OHSU Health Information Library Topics

Heart

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)

Detailed information on abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, including the reasons and preparation for the procedures, risks of the procedures, how the procedures are performed, after care, an anatomical illustrations of the anatomy of the aorta, an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, types of aneurysms, and illustrations of abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair and endovascular repair

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

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

Detailed information on the audiologist, one potential member of the rehabilitation team

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

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

Cardiac Catheterization (tests & procedures)

Cardiac Procedures

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

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab can help people with either congenital or acquired heart disease. Rehab can often improve function and reduce symptoms.

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

Detailed information on carotid artery disease, including description of carotid artery disease, importance of carotid arteries, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical and procedure illustrations

Carotid Artery Duplex Scan (tests & procedures)

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

Cerebral Aneurysm

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

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

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.

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

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 food guide pyramid from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet.

DiGeorge Syndrome

Detailed information on DiGeorge syndrome, including causes, features, diagnosis, and treatment

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)

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

Detailed information on a stroke's effects on different portions of the brain

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)

Detailed information on electrophysiological studies, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the electrical system of the heart

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 and Physical Stamina

Many children with congenital heart disease can play and participate in activities with friends, but may tire faster and will naturally stop when they are tired.

Exercise Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

Exercise Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

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)

Detailed information on femoral popliteal bypass surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the femoral artery, including the reasons and preparation for the procedures, risks of the procedures, how the procedures are performed, after care, and anatomical illustrations of the circulation of the legs and femoral popliteal occlusion

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.

Food Basics

Detailed information on heart healthy eating

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 (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack occurs when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged lack of oxygen caused by blocked blood flow.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack occurs when one or more areas of the heart are deprived of oxygen. Symptoms of a heart attack can differ between women and men.

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 Conditions in Children - FAQs about Heart Conditions in Children

Frequently asked questions regarding heart conditions in children, including congenital heart disease, heart defects, pacemakers, and heart transplant

Heart Failure

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body's other organs.

Heart Failure

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

Heart Healthy Eating

Detailed information on heart healthy eating

Heart Murmurs

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

Heart Murmurs

Detailed information on heart murmurs, including causes and types

Heart Procedures - Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Detailed information on dobutamine stress echocardiogram, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, and after care

Heart Transplantation

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 (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on heart transplantation, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the anatomy of the heart, anterior view

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)

Detailed information on heart valve repair or replacement surgery, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomic illustration of the valves of the heart

High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

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

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.

History of Stroke

Detailed information on the history of stroke, also called brain attack

Holter Monitor (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on Holter monitor, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, an anatomical illustration of the electrical system of the heart, and illustrations of a Holter monitor and an exa

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)

Detailed information on implantable cardioverter defibrillator ICD insertion, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and illustrations of the anatomy of the heart's electrical system

Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease produces irritation and inflammation of many tissues of the body, including the hands, feet, whites of the eyes, mouth, lips, and throat.

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)

Detailed information on resting myocardial perfusion scan, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and illustrations of the anatomy of the heart, view of the coronary arteries, and normal and di

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on stress myocardial perfusion scan, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and illustrations of the anatomy of the heart, view of the coronary arteries, and normal and dis

Obesity Treatment Overview

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

Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist helps patients learn how to carry out activities of daily living at home, on the job, and in the community.

Online Resources - Heart Center

List of online resources to find additional information on heart disease

Overview of Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart defects occur during the crucial first eight weeks of a baby's development.

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)

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)

Detailed information on pacemaker and implantable converter defibrillator, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, an illustration of the anatomy of the heart, view of the electrical conduction

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

In this condition, the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation, called the ductus arteriosus, stays open in a newborn baby.

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)

Pericarditis

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

Pericarditis

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

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Detailed information on peripheral vascular disease, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

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 preventing cardiovascular 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

Detailed information on the psychologist, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist, potential members of the rehabilitation team

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 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)

Detailed information on resting radionuclide angiogram, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and illustrations of the anatomy of the heart, view of the coronary arteries, and normal and disea

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and illustrations of the anatomy of the heart, view of the coronary arteries, and nor

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

Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including stroke rehabilitation

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

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

Risk Factors for Stroke

Many risk factors for stroke can be changed or managed. The most important of these is controlling high blood pressure.

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)

Detailed information on signal-averaged electrocardiogram, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care,and an anatomical illustration of the electrical system of the heart

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including signs and symptoms of stroke emergency

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

Detailed information on the speech and language pathologist, one potential member of the rehabilitation team

Statistics of Stroke

Statistics profiling the occurrence of stroke

Stroke

Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including history, statistics, symptoms, types, effects, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation information

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.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

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

Tilt Table Procedure (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on tilt table procedure, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, and after care

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

Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including stroke treatment

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

Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including types of stroke

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

Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, and after care

Valvuloplasty (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on valvuloplasty, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the heart, view of the valves

Varicose Veins

Detailed information on varicose veins, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and full-color anatomical illustrations

Vascular Studies (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on vascular studies, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, an anatomical illustration of a normal and diseased artery, and an illustration of a carotid artery duplex scan

Venogram (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on venogram, reasons and preparation for the procedure, risks of the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and anatomical illustrations of the circulation of the legs and deep vein thrombosis

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