Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). These conditions have similar causes, mechanisms, and treatments.
Over 50 million Americans have cardiovascular problems, and most other Western countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. It is the number 1 cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries. By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Heart Disease :: Conditions and Diseases

Carson's Heart Page - Dedicated to a child who had surgery for congenital disease.
Children and Heart Disease - The normal heart, defects, heart murmurs, kawasaki disease, treatment, school programs and feeding an infant with congenital heart disease. Information provided by the American Heart Association.
Meta Description: [ Learn about Children's Health in this section. ]
Experience Journal - Pediatric Heart Disease - Features stories and personal experiences from families about what it's like to live with their children's heart disease.
Meta Description: [ Experience Journals are collections of stories, pictures, and personal experiences from families about what it has been like to live with their childrens illnesses ]
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Healing Your Child's Heart - General information for parents about heart surgery from the University of Chicago Children's Hospital. The procedure, the hospital stay, what to expect as your child recovers, and taking care of your child at home.
Little Hearts - Provides support and information to families of children with congenital heart disease. Offers useful links, parent matching, email groups and activities.
Meta Description: [ A non-profit organization founded by Lenore Cameron, whose mission is to offer support and hope to families affected by congenital heart defects through support services and to promote public awareness for this #1 birth defect. ]
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Pacemakers for Children - Provides easy information for children, about pacemakers, what they do, and the surgery involved.
Pediheart - Explains the normal heart and how it is affected by disease in children.
Rush Children's Heart Center - Provides tutorials about cardiac disorders, diagnostic tests and the normal heart for health professionals, parents and children. Includes illustrations, animations and movie clips to aid learning.
Meta Description: [ Rush Children's Hospital provides complete clinical services for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease in children and young adults. ]
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The Baby with Tetralogy of Fallot - Offers information for parents including brief explanation of the disorder, links and care of the baby awaiting surgery.
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Transposition of the Great Arteries - Provides information about diagnosis, treatment and effects on the health of the child. Written for parents.
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