Human Heart
The human heart is a hollow, muscular, fist-sized organ that pumps blood through a network of blood vessels. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at the different parts of the heart and explains how they function within the circulatory system.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is when the heart beats irregularly -- it is not a heart attack. This segment from the eMedTV library explains this medical condition in detail, with information on how it is diagnosed and treated, possible risk factors, and more.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse occurs when leaflets abruptly bulge back into the atrium as the heart beats. This eMedTV Web page describes the anatomy behind the condition, explains how it is diagnosed, and discusses a person's prognosis.
Heart Murmur
As this eMedTV article explains, a heart murmur is an unexpected sound that is heard while listening to a person's heartbeat. While most are harmless -- and are even present from birth -- some are an indication that there is a problem with the heart.
Myocardial Infarction
A myocardial infarction is more commonly known as a heart attack. This portion of the eMedTV archives describes what happens during a myocardial infarction and provides information about recognizing symptoms of this life-threatening event.
Warfarin
Warfarin is a prescription medicine licensed to prevent and treat blood clots due to various causes. This eMedTV article describes how this medication works, lists potential side effects, and explains what you should be aware of before taking it.
Heart Diseases
Coronary artery disease is often referred to as "heart disease," but many different heart diseases exist. This eMedTV article discusses these conditions based on the area of the heart or blood vessel system they affect.
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This eMedTV offers an overview of this condition, including information on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Sotalol
Sotalol is often prescribed for the treatment of irregular heart rhythms. This page on the eMedTV Web site discusses these uses in more detail, describes how the medicine works, and offers important information on when and how to take it.
Causes of Coronary Heart Disease
As explained in this eMedTV article, the causes of coronary heart disease (CHD) involve a narrowing of the coronary arteries. There are also certain risk factors (such as smoking or being overweight) that increase a person's chances of developing CHD.
Aortic Valve Replacement
In an aortic valve replacement, the aortic valve is replaced with a manmade valve or a valve from an animal. This eMedTV article takes a detailed look at what this procedure entails and discusses possible complications.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Normally the heart's aortic valve has three cusps, but a bicuspid aortic valve has only two cusps. As this eMedTV page explains, this type of aortic valve is not usually a problem. This article takes a look at how it is diagnosed and treated.
Hardening of the Arteries
Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) refers to the hardening and thickening of blood vessels. This eMedTV article examines the conditions that cause hardened arteries, such as atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque on the artery walls).
Pulmonary Stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve of the heart is restricted. This eMedTV segment explains how the conditions is diagnosed and treated. People with mild cases typically require no treatment.
Mitral Valve Replacement
Mitral valve replacement surgery involves replacing a defective or diseased mitral valve with a new valve. This eMedTV article discusses medical conditions that may be treated with this surgery, such as mitral valve stenosis.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
When mitral valve regurgitation occurs, the heart's mitral valve does not close properly. This eMedTV article explains how this condition allows blood to leak backwards into the left atrium, possible symptoms, treatment options, and more.
Causes of Heart Murmurs
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of heart murmurs can range from an increased amount of blood flowing through the heart to illnesses such as rheumatic fever. This page provides detailed information about other possible causes.
Heart Murmur Symptoms
Most people with a heart murmur don't have symptoms. This eMedTV Web page explains, however, that sometimes a patient may experience symptoms (such as chest pain and shortness of breath) that could signal more serious health issues.
