OHSU Health Information Library Topics

Heart

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder marked by hypoparathyroidism, certain heart defects, and a cleft lip or palate.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Detailed information on abdominal aortic aneurysms, including description of abdominal aortic aneurysm, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical and procedure illustrations

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (tests & procedures)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm (abnormal enlargement) of the abdominal aorta, which may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Amputation

Detailed information on amputation, including causes and types of rehabilitation programs for amputations

Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. There are two main coronary arteries: the right and the left.

Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System

The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is regulated by electrical impulses.

Aneurysm

Detailed information on the dangers of aneurysm, how an aneurysm develops, and aneurysm diagnosis

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen for a given level of work.

Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)

An anomalous coronary artery is a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis affects the amount of blood that can flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. Symptoms vary with the degree of blockage.

Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart that can cause the heart to pump less effectively.

Arrhythmias in Children

Detailed information on arrhythmias, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia in which the electrical signals in the atria, or the two small chambers of the heart, are fired in a very fast and uncontrolled manner.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect is an opening in the dividing wall between the two upper chambers of the heart known as the right and left atria.

Atrioventricular Canal (AV Canal or AVC)

AV canal is a complex heart problem that involves several abnormalities of structures inside the heart.

Audiologist

Audiologists measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders.

Bacterial Endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. This infection can occur in anyone who has congenital heart disease.

Basic Anatomy of the Heart

Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side.

Calculating Calories and Fat Grams

Here's a formula to help you figure out how many calories and fat grams you need each day to maintain your current weight.

Cardiac Catheterization (tests & procedures)

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a catheter is moved through a blood vessel to the heart in order to better diagnose coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure and other heart conditions.

Cardiac Catheterization in Children

Detailed information on cardiac catheterization, including how is a cardiac catheterization performed and what happens after the test

Cardiac Procedures

These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis.

Cardiac Sarcoma

Cardiac sarcoma is a rare type of cancerous tumor that occurs in the heart.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiomyopathy and Your Child

Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiovascular Disease Statistics

Heart disease is one of the most serious health problems in the United States. Find out more facts and figures on this topic.

Carotid Artery Disease

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

Carotid Artery Duplex Scan (tests & procedures)

A carotid artery duplex scan is used to assess blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries of the neck and/or the branches of the carotid artery.

Carotid Endarterectomy/Carotid Angioplasty with Stenting (tests & procedures)

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) may be performed to treat a blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries, thus improving blood supply to the brain. Carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) is a procedure currently being used on selected patients who are at high risk for surgery.

Cerebral Aneurysm

A cerebral aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain. This weak spot raises the risk that the artery wall will burst open.

Chaplain

Chaplains act as spiritual counselors to help patients and families through periods of crisis.

Chest X-ray (tests & procedures)

A chest X-ray is used to examine the chest and the lungs and other organs and structures located in the chest.

Cholesterol in the Blood

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.

Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides in Adolescents

The cholesterol in blood comes from two sources: the foods your teen eats and his or her liver. The liver, however, makes all of the cholesterol your teen's body needs.

Choosing a Rehabilitation Unit/CARF

Rehabilitation services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Detailed information on chronic venous insufficiency, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical illustrations

Claudication

Detailed information on claudication, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and a labeled, full-color anatomical illustration

Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker is a professional counselor who helps alleviate problems related to personal, family, or social situations.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta refers to a narrowing of the aorta that restricts the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can travel to the lower part of the body.

Components of Food

When trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan

Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed

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 Heart Disease

Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) (tests & procedures)

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed to treat a blockage or narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries, thus restoring the blood supply to the heart muscle.

Coronary Heart Disease

A person with coronary heart disease has an accumulation of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Thrombophlebitis

Detailed information on deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical illustrations

Designing an Exercise Program

To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.

Determining Your Body Mass Index

Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.

Diet and Cardiovascular Disease

The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that includes a combination of birth defects, including some degree of mental retardation, characteristic facial features and, often, heart defects.

Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasonic sound waves are used to assess the heart's function and structures.

Effects of Rehabilitation on the Family

One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in his or her rehab.

Effects of Stroke (Brain Attack)

When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform an activity in a normal way.

Eisenmenger's Syndrome

Eisenmenger’s syndrome primarily affects adolescents and adults with congenital heart defects that were repaired after their first birthday or that were never repaired.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) / Stress Test / Holter Monitor

Detailed information on an electrocardiogram (EKG) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions

Electrophysiological Studies (tests & procedures)

When a problem develops with the heart’s rhythm, there may or may not be any symptoms. An electrophysiological study (EP study) is an invasive procedure that tests the heart's electrical system to determine the cause of the dysrhythmia.

