MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Heart disease

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Heart disease

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition	Causes References

Illustrations

Heart, section through the middle

Heart, front view

Coronary artery blockage

Alternative Names Return to top

Cardiovascular disorders

Definition Return to top

Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. Various forms of heart disease include:

Causes Return to top

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

Other causes include:

Abnormal heart rhythm
Abnormal heart valve function
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Weakening of the heart's pumping ability, often caused by infection or toxins (cardiomyopathy)

References Return to top

Criqui MH. Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 49.

Update Date: 10/5/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdlae, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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