The Columbia University Medical Center describes the heart as a muscle about the size of a fist. It is located in the chest behind the sternum and the ribs, which protect the heart. This muscle is actually a pump with hollow chambers and squeezes rhythmically to deliver blood throughout the body. When disease affects this physiologically vital muscle, a person may feel pain in the chest, be short of breath, and be easily fatigued. Severe heart diseases can sometimes be fatal.
Congenital Heart Disease
According to the online medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus, which is associated with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, congenital heart disease involves structural defects of the heart that occur during development of the fetus while in utero. This medical term comprises a number of specific diseases, which are divided into two main types: cyanotic, in which the infant's skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen; and noncyanotic, in which the infant's skin coloring is normal). The structural heart defects of congenital heart disease can involve the arteries (major blood vessels that deliver blood to the heart), heart chambers, or valves (which allow the blood to flow only in one direction by opening and closing). These defects may affect heart alone, or may be part of a larger syndrome affecting other parts of the body. Furthermore, congenital heart disease can be caused by alcohol and drug use by the mother while pregnant.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) describes coronary artery disease (CAD) as a condition in which waxy plaque builds up in the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart, ultimately causing damage to the heart. The deposited plaque is made up of calcium, cholesterol and other molecules that circulate through the bloodstream. Plaque buildup causes the walls of the arteries to become inflamed and causes atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries are narrowed. These damaged arteries restrict blood flow through the heart and thus to the rest of the body. CAD can also result in the development of stroke-causing blood clots forming the arteries. If the blood supply to the heart becomes sufficiently blocked, a heart attack results, requiring immediate medical attention.
Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is a heart disease in which bacteria infect the tissue lining the heart valves, according to the American Heart Association. The infection can cause transient, or sometimes permanent, damage to the valves of the heart. The heart infection is preceded by bacteremia, the medical term for bacteria present in the bloodstream. Certain bacteria that are usually present in the mouth, intestine, or urinary tract can cause bacteremia, due to dental procedures, surgery, or more often, unknown causes. Having a pre-existing condition, such as a congenital heart defect or an artificial heart valve, can increase a person's risk of contracting infective endocarditis.