Emotional and Family Issues

A child's emotions can be affected by the way his/her family members cope with the illness, as well as other issues including the stress felt by the family.

Evaluation Procedures for Stroke

Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram.

Exercise Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An exercise echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to asses the heart's response to stress or exercise.

Exercise Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An exercise ECG is a simple and fast procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart's response to stress or exercise.

Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program

It is always important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have certain health conditions.

Factors Contributing to Congenital Heart Disease

In up to 90 percent of cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment.

Femoral Popliteal Bypass Surgery (tests & procedures)

Femoral popliteal (also called femoropopliteal) bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat severe blockage due to plaque in the femoral artery. The femoral and popliteal arteries are located in the legs.

Fetal Circulation

Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta.

Fetal Ultrasound (tests & procedures)

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother's uterus, or womb.

Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery involves bypassing a part of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients. For this reason, these surgeries are referred to as malabsorptive procedures.

Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery

Gastric stapling surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that limits the amount of food a person can eat.

Glossary - Heart Center

Glossary of terms relating to cardiovascular disease and heart healthy living

Growth and Development

Children with congenital heart disease often grow and develop more slowly than other children.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die.

Heart Conditions in Adults - FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding heart conditions in adults, including heart attack, cardiac arrhythmias, pacemakers, heart valve disease, Holter monitor, and cardiac rehabilitation

Heart Failure in Children

Detailed information on congestive heart failure, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including defective heart valves, fever, and pregnancy.

Heart Murmurs in Children

Your doctor may have told you your child has a heart murmur. While that can sound scary, there are many different kinds of heart murmurs. Some heart murmurs are not even related to heart disease.

Heart Transplantation in Children

Detailed information on heart transplant, including why a heart transplant is recommended, what is involved in heart transplant surgery, and long-term outlook for a child after a heart transplant

Heart Transplantation Procedure (tests & procedures)

A heart transplant is a surgical procedure performed to remove the diseased heart from a patient and replace it with a healthy one from an organ donor.

Heart Valve Diseases

Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery (tests & procedures)

Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option when the heart valves become damaged or diseased and do not function properly.

Heart-Healthy Eating

Detailed information on heart healthy eating

High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents

Blood pressures vary depending on the age, height, weight, and gender of your child. Generally, blood pressure is low in infancy and rises slowly as children age.

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk for coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack).

History of Stroke

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first recognized stroke over 2,400 years ago. At this time stroke was called apoplexy, which means "struck down by violence" in Greek.

Holter Monitor (tests & procedures)

When symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, prolonged fatigue, and palpitations continue to occur without a definitive diagnosis obtained with a resting ECG, your physician may request an ECG tracing to be run over a long period of time, using a Holter monitor.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a combination of several abnormalities of the heart and great blood vessels.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, an electronic device is inserted into the chest to help regulate electrical problems with the heart by providing either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

Kawasaki Disease

The main threat from Kawasaki disease comes from its effect on the heart and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed

Maintaining Weight Loss

Keeping extra weight off requires effort and commitment, just as losing weight does.

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder involving the body's connective tissue, including the heart, lungs, and spinal cord.

Medical Management of Vascular Conditions

Detailed information on the medical management of vascular conditions, including description of the vascular system, risk factors for vascular conditions, causes of vascular conditions, medical management of risk factors, and full-color anatomical illustrations

Medical Treatment for Obesity

Medical treatment can help with weight loss if your own efforts are unsuccessful—or if you have a medical condition that makes it crucial to lose weight.

Metabolic Syndrome

Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which blood leaks backward through the mitral valve in the heart. This backflow of blood may result in a heart murmur.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting (tests & procedures)

A resting myocardial perfusion scan in a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle and determine what areas have decreases blood flow.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress (tests & procedures)

A stress myocardial perfusion scan is used to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle when it is stressed by exercise or medication and to determine what areas have decreased blood flow.

Obesity Treatment Overview

Whatever treatment plan a person follows, losing weight slowly will be more effective and healthy over the long term.

Online Resources - Heart Center

List of online resources to find additional information on heart disease

Overview of Obesity

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects.

Overview of Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)

A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin that sends electrical signals to start or regulate a slow heartbeat.

Overview of Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) in Children

Detailed information on living with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Overview of Stroke

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The disruption is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

Overview of the Vascular System

Detailed information on vascular conditions, including a description of the vascular system, causes and effects of vascular disease, and a full-color anatomical illustration

Pacemaker Insertion (tests & procedures)

During a pacemaker insertio, a small electronic device is implanted in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate electrical problems with the heart.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

PDA is a heart problem in which the connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery remains open after birth, instead of closing as it should.

