The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. Many different disorders and diseases affect the heart; some are inherited, most are acquired throughout the course of life. Heart...
Tuberculosis, an airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most often causes lung disease. Worldwide, around 33 percent of the world population carries the bacteria, although only around 15 million have active infection at...
Heart pains while running are usually caused by stable angina, but in more severe cases it could be a heart attack. If you regularly experience heart pains while running, consult with your doctor to check for angina symptoms. If your pains...
The human heart functions to pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. The heart is divided into four chambers, the two upper chambers called the atria and two lower chambers called the ventricles. The heart muscle continually pumps, propelling...
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. When edema is present in the leg and foot, it is referred to as peripheral edema. Peripheral edema causes the tissues to enlarge and results in a visible swelling of the leg and...
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. Chest pain is a common symptom with pericarditis that can mimic the pain seen with heart attacks. Distinguishing pericarditis from a heart attack requires...
