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…
Introduction Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and weakened. This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, which can lead to heart failure and other complications. DCM…
Introduction A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing damage or death…
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are less common in men than in women due to the longer urethra, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to reach the bladder. However, when UTIs do occur in men, they can be more complicated…
Hantavirus infections, such as those caused by the Puumala virus, are rare viral illnesses that can be contracted from wild rodents. In some parts of the world, including northern Europe, this illness is known as “sorkfeber.” In the United States,…
