Congenital Heart Disease- A type of defect in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occur before birth. It affects about 8 out of every 1,000 children. Congenital heart defects may produce symptoms at birth, during childhood and sometimes not until adulthood. In most cases scientists don't know why they occur. Heredity may play a role as well as exposure to the fetus during pregnancy to certain viral infections, alcohol or drugs.
Coronary Artery Disease- (CAD) also known as atherosclerosis, happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. As the buildup grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.
Heart Failure- The term "heart failure" can be frightening. It does not mean the heart has "failed" or stopped working. It means the heart does not pump as well as it should. Heart failure is a major health problem in the U.S., affecting nearly 5 million Americans. About 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. The weakening of the heart's pumping ability causes blood and fluid to back up into the lungs, buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs - called edema, tiredness and shortness of breath. The leading causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Treatment includes treating the underlying cause of your heart failure, medicines, and heart transplantation if other treatments fail.