Medically Reviewed by Alan M. Blaker, MD

Problems with the heart come in many shapes and sizes.  During February – Heart Month 2014 – McLeod Cardiologist Alan Blaker describes the various problems a person might experience:

Here are a few notes from Dr. Blaker’s video:

• Heart disease can come in the form of blockages in the arteries, resulting in heart attacks.
• Heart valves are actually tissue in the heart designed to keep the blood moving in one direction.
• Faulty heart valve tissue can weaken, allowing leakages by failing to close.  If the blood flows backwards into the heart it is called regurgitation.
• Heart valves can harden, failing to open fully.  This is called stenosis.
• Congestive heart failure is basically fluid buildup, because the heart might become weak or not relaxing well. Either situation can cause congestive heart failure.  An echocardiogram would help distinguish between the two types.

You may also find these articles helpful:

What Happens After Heart Attack

Heart Valve Replacement – Half a Century of Innovation

Congestive Heart Failure. What is it?  What can we do?

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