does any one know what they call the congenital heart defect that causes a person to have thin arteries?
342534
the disease may be Angina Pectoris: Pain due to narrowing of coronary arteries secondary to aortic stenosis or low pressure; may also be due to sevgere anemia, hyperthyroidism, or excercise\n\nSymptoms: Crushing chest pain, palpitations, faintness, dyspnea, levine’s sign (fist to chest), diaphoresis, increased BP, abnormal EKG, evident cardiac disease\n\nconsult your doctor.
1094259
Are you sure it is kavachi disease.I have never heard of that name.Could it be Kawaski disease.It is disease seen in children and they have enlarged coronary artery and may develop heart attack.
449197
It sounds like you are referring to a set of disorders called "connective tissue disorders" which can include Marfan Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, among others.  Patients with these sorts of conditions have very flexible joints (double-jointed) among other signs.\n\nThe main heart condition that such patients have to be aware of is a thoracic aortic aneurysm.  Basically, the wall of the aorta (the main artery in your body) is abnormal and can start to balloon up over time.  Not all patients with these conditions will get a thoracic aortic aneurysm, but it should absolutely be screened for.  This needs to be monitored with serial echocardiograms and, if it reaches a certain size, should be operated on.  The risk of not treating a thoracic aortic aneurysm is eventual rupture or dissection, both of which are highly lethal.  (John Ritter died of an ascending aortic dissection.)  Hope that helps.\n\nP.S.  If people don't know the answers to some of these questions, why do they post a response to say, "I don't know!"  Is it just a ploy to earn points or something?  The points are worthless!
92271
Cardiomyopathy is a chronic and sometimes progressive disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium), is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. The condition typically begins in the walls of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), and in more severe cases also affects the walls of the upper chambers (atria). The actual muscle cells as well as the surrounding tissues of the heart become damaged. Eventually, the weakened heart loses the ability to pump blood effectively and heart failure or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias or dysrhythmia) may occur. \n\nThe medication that she is being given is probably being used to help the heart contract or function better.   The medication being given by machine is just to make sure it isn't given too quickly because of how small your child is.\n\nIt is likely she will need some sort of medication the rest of her life.  If she is a candidate for a heart transplant, she will still need to be on some sort of medication the rest of her life.\n\nYou need to speak to your daughters Pediatrian or Cardiac Doctor if you have questions.  This site can't address these questions as well as he/she could for you.
719180
Atherosclerotic changes in your arteries can cause plaque build up. However, I have never heard of it being described as 'rippled'. \n\nOther things that can cause vascular changes include polyarteritis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatous disease, kawasaki disease, takayasu arteritis, tertiary syphilis, temporal arteritis, and others that I can't remember off the top of my head. \n\nHope that helps.
1069110
The LAD is the  main artery which feeds the heart.  If it has disease it means it is getting clogged up with fat and cholesterol.  Sometimes people need an operation or a stent to open up the blockage.  It is best to watch your cholesterol and not to smoke... that way you won't have LAD disease in the first place!  Hope that helps.
1024838
I'm not a surgeon but have a lot of personal experience with angioplasty.  Arrhythmia can be detected on an ECG as it is an abnormal beat.  If it develops there are numerous options to control from pace makers to medication.  Just depends on the type.  Aortic diseases refer to blockage in the aorta.  This is the major artery in the body as all blood flows through it and it supplies all organs except the lungs with oxygenated blood.  Like any artery it can become diseased and block off.  This artery is checked when the doctor performs the angiogram.  (If the doctor accessed the heart by going through the groin then he entered the aorta to get to the heart) This artery can be cleared as any other and if the blockage is serious enough they can bypass it using an artificial artery.\n\nRelaxing will be a key to feeling better.  Any heart procedure can be scary and it takes awhile to get a good mental control over the episode.  Just don't dwell on it.  It may not be a bad idea to consult a mental health clinic.  Just like any organ the brain is subject to some strange reactions.  Mental health clinics are a good source of professionals trained to deal with things such as anxiety and depression which can occur after a heart procedure.\n\nGood luck and i hope your father is soon better.
529033
a patent foreman ovale is one form of an atrial septal defect.  the foramen ovale is a hole between the two atria that is open while the fetus is in the womb.  this allows all the blood to be sent straight from the right side of the heart to the left skipping the lungs (which is pointless in the womb as they're not the ones oxygenating the blood).  \n\nwhen the baby is born, blood preasure in the left atrium raises which pushes the foramen ovale closed.  the definition of a patent foramen ovale is when it doesn't close.  it's usually a surgical treatment.  \n\nthere are other kinds of atrial septal defects that involve other parts of the septum, but are not about the foramen ovale closing.  they are also surgical treatments, but are caused by other developmental defects.
