Heart Diseases, Conditions, Diagnosis & Treatment
A
- Adult Congenital Heart DiseaseHeart defects present at birth that can result in both non-serious and life-threatening symptoms throughout adulthood.
- Advanced Heart FailureLate-stage heart failure in which conventional treatments no longer work and a heart transplant is required.
- Aortic AneurysmDilation (or bulging) of the wall of the abdominal or thoracic portion of your aorta, which can lead to clots, tears or ruptures.
- Aortic DiseaseAcute and lifelong disorders and conditions that affect the part of your aorta that descends through your chest and into your abdomen.
- Aortic DissectionA life-threatening condition resulting from a tear in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
- Aortic RepairUsed to treat a variety of aortic conditions by repairing a bulge in the aorta and replacing damaged portions of the aortic wall.
- Aortic Valve DiseaseA type of valve disease in which your aortic valve either doesn’t close properly or doesn’t let enough blood through.
- ArrhythmiaAlso known as irregular heartbeat, this fairly common condition occurs when the electrical signals controlling your heartbeat are blocked or delayed.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)A mass of knotted, abnormally formed arteries and veins present at birth that can be both disfiguring and life-threatening.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial FlutterA type of arrhythmia characterized by irregular or rapid heart rate that results in poor blood flow to the body.
- Atrial Septal DefectA common type of congenital heart defect that causes enlargement of the right side of the heart.
B
- Balloon ValvuloplastyA common catheter-based procedure that uses a small balloon to stretche heart valves that have narrowed.
- Bicuspid Aortic ValveA congenital heart defect in which the aortic valve is missing a flap, leading to backflow of blood into the heart.
C
- Cardiac AmyloidosisA condition in which amyloids (protein fragments) are deposited in the heart, making it difficult for electrical signals to move.
- Cardiac Angina & Chest PainAngina is a type of chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to your heart. It typically feels like a heavy or crushing pain in the chest that can spread to the arms, shoulders and back — similar to what is experienced during a heart attack.
- Cardiac CatheterizationUses catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease.
- Cardiac CT Uses the latest multidetector CT to provide fast and accurate images of your heart and vascular system.
- Cardiac MRIProvides detailed, real-time images of your heart and vascular system without using radiation.
- Cardiac PETUses radioactive tracers to allow for detailed imaging of your heart muscles and detect heart infections.
- Cardiac RehabilitationSpecialized facilities and resources to help you recover from both common and complex heart conditions and treatments, including heart attack and open-heart surgery.
- Cardiac Stress TestsEvaluates heart function by comparing the heart at rest to when it is active by exercise.
- Cardiac TumorsAbnormal growths in the tissue of the heart.
- CardiologyThe branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. Includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.
- Cardio-OncologyFocuses on identifying, monitoring and treating cardiovascular (heart-related) diseases caused by cancer therapies.
- Cardiothoracic SurgerySurgical operations to treat conditions involving the heart, lungs, esophagus and other organs in the chest.
- Cardiovascular SurgerySurgical operations to treat conditions involving the heart, large arteries and the chest.
- Carotid Artery DiseaseHardening and narrowing of arteries, which can lead to restricted blood flow to the brain (causing a stroke) or the heart (causing a heart attack).
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs caused by clot-like masses.
- Claudication (Leg Cramps)A symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in which narrowed or blocked arteries in the leg cause the leg muscles to contract.
- Congenital Heart DiseaseOccurs when a person has structural problems in his or her heart that have existed since birth.
- Constrictive PericarditisLoss of elasticity and increase in rigidity of the pericardium, which restricts your heart’s ability to move.
- Coronary AngiogramA catheter-based imaging test that provides a detailed look at the arteries supplying your heart with blood.
- Coronary AngioplastyA common catheter-based procedure used to dissolve blockages in the main artery leading to the heart, improving symptoms of coronary artery disease.
- Coronary Artery Bypass SurgeryRedirects blood flow around clogged arteries, lessening the risk of blood clots and improving oxygen circulation to the heart.
- Coronary Artery DiseaseA buildup of plaque in the lining of your arteries, causing blood clots that lead to restricted blood flow and, ultimately, heart attack.
D
- DefibrillatorsA medical device implanted in your chest or abdomen that monitors your heart rate and delivers a shock to restore the heart’s rhythm if needed.
- Diastolic Heart FailureWhen your heart contracts normally, but the ventricles remain stiff or don’t relax, causing less blood to enter the heart and fluid to build up in the lungs.
- Dilated Non-Ischemic CardiomyopathyA form of heart disease that causes your left ventricle to stretch abnormally, affecting its ability to pump.
E
- EchocardiogramUses ultrasound waves to evaluate how blood moves through the heart chambers and valves in your heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter MonitoringEvaluates heart function to determine whether your heartbeat is regular or irregular.
- ElectrophysiologyA test performed to assess your heart's electrical system or activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia.
- EndocarditisInflammation of the inner lining (endocardium) of your heart, which can affect the heart valves and other structures.
- Endomyocardial BiopsyA catheter-based biopsy in which myocardial tissue is collected from the heart’s middle wall to help diagnose a variety of cardiac disorders.
