heart failure Heart Failure The heart is no longer able to meet the body's need for blood because it is pumping inefficiently. myocardial infarction Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) A heart attack occurs when one of the heart's coronary arteries is blocked suddenly, usually by a tiny blood clot (thrombus). mitral valve prolapse Mitral Valve Prolapse Mitral valve prolapse is a malfunction of the heart's mitral valve, the physical doorway between the heart's left atrium and left ventricle. cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy refers to changes in the heart muscle that prevent part or all of the heart from contracting normally. atrial fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat. coronary artery disease Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease is the term commonly used to describe the buildup of fatty deposits and fibrous tissue (plaques) inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart (the coronary arteries). atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries that can significantly reduce the blood supply to vital organs such as the heart, brain and intestines. Marfan's syndrome Marfan's Syndrome Marfan's syndrome is a genetic (inherited) disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. valve problems Heart Valve Problems Heart valve problems fall into two categories: stenosis or regurgitation. myocarditis Myocarditis Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. tachycardia Tachycardia Tachycardia is a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. cardiac arrhythmias Cardiac Arrhythmias A cardiac arrhythmia is any abnormal heart rate or rhythm. bradycardia Bradycardia Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. endocarditis Endocarditis Endocarditis, also called infective endocarditis, is an infection and inflammation of the heart valves and the inner lining of the heart chambers, which is called the endocardium. pericarditis Pericarditis Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the saclike membrane around the heart. Pericarditis can be triggered by many, very different medical conditions. angina Angina Angina, also called angina pectoris, is discomfort or pain in the chest that happens when not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches the muscle cells of the heart. angioplasty Angioplasty Angioplasty is a procedure in which a tiny device is inserted into narrowed blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This device widens the arteries and increases blood flow. cardiac catheterization Cardiac Catheterization Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a heart specialist inserts a small tube (catheter) through a large blood vessel in the arm or leg, then passes the tube into the heart. implantable defibrillator Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a potentially lifesaving medical device that is placed inside the body. electrocardiogram (EKG) Electrocardiogram (EKG) An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a painless recording of the heart's electrical activity. This electrical activity is first detected by small metal electrodes, which are placed on the patient's wrists, ankles and chest. transplant Heart Transplant A heart transplant is surgery in which a patient with a life-threatening heart problem receives a new, healthy heart from a person who has died. attack Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) A heart attack occurs when one of the heart's coronary arteries is blocked suddenly, usually by a tiny blood clot (thrombus). catheterization Cardiac Catheterization Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a heart specialist inserts a small tube (catheter) through a large blood vessel in the arm or leg, then passes the tube into the heart. murmur Heart Murmur A heart murmur is an abnormal sound made by abnormal, turbulent blood flow within the heart. valve replacement Heart Valve Replacement Sometimes a natural heart valve that is not working properly needs to be replaced surgically with a prosthetic valve. pacemaker Pacemaker A pacemaker is an implanted device that regulates your heartbeat electronically. coronary artery bypass surgery Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Coronary artery bypass surgery is a procedure that detours (or bypasses) blood around a blocked section of one or more coronary arteries. It is also called coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG (pronounced "cabbage").