Common conditions
Heart disease affects 1.3 million Canadians. Here’s what you need to know.
Heart disease conditions
Angina
Angina is another word for chest pain. People with angina describe the pain as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling.
Arrhythmia
There are many types of arrhythmia. But they all stem from a heart that beats too quickly or too slowly.
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.
Atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF)
Atrial fibrillation is when your heart beats fast or irregularly. This type of arrhythmia affects some 350,000 Canadians.
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.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces its ability to pump blood.
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a heart condition you’re born with. There are many types of congenital heart conditions and defects.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It happens when arteries in the heart are blocked.
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.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart slows or stops because of a blockage.
Heart block
Heart block is a type of arrhythmia (called bradycardia). It happens when the heart’s electrical signals are too slow or interrupted.
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.
Infective (bacterial) endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s valves or lining of the heart.
Inherited rhythm disorders (IRDs)
People with inherited rhythm disorders (IRDs) experience irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a children's disease that in a small percentage of cases can affect the heart or coronary arteries.
Long Q-T syndrome
Long Q-T syndrome is a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.
Marfan syndrome
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects your connective tissue.
Pericarditis
The pericardium is the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericarditis is an infection of that membrane.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that occurs in pregnant women and recent mothers.
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.
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.
Valvular heart disease
Valve disorders include several conditions that range from mild to severe.
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.
Tools for your recovery from heart disease
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Common feelings after diagnosis – and how to work through them.
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What you should know about your condition.
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Learn how to manage your medications.
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Find nearby services to support your recovery.
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Self-care tips for caregivers.
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You’re not alone – our online support communities can help.