Heart disease
Definition
Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. Various forms of heart disease include:
Alternative Names
Cardiovascular disorders
Causes
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
Review Date:
11/6/2006
Reviewed By:
Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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