The coronary arteries, the arteries that nourish the heart, are prone to becoming clogged with cholesterol-filled plaque. One common sign of this problem is chest pain that comes on with physical...

The treatment of heart disease has come a long way in the past half-century. One of the many remarkable advances has been the development of angioplasty. This procedure lets a doctor open a narrowed...

The mitral valve sits between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. Its two small flaps play a key role: making sure that each contraction of the heart pumps oxygenated blood...

Humans are born with supple, flexible arteries that effortlessly deliver blood to the furthest reaches of the body. Over time, prompted by a poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking, and...

When something goes wrong in the coronary arteries, the arteries that nourish the heart, it’s helpful to take a look inside to see what is going on. Traditional x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans...

Heart attack (the technical term is myocardial infarction) is a life-and-death situation. But treatment is becoming increasingly effective thanks to clinical research that has taught us what to do....

The television image of a heart attack – a man suddenly clutches his chest and keels over – is actually a picture of sudden cardiac arrest. This frightening and often deadly event usually occurs...

Fifty years ago, the diagnosis of heart failure was akin to a death sentence. Only weak medicines were available to fight fluid buildup, or make the heart pump harder. Thanks to research, more...

Not that long ago, little could be done when a blocked or severely narrowed coronary artery cut off blood flow to part of the heart. Coronary arteries are key blood vessels that supply the heart...

To circulate blood effectively and efficiently, the heart’s four chambers must beat in a steady coordinated way. Trouble brews when they don’t. Take atrial fibrillation, the most common type of...