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Heart Disease
Alternate Names : Cardiovascular Disorders
Definition
Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart itself. This happens slowly over time. (See coronary artery disease.)
Some heart diseases can be present at birth (congenital heart diseases).
Other causes include the following:
- Abnormal function of the heart valves
- Abnormal electrical rhythm of the heart
- Weakening of the heart's pumping function caused by infection or toxins
Various forms of heart disease include:
See also chest pain.
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Review Date : 2/27/2003
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review by Patrick Lam, M.D., Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (11/07/2002)
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