The heart has four chambers. In the lower left chamber (left ventricle), the aortic valve works like a one-way gate. When the heart pumps, the aortic ...
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An abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is any variation in the normal heartbeat. Abnormal heartbeats occur when the heart has an irregular heart rhythm, b...
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Atrial fibrillation (say “A-tree-uhl fih-bruh-LAY-shun”) is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that starts in the upper parts (atria) of the hea...
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A blood clot (a clump of blood) that forms in a vein and causes inflammation is called thrombophlebitis. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, warmth, an...
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The carotid artery travels up each side of the neck and branches into smaller vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blood flowing through the caroti...
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Coronary artery disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the inside of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to ...
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Heart failure is a condition in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) are not able to pump blood effectively. When the heart muscle has b...
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is an umbrella term, made up of a variety of different diseases affecting the hea...
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Your mitral valve controls blood flow on the left side of your heart. The valve opens and closes with each heartbeat. It works like a one-way gate, le...
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Mitral valve regurgitation means that one of the valves in your heart—the mitral valve—is letting blood leak backward into the heart.
Heart valves ...
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing or blockage of arteries that results in poor blood flow to your arms and legs. When you walk or exercis...
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A small opening between the two atria (foramen ovale) is present at birth. Shortly after birth, the atrial septum gradually grows and seals this openi...
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A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The...
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Thrombophlebitis is inflammation in a vein in an area where a blood clot has formed. Often the term thrombophlebitis is shortened to "phlebitis...
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