Arterial Embolism
Arterial Embolism An embolus is usually a fragment of clotted blood or a piece of a fatty deposit (plaque) that is carried along in the bloodstream. The embolus may be very small, but, because the arteries branch into smaller and…
Constrictive Pericarditis
Constrictive Pericarditis Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart. The course of constrictive pericarditis is different from that of acute pericarditis. Constrictive pericarditis results from long-term inflammation, frequently of unknown cause, but sometimes from a…
Acute Pericarditis
Acute Pericarditis Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, fluid can collect in the space between the membrane and the heart (called pericardial effusion). The inflammation in acute pericarditis is…
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Defective cells in the heart muscle, possibly as a result of a congenital (present at birth) abnormality, may cause the heart muscle to weaken. To compensate for the weakened heart muscle, the walls of the heart may thicken.…
Nutritional Cardiomyopathy
Nutritional Cardiomyopathy Heart muscle can be damaged by toxins. In the United States, the most severe form of cardiomyopathy caused by toxins occurs among people who drink alcohol heavily. Excessive intake of alcohol can poison the heart muscle. In rare…
Myocarditis
Myocarditis Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, is a type of cardiomyopathy that occurs as a rare complication of an infection, usually caused by a virus. In mild cases, the only symptoms may be slight chest pain, shortness of…
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is elevated blood pressure in the lungs. The disorder can result from any disease that blocks the flow of blood or oxygen through the lungs, such as congenital (present at birth) heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. People…
Infective Endocarditis
Infective Endocarditis The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart muscle and covering of the heart valves. If the endocardium is damaged, such as from mitral regurgitation, bacteria or other germs can infect the damaged area. As the microorganisms…
Aortic Insufficiency
Aortic Insufficiency If the aortic valve (the valve between the aorta and the left ventricle) does not close properly, aortic insufficiency (also called aortic incompetence or aortic regurgitation) may develop. The left ventricle of the heart pumps blood through the…