Conditions

Heart disease conditions

Angina

Angina is another word for chest pain. People with angina describe the pain as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling.

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Arrhythmia

There are many types of arrhythmia. But they all stem from a heart that beats too quickly or too slowly.

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Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up on the inside wall of an artery, making them thick and hard. This restricts the flow of blood and can lead to a blockage.

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Atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF)

Atrial fibrillation is when your heart beats fast or irregularly. This type of arrhythmia affects some 350,000 Canadians.

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Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. Death will occur within minutes after the heart stops.

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Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces its ability to pump blood.

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Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is a heart condition you’re born with. There are many types of congenital heart conditions and defects. 

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Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It happens when arteries in the heart are blocked.

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Enlarged heart

An enlarged heart, also known as cardiomegaly, is an increase in the size of the heart. This is usually caused by another medical condition.

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Heart attack

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart slows or stops because of a blockage.

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Heart block

Heart block is a type of arrhythmia (called bradycardia). It happens when the heart’s electrical signals are too slow or interrupted.

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Heart failure

Heart failure is when your heart isn’t strong enough to pump your blood effectively. This can cause fluid to pool in your lungs or your ankles and legs.

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Infective (bacterial) endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s valves or lining of the heart.

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Inherited rhythm disorders (IRDs)

People with inherited rhythm  disorders (IRDs) experience irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias.

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Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a children's disease that in a small percentage of cases can affect the heart or coronary arteries.

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Long Q-T syndrome

Long Q-T syndrome is a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.

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Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects your connective tissue.

More on Marfan syndrome

Pericarditis

The pericardium is the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericarditis is an infection of that membrane.

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Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that occurs in pregnant women and recent mothers.

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Rheumatic heart disease

When the heart is damaged as a result of rheumatic fever, it’s called rheumatic heart disease. The damage can be short-term or long term.

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Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a tear in an artery wall in your heart that allows blood to build up in the space between the layers of your artery wall.

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Valvular heart disease

Valve disorders include several conditions that range from mild to severe.

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Vascular cognitive impairment

VCI is a disorder of the mind that may be caused by blood vessel wall disease or tiny clots that block small vessels in the brain.

More on VCI

Tools for your recovery from heart disease

  • Common feelings after diagnosis – and how to work through them.

    Common feelings after diagnosis – and how to work through them.

  • What you should know about your condition.

    What you should know about your condition.

  • Learn how to manage your medications.

    Learn how to manage your medications.

  • Find nearby services to support your recovery. 

    Find nearby services to support your recovery. 

  • Self-care tips for caregivers.

    Self-care tips for caregivers.

  • You’re not alone – our online support communities can help.

    You’re not alone – our online support communities can help.