About Heart Disease
Heart disease is any abnormal condition in the body that affects the heart. There can be hundreds of variations. Some of the most common types of heart conditions treated by the Atrium Medical Center Cardiology Department are described below.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque within the walls of the arteries.
Joseph A. Solomito, MD, FACC, discusses coronary artery disease. Click play or read the transcript.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy, which literally means “heart muscle disease,” indicates that heart muscle has deteriorated and does not function properly. People with this condition are often at risk of arrhythmia—irregular heart activity—and/or sudden cardiac death.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease describes a number of diseases that affect the heart and/or the blood vessel system, especially veins and arteries leading to and from the heart.
Back to top
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease, which is any heart disease existing at birth, is caused by unavoidable genetic factors.
Heart Failure
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a cardiac disorder that impairs the heart’s ability to fill or pump sufficient blood throughout the body.
Inflammatory Heart Disease
People with inflammatory heart disease have a heart muscle and/or tissue surrounding the heart that is inflamed.
Back to top
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease means that the function of one or more of the valves of the heart is impaired.
Irregular Heartbeat
People affected by this condition—also known as arrhythmia—have a heartbeat that is irregular. Arrhythmias may indicate a serious problem and, if not treated, may lead to heart disease, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease is caused by an accumulation of plaque in the extremities.
Back to top
Chest Pain
A pressure, tightness or crushing pain in the chest can be life-threatening if immediate medical attention is not sought out.
Syncope
Syncope is dizziness or fainting, usually caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain.
Back to top
Warning Signs of Heart Attack