or diabetes in pregnancy) who wants to protect their eyesight; anyone just told they have diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema; anyone with blurry vision or dark floating spots; anyone pregnant with diabetes; and anyone facing eye injections, laser treatment or surgery. Keeps nothing.
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes): the signs, foot care, the tests, and treatmentFor anyone with diabetes whose feet burn, tingle or feel numb; anyone who gets light-headed on standing, or no longer feels it when their blood sugar goes low; anyone with a foot sore that is slow to heal; and anyone just told they have nerve damage from diabetes. Keeps nothing.
Diabetes and your mouth: gum disease, dry mouth, the signs to check for, the dentist, and the costFor anyone with diabetes whose gums bleed, whose mouth is dry, or who has not seen a dentist in a while; for anyone with diabetes facing dental work or unable to afford a dentist; and for the people who care for them. Keeps nothing.
Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke: what raises the risk, the warning signs, the ABCs, and the medicinesFor anyone with diabetes who wants to protect their heart, anyone with diabetes told their heart risk is high, and the people who care for them. Keeps nothing.
Diabetes, sexual and bladder problems: erection trouble, dryness and pain, leaks, trouble going, infections, and what helpsFor anyone with diabetes whose sex life or bladder has changed, and for their partners. Keeps nothing.
Diabetes and your feet: how diabetes can hurt your feet, the daily foot care that protects them, shoes and socks, and when to call the doctorFor anyone with diabetes, anyone told to take care of their feet and never shown how, anyone afraid of losing a toe or a foot, and the people who help them. Keeps nothing.

Medicine or a doctor you can’t afford

These two are for anyone who can’t pay for a prescription, or is sick, hurt or out of medicine with no insurance or no money. The first covers the insulin limit. They were not made only for the heart, blood or hormones.

When you can’t afford your medicine: what to ask, the programs that help, and buying online safelyFor anyone who can’t pay for a prescription, and the people beside them. Keeps nothing.
When you need a doctor and can’t paySick, hurt or out of medicine, with no insurance or no money, anywhere in the US. Keeps nothing.

Before you call or go in

These four are for anyone’s appointment, call or medicines. They were not made for the heart, blood or hormones.

Symptom diary: write it down, show your doctorWrite down what you notice when it happens, with your own number from 0 to 10. What you type is kept only in this browser.
Get ready for your appointmentTen minutes before you go: what has been happening, your medicines, your questions and what helps you, on one page to hand to your doctor, therapist or psychiatrist, with room to write down the plan. What you type is kept only in this browser.
Call script: know what you will say before you dialA phone call you keep putting off? Write who you are calling, the sentence that says what you want, what to have ready and what to ask. What you type is kept only in this browser.
My medicines: a list and a daily check“Did I already take it?” Write down what you take and when, tick each medicine as you take it, and the page keeps the time. What you type is kept only in this browser.

Good to know

What these pages are

All 55 were written with AI (Claude) for Scarlet Beast. No doctor, nurse or pharmacist has reviewed them.
The health guides pass on what named public sources say, such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIDDK and the National Institute on Aging. Most guides name the sources they were built from.
Every line on this list is copied from the page it points to when this list is built. This list adds no health facts of its own.
The order of the list is not an order of how serious a thing is. Being lower on the list does not make anything less urgent.
They are for the United States: the phone numbers and the offices are U.S. ones.

What this page can’t do

It is not medical advice. It cannot tell one problem from another, or tell you whether to wait or to go in.
It does not have every subject. If what you have is not on this list, a doctor, a nurse line or low-cost care can help.
Most of these pages were written about adults. The anemia page has a part on young children, the sickle cell page covers children, and the prediabetes page is also for anyone worried about a child.
It does not replace a doctor, a nurse line, a pharmacist or a clinic. If something feels wrong to you, call them.

Pages that go with this

First aid: what do you see?: the cards for when someone is hurt in front of you.
Kidneys and bladder: find the right page and Eyes and sight: find the right page: the lists for two places diabetes and high blood pressure can reach.
All the free tools, and search.
The phone list: the helplines the guides lead with, on one page.
Pass it on: any of these pages as a code to show or a slip to print.

If living with any of this has left you thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, call or text 988 (in the U.S.) now, or open Get help now.

A list to help you find a page, not a doctor. General information for the United States. It is not medical, legal, financial or educational advice.

This page and its wording were written with AI (Claude) for Scarlet Beast (our AI policy). The names and lines of the 55 pages are read from the pages’ own descriptions when this page is built. The page was checked by programs, not yet used by people. It runs no analytics or tracking (privacy). Also in Spanish: Corazón, sangre y hormonas. Found a mistake? Email scarlet@scarletbeast.com.