H
- Heart AttackOccurs when the arteries that deliver blood to your heart become blocked, most commonly as a result of coronary artery disease.
- Heart BlocksA type of arrhythmia that affects the rate (number of beats per minute) or rhythm (pattern of pulses produce) of your heartbeat.
- Heart Disease in WomenHeart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S., and women often don’t exhibit classic symptoms.
- Heart FailureA condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- Heart MedicationsA class of drugs that can help control various aspects of common heart conditions, including regulating your heart’s rhythm and preventing the formation of blood clots.
- Heart Scan ServicesAlso called calcium scoring, a heart scan and vascular screening assess your risk of developing heart disease and help physicians anticipate future cardiac events.
- Heart TumorAlso called cardiac tumors, heart tumors are abnormal growths in the tissue of the heart.
- Heart Valve SurgeryRepairing or replacing a heart valve that is no longer functioning properly.
- High Blood PressureA common cause of heart disease, in which your heart’s blood pressure remains abnormally elevated for a sustained period of time.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)A genetic disease causing abnormal heart thickening.
I
- Implantable Medical DevicesManufactured instruments that can treat certain heart conditions by helping the heart function at a normal level.
L
- Lariat ProcedureA minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that helps prevent stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are unable to take blood thinning medication.
- Limb IschemiaOccurring when blood flow to a limb suddenly decreases, this is the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and can lead to amputation if not treated.
M
- Marfan SyndromeA genetic disorder characterized by abnormal growth of connective tissue, which can result in heart defects.
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac SurgeryAn alternative to traditional, open-chest bypass surgery and aortic and mitral valve procedures, allowing for faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
- Mitral Valve DiseaseA type of valve disease affecting the mitral valve that leads to blood leaking back into or building up in the left atrium of your heart.
- MyocarditisInflammation of the middle layer of the wall of your heart, which can lead to a weakened and enlarged heart.
N
- Nuclear CardiologyUses small amounts of radiation to allow for advanced imaging of the structure and function of your heart.
O
- Open-Heart SurgeryIncludes a variety of surgeries that restore your heart’s normal function.
P
- PacemakerA device implanted in your chest or abdomen to help your heart maintain an adequate rhythm by delivering regular electrical pulses.
- Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect ClosureA catheter-based procedure used to repair a hole in the muscular wall in your heart.
- Pericardial EffusionExcess fluid in your heart’s pericardium, which can ultimately lead to inflammation.
- PericarditisInflammation of your heart’s pericardium that can result in chest pain.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)Often referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a common circulation disorder that affects blood flow in your arteries.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)A common circulation disorder that affects blood flow through blood vessels.
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC)a common type of arrhythmia that occurs due to premature electrical activation originating in the upper chamber of your heart.
- Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) A common type of arrhythmia that occurs due to premature electrical activation originating in the lower chamber of your heart.
- Pulmonary Valve DiseaseA common type of congenital heart disease in which pulmonary valve issues cause increased pressure in the right ventricle of your heart.
R
- Restrictive CardiomyopathyAlso known as stiff heart syndrome, a condition in which the heart either fills or contracts poorly due to heart muscle malfunction.
S
- Septal Defect ClosureUses a catheter-based procedure or open surgery to repair a hole in the muscular wall in your heart.
- Sudden Cardiac DeathLoss of heart function that is usually caused by or related to a type of arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)A type of arrhythmia originating above the ventricles that can cause sudden episodes of rapid heart rate.
T
- TAVI / TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)A minimally invasive catheter-based procedure used to replace and repair a dysfunctional aortic valve.
- Tetralogy of FallotA common type of congenital heart disease characterized by a combination of four heart defects.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)A common but complex type of congenital heart disease in which the two main vessels of the heart are switched in position.
- Tricuspid Valve DiseaseA type of valve disease affecting the tricuspid valve that leads to blood leaking back into or building up in the right atrium of your heart.
V
- Valve DiseaseWhen a valve in your heart either doesn’t let enough blood through or doesn’t seal properly, leading to leakage, backflow or lack of blood flow.
- Varicose VeinsAlso called spider veins, these are abnormally thick, bulging and gnarled veins that usually appear in the legs.
- Vascular SurgeryUses stenting and angioplasty to treat conditions such as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), aneurysms and carotid artery disease.
- Vascular UltrasoundUses high frequency sound waves to evaluate the circulation in your blood vessels, as well as examine blood flow in your arteries and veins.
- Ventricular Assist DeviceAn implanted mechanical device that helps maintain the pumping ability of your heart if it can’t work effectively on its own.
- Ventricular FibrillationA severe type of arrhythmia in which erratic electrical impulses cause the heart to stop.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)A common type of congenital heart disease that causes the heart to pump more than twice the normal amount of blood.
- Ventricular TachycardiaAbnormally rapid heartbeats that originate from the lower chambers of the heart.
W-Z
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)A rare type of arrhythmia present at birth that can cause sudden episodes of rapid heart rate.
- Women's Heart DiseaseHeart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S., and women often don’t exhibit classic symptoms.