Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital Heart Defects

When the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally before birth, a condition called congenital heart defect occurs (congenital means "inborn" or "existing at birth").
Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves

The heart consists of four chambers, two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood.
Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.