Patient and Family

You as the patient and your family are the most important members of the rehabilitation team.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Stent Placement (tests & procedures)

During percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), a special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into coronary arteries that are blocked as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD), restoring arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.

Pericarditis in Children

Pericarditis is inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart.

Physiatrist

The physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists focus on restoring a patient's mobility (movement) and function, and preventing of further disability.

Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases

Detailed information on lifestyle changes necessary to lower your risk for heart disease

Preventing Obesity

Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important.

Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Psychiatrist

These specialists work with the rehabilitation team to offer counseling and support for the patient and family.

Pulmonary Atresia (PA)

PA is a serious heart defect in which the pulmonary valve does not allow blood to flow from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen.

Pulmonary Embolism

Detailed information on pulmonary embolism, including a description of a pulmonary embolism and the circulatory system, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and 4 labeled, full-color anatomical illustrations

Pulmonary Stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis affects the leaflets of the pulmonary valve, making it difficult for blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera to evaluate heart function. Doing this during rest and exercise assists the physician in comparing the differences in heart activity.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

This disorder affects blood flow to the fingers and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Exposure to cold and emotional upset are the triggers.

Recreation Therapist

Recreation therapists design programs to help patients develop social skills and learn to participate in leisure group activities.

Registered Dietitian

Registered dietitians work with health care providers to calculate calorie and nutrient needs, design special diets, and offer other nutritional advice to patients.

Rehabilitation Case Manager

Case managers usually don't provide direct patient care, but may work either as part of the rehab team or for the patient's insurance company.

Rehabilitation for Stroke

Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient, family, and rehabilitation staff works together as a team. Family members must learn about impairments and disabilities caused by the stroke and how to help the patient achieve optimal function again.

Rehabilitation Nurse

A rehabilitation nurse specializes in helping people with disabilities and chronic illness to reach their best function and health, and to adapt to an altered lifestyle.

Renal Vascular Disease

Detailed information on renal vascular disease, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and a full-color anatomical illustration

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists help treat and restore function for patients with airway and breathing problems.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever.

Risk Factors for Stroke

The most important controllable risk factor for stroke is controlling high blood pressure. Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage the arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Risks of Physical Inactivity

Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, the electrical activity of the heart is monitored over a period of several minutes in order to capture abnormal heartbeats which may occur only intermittently.

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency medical service immediately. Treatment for stroke is most effective when started as soon as possible.

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

Smokers not only have increased risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema, but also have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and oral cancer.

Speech/Language Pathologist

A speech/language pathologist helps treat people with communication problems that result from disability, surgery, or developmental disorders. This specialist also treats people with swallowing disorders caused by stroke or brain injury.

Statistics of Stroke

Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke.

Stroke

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. A blood clot can block one of the vital blood vessels in the brain or a blood vessel in the brain can burst, spilling blood into surrounding tissues.

Syncope

Detailed information on syncope, also called fainting, including causes, symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex condition of several congenital heart defects.

Tilt Table Procedure (tests & procedures)

This is a diagnostic procedure often used to assess syncope (fainting) by creating changes in posture from lying to standing.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

In this condition, the four pulmonary veins are connected somewhere besides the left atrium.

Transesophageal Echocardiography

Detailed information on transesophageal echocardiography, also called TEE or heart scan with endoscopy, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

Because of abnormal development of the fetal heart, the large vessels that take blood away from the heart to the lungs, or to the body, are improperly connected.

Treatment for Stroke

Although there is no cure for stroke, advanced medical and surgical treatments are now available, giving many stroke victims hope for optimal recovery.

Tricuspid Atresia (TA)

In tricuspid atresia, the tricuspid valve, normally located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, does not develop properly.

Truncus Arteriosus

Truncus arteriosus occurs when the aorta and the pulmonary artery fail to separate completely during fetal development.

Types of Stroke

Strokes are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by blockage of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain.

Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT Scan) (tests & procedures)

Ultrafast CT, or electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) can take multiple images of the heart within the time of a single heartbeat, and can detect very small amounts of calcium within the heart and the coronary arteries.

Valvuloplasty (tests & procedures)

During a valvuloplasty, a catheter is threaded through a vein to the heart where a balloon is used to open a stiff valve. Once opened, the balloon and catheter are removed.

Vascular Studies (tests & procedures)

Vascular studies use ultrasound (sound wave) technology to assess the flow of blood in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, and neck.

Venogram (tests & procedures)

A combination of contrast dye and X-rays are used to visualize the veins in the legs in order to diagnose deep vein thrombosis and other conditions.

Quick Links