Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC; also known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia – (ARVD)) is a heart muscle disease that can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities and, rarely, significant “weakening” of the right side of the heart. ARVC is caused by a defect in the ‘glue’ that holds the muscle cells of the heart together. As

What is a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and what causes it? A patent foramen ovale (or PFO for short) is a flap between the top 2 chambers of the heart which has not closed the way it should do at birth. During a baby’s development in the womb, this flap is fully open as a hole

What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare disease that mainly affects children. It is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. In developed countries, it is the commonest cause of acquired heart disease in children.   Who gets Kawasaki disease? About 85 percent of the people with Kawasaki disease are under age five, most

What is right bundle branch block? Every normal heart is gifted with a natural in-built electrical system. The electrical impulse generated from this system results in beating of the heart. The electrical system divides into 2 branches (called right and left bundle) at the level of the ventricle (bottom chambers of the heart). The right bundle

What is Churg-Strauss syndrome? Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare disease characterised by generalised inflammation of small to medium blood vessels in the body. The syndrome was described by 2 doctors – Churg and Strauss – in 1951. Increased levels of certain cells in the blood (eosinophils) are seen. The etiology of the syndrome remains unknown and

Definition A tachycardia is a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. Classification A tachycardia can be either physiological (normal response) or pathological. Examples of a physiological tachycardia are during exercise, in pregnancy or in situations of anxiety or excitement (“flight, fright, fight”). A pathological tachycardia can be due to either a primary cardiac abnormality or

What are coronary artery anomalies? The heart muscle requires a regular supply of oxygen and food. This is supplied by blood carried by two blood vessels known as the left and right coronary arteries which come from the left and right side of the body’s main artery, the aorta. In 1 in 100 people both coronary

Information reviewed annually What is Marfan Syndrome? Marfan syndrome affects many parts of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, skeleton, and eyes. 1 in 5,000 people in the United Kingdom have Marfan syndrome and both men and women can be affected. People with Marfan syndrome produce abnormal ‘connective tissue’. Connective tissue helps hold the body

What is coronary artery disease? The heart muscle requires a regular supply of oxygen and food. This is supplied by blood carried by a network of blood vessels known as the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries can become narrowed by ‘furring’ of the artery wall with cholesterol, called atherosclerotic plaques. Blood clots can form on these

What is EFE? The term Endocardial Fibroelastosis (EFE) refers to the thickening of and the replacement of the heart muscle with fibrous tissue. It may be related to parasitic infections and viruses such as the Coxsackie virus (a form of common cold); or rarely, may have an inherited nature. Unfortunately, it is seen to frequently be