Heart Disease

Although the causes are not known, genetics, other medical conditions, and drugs can all increase your risk of having a baby with congenital heart disease. If you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions, your baby might be at risk for... Full Answer

Among children who develop an acquired heart disease, the most common conditions include:  -Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat-Cardiomyopathy, a weakened heart that pumps inefficiently-Kawasaki disease-Rheumatic fever-Endocarditis (infection within... Full Answer

Some babies born with heart defects experience no symptoms at first. Certain congenital heart defects can be so severe, though, that the newborn becomes very ill shortly after birth. With milder defects, signs or symptoms can surface years later. Signs... Full Answer

When cholesterol buildup, called plaque, narrows one or more of the coronary arteries, not enough blood can get through to the heart muscle. This can lead to coronary heart disease. Full Answer

Some risk factors of heart disease can't be changed, such as age or family history. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as diet and exercise. They include: Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. This includes high LDL "bad" cholesterol and low HDL... Full Answer

Are you at risk for heart disease? In this video, Dr. Samin Sharma, MD, a leading cardiologist at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, explains who is at risk for heart disease and what they ask their doctor. Full Answer

Swelling in your legs and feet can be a symptom of cardiomyopathy, which is a weakening of the heart muscle. Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent swelling in your legs. Cardiomyopathy can be serious, and you will need to begin treatment if... Full Answer

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that having an alcoholic drink a day can help reduce heart disease, from their review of 30 years of research. They actually found a 14-25% reduction in heart disease in "moderate" drinkers as... Full Answer

Blood tests can identify infants with patent ductus arteriosus, a type of heart disease that is a common condition in premature infants. Patent ductus arteriosus is a persistent, abnormal opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. Full Answer

Because of the risk of sudden death, it is important for people who have  hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to avoid too much strenuous activity and intense exercise. Sudden death in people who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can occur during or just... Full Answer