Introduction Chest pain is a common symptom that can have many different causes, ranging from mild and harmless to serious and life-threatening. It may feel sharp, dull, burning, or tight, and can be associated with other symptoms such as shortness…
Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and often rapidly. This irregular rhythm can lead to poor blood flow, increase the risk of…
Introduction A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. Heart murmurs are detected by a doctor using a stethoscope and can be harmless (innocent) or a sign of an…
Introduction Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting the structure and function of a child’s heart. There are many different types, ranging from simple conditions that may not require treatment to complex defects that need…
Introduction Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels, and range from simple conditions that may resolve on their own to complex issues…
Introduction Heart valve diseases occur when one or more of the heart’s valves do not function properly, affecting the flow of blood through the heart. These conditions can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to…
Introduction Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare inherited heart rhythm disorder that affects the electrical activity of the heart. It is characterized by a prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which increases the risk of abnormal heart…
Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. HCM can affect people of all ages and is a leading cause of…
Introduction Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a rare but devastating event in which the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to loss of consciousness and, if not treated immediately, death. While SCA is uncommon in children and adolescents, it can occur,…
Introduction Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. This does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is weaker or stiffer than…
