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 Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
