Heart Disease Description: Most heart defects either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern. A rare defect known as hypoplastic heart occurs when the right or left side of the heart is incompletely formed. Symptoms: Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minute; pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms; lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath; dizziness, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing; palpitations, cold sweat or paleness. Number of Americans diagnosed: About 61 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Long-term problems/treatments: Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet circulation needs. In congestive heart failure (CHF), fluid collects in the lungs, legs, and elsewhere, often causing shortness of breath and/or ankle or leg swelling. CHF may occur abruptly, following a heart attack, or may develop slowly because of other causes. There are a number of effective treatments for CHF. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources American Heart Association National Center Heart to Heart Volunteers National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.