670566
Larry - I'm somewhat appalled that people are chiming in with answers to your health care questions when it is clear that they don't know what you're talking about.  A person's health is not something one should be so cavalier about.  To clarify this for others, coarctation of the aorta is a condition in which there is underdevelopment of a segment of the aorta, generally at about the level of the left subclavian artery.  This can range from a mild narrowing to complete interruption of the aortic arch.  Many surgical procedures have been used to repair coarctations including: resection of the tight segment followed by end-to-end anastamosis; resection followed by placement of a prosthetic (or artificial) graft; patch augmentation of the tight segment, augmentation of the tight segment using a portion of the left subclavian artery; and ascending-to-descending aortic bypass in which a prosthetic (artificial) graft is used to create a detour around the narrow segment.\n\nIt sounds like you underwent the last procedure which was first performed, I believe, at the Mayo Clinic.  One of the first papers on this procedure by Heidi Connolly, MD, described 18 patients who underwent the same procedure between 1985 and 2000.  In that cohort, all patients were followed for an average of 4 years at which time all the grafts had remained open.  More recently, a group from Russia reported on 52 patients who underwent the procedure since 1987.  Patients were followed for an average of about 7 years (ranging from 2 years to 11 years) at which time all grafts had remained open.\n\nThe bypass procedure that we use for patients with coarctation is VERY DIFFERENT from the more common bypass surgery that is done for coronary artery disease!  It is important that you do not get the two confused as Samantha and foni.toni have done.  Given the size of the bypass needed to accomodate the large amount of blood flow, ascending-to-descending aortic bypass is always done with a prosthetic graft.  The veins from your legs that are used for coronary bypass are much too small.  At the same time, because of the high flow of blood through an aortic bypass graft, occlusion of these grafts is VERY RARE as opposed to the 50% loss at 10 years that we see in coronary bypass grafts that are taken from the leg.  Keep in mind, though, that we have only been doing aortic bypass grafts for about 20 years and in MUCH smaller numbers than for coronary bypass surgery, so we don't have as much experience with them to be able to say if they will stay open forever.\n\nIt is very important for you to continue to follow up with a cardiologist who is specially trained in congenital heart disease!  It is appropriate to get routine imaging to make sure that the graft is still open and that no leaks or aneurysms have developed.  If you have further questions on this, please don't hesitate to contact me, but again, I urge you to maintain regular follow-up with your cardiologist!  Good luck!
77376
An aneurysm is a abnormal localized sac or a irreversible dilation caused by weakness (decreased elastin) of arterial wall. Aneurysms are classified  as either fusiform or saccular. In a saccular aneurysm  one side of the artery wall is outputted. \nIn the fusiform the entire circumference of the artery is outputted. The abdominal aorta is the most common site for an aneurysm to develop. The exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is unknown. However, risks associated with AAA include atherosclerosis , hypertension and smoking. Other risks include trauma to the arterial wall, infection and congenital defects of the artery wall. Most AAA occur below the level of the renal artery and involve the bifurcation of the aorta as well as the proximal ends of the iliac arteries. Stasis of blood can lead to thrombus formation along arterial wall. Peripheral emboli can develop causing arterial insufficiency. Once an aneurysm forms it often increase in size and consequently the chances of rupture also increases. Aneurysm rupture can lead to hemorrhage and death.\n\nRod.
648660
Murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that are produced as a result of turbulent blood flow, which is sufficient to produce audible noise. This most commonly results from narrowing or leaking of valves or the presence of abnormal passages through which blood flows in or near the heart.\n\nI was born with a heart murmur also. The doctors said that it wasn't significant enough to hurt me though. My heart just beats a little different then most people. I hope your son is okay. Good luck!
977801
Hi there...Wanna read more...please follow the link in the "Sources Box". ;)\n\nHeart Disease:\nMarfan Syndrome\n\nMarfan syndrome is an inherited disease that affects the connective tissue. Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue in the body and is a vital component to supporting the body's organs. Its primary purpose is to hold the body together and provide a framework for growth and development. It provides the strength and support to tendons, cartilage, heart valves and many other parts of the body, as well as strength and elasticity to the blood vessels. \n\nFor people with Marfan syndrome, the chemical makeup of the connective tissue isn't normal and as a result is not as strong as it should be.\n\nBecause connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect many parts, including the bones, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs. \n\nWhat Causes Marfan Syndrome?\n\nMarfan syndrome is caused by a defect in the gene that encodes the structure of fibrillin and the elastic fibers, major components of connective tissue that appear to contribute to its strength and elasticity.\n\nIn most cases, Marfan syndrome is inherited. The pattern is called "autosomal dominant," meaning it occurs equally in men and women and can be inherited from just one parent with the disorder. People with Marfan syndrome have a 50% chance of passing along the disorder to their children. In rare cases, a new gene defect occurs due to an unknown cause. Marfan syndrome is also referred to as a "variable expression" genetic disorder, since everyone with Marfan syndrome has the same defective gene, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms to the same degree.\n\nMarfan syndrome is present at birth. However, the condition may not be diagnosed until adolescence or young adulthood. It is fairly common, affecting 1 in 5,000 Americans. It is found in people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. \n\nWhat Are the Signs of Marfan Syndrome? \n\nSometimes Marfan syndrome is so mild, few, if any, symptoms occur. In most cases, the disease progresses with age and symptoms become noticeable as the changes in connective tissue occur. \n\nOn the outside, people with Marfan syndrome are often very tall and thin. Their arms, legs, fingers and toes may seem out of proportion, too long for the rest of their body. Their spine may be curved and their breastbone (sternum) may either stick out or be indented inward. Their joints may be weak and easily become dislocated. Often, people with Marfan syndrome have a long, narrow face and the roof of the mouth may be higher than normal, causing the teeth to be crowded. More than half of all people with Marfan syndrome have eye problems.\n\nInternally, many changes occur within the body structures due to the abnormal connective tissue. About 90% of people with Marfan syndrome develop changes in their heart and blood vessels:
392533
Look at this website and get to a doctor immediately!!\n\nhttp://www.heartinfo.org/hrtatkang.html
920644
You may have a heart murmur, which believe it or not , quite a few people are born with one and never have any problems. You may also have a prolapsed heart valve. Either way you need to see a doctor. You will need tests such as an EKG or electrocardiogram. Both tests are very simple to do.
392438
See a doctor, and request a second opinion from a cardiologist.  Doctors tend to dismiss healthy-looking young people as being hypochondriacs or just panic attacks, when it could be a simple heart condition treated with medication.  Insist on seeing a cardiologist and/or having an echocardiogram - NOT an EKG, which will not detect valve problems.\n\nIt could be panic attacks, could be mitral valve prolapse.  Either way, see a doctor because both are easily fixable and there is no reason for an otherwise healthy young lady to suffer.
791319
look at the noted citation\n \n   \nWhat Is ...  \nHow the Heart Works  \nCauses  \nSigns & Symptoms  \nDiagnosis  \nTreatments  \nLiving With  \nKey Points  \nLinks  \n \n    What Is Atrial Septal Defect? \nAn atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. The defect allows blood to flow from one atrium to the other, usually from the left side to the right side. This causes extra blood flow:\n\nIn the right atrium \nIn the right ventricle \nTo the lungs \n\n\nFigure A shows the normal anatomy and blood flow of the interior of the heart. Figure B shows a heart with an atrial septal defect, which allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium. \n\nIn a normal heart, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns from the body to the right atrium. From the right atrium, the blue blood flows to the right ventricle—one of the two lower chambers of the heart—and is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen. After traveling through the lungs, the blood is now oxygen-rich and red. The red blood returns from the lungs to the left atrium and goes to the left ventricle, where it is pumped to the body. The right and left sides of the heart are normally completely separated by the septum. The septum keeps the blue blood from mixing with the red blood. The later section "How the Heart Works" explains the process in greater detail.\n\nASD is the second most common congenital heart defect.\n\nMore than 3,000 babies are born with ASD each year in the United States. \nASD occurs twice as often in girls as in boys. \nEffects of Atrial Septal Defect\nOver time, the extra blood flow to the right side of the heart and the lungs can cause:\n\nEnlargement of the right atrium and the right ventricle. \nRight heart overload. The right side of the heart has to work harder to pump extra blood to the lungs, especially as resistance in the pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) artery increases. Over time, the heart may become overworked, and function may become impaired. This is exceedingly rare with modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. \nIrregular heartbeats or rhythms (arrhythmias). Extra blood flowing into the right atrium through the ASD can cause the atrium to stretch and enlarge. When this occurs, a fast heartbeat can develop with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort. \nStroke. Occasionally a blood clot in a vein or in the right side of the heart can pass through the ASD and enter the blood stream, where it can block an artery supplying the brain and cause a stroke. \nPulmonary artery hypertension. This is when high blood pressure exists in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. The extra blood being pumped to the lungs can increase the pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Over time, high pressure can damage the arteries and the small blood vessels in the lungs. They thicken and become stiff, making it harder for blood to flow through them (pulmonary vascular disease). \nUsually, most of these effects don’t show up until adulthood, often around age 30 or later. They are rare in infants and children.\n\nCharacteristics\nAn ASD is classified by its size and location.\n\nSize\nThe size of an ASD can range from small to large.\n\nMost small defects close on their own as the heart grows during childhood. They usually allow only a small amount of blood to flow between the atria. \nModerate to large defects are much less likely to close on their own. They allow two or more times the normal amount of blood to flow through the right side of the heart. Large holes sometimes cause symptoms during infancy or childhood. \nLocation\nThree major types of ASD exist, based on the location of the defect on the septum:\n\nSecundum. This defect is in the middle of the septum. It is the most common form of ASD. About 7 out of every 10 babies born with ASD have this type. This type often closes on its own, unless it is large. \nPrimum.
1054157
Yes.There are many reasons why.\n* Congenital heart disease\n*High blood pressure\n*other health issues such as Diabetes,morbid obesity,aneroxia,bullimia\n*drug abuse(all drugs,whether they are legal or illegal can be abused)\n*A high fat,high calorie,high sodium,high cholesterol diet and very little exercise