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Heart disease

Heart, section through the middle
Heart, section through the middle
Heart, front view
Heart, front view
Coronary artery blockage
Coronary artery blockage

Definition

Alternative Names

Cardiovascular disorders

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing of or blockage in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle itself (coronary artery disease). Some heart diseases are present at birth (congenital heart disease). Other causes include:

  • Hypertension
  • Abnormal heart valve function
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Weakening of the heart's pumping ability caused by infection or toxins

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Treatment

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Prevention

Review Date: 11/6/2006
Reviewd By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.