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• Truncus Arteriosus

  Truncus arteriosus is a heart defect that happens when a child is born with one large artery instead of two separate arteries.

• Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

  Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape. These sickle shaped cells get stuck together and block small blood vessels. This stops blood from moving as it should, which can lead to pain and organ damage.

• Venous Malformations

  A venous malformation (VM) is a place in the body where veins haven't grown the right way. VMs can be difficult to treat.

• Ventricular Assist Device

  A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that takes over for the heart and pumps blood. This can give a weak or injured heart time to heal or support someone as they wait for a heart transplant.

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

  Ventricular septal defect (VSD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a congenital heart defect. Most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

• Von Willebrand Disease

  Easy bruising and excessive bleeding can be signs of Von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects blood's ability to clot.

• What Is a Cardiac Catheterization? (Video)

  A cardiac catheterization is a procedure that cardiologists (heart doctors) do. They put a catheter (a long, thin tube) into a blood vessel, then guide it the heart. Cardiac catheterizations help doctors diagnose and treat many different heart problems.

• What Is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

  An AED (automated external defibrillator) helps treat an abnormal heartbeat when someone has sudden cardiac arrest. Learn about this easy-to-use medical device.

• What’s Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)? (Video)

  Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a problem that happens when the left side of a baby’s heart doesn't form as it should. It’s smaller than normal and can’t pump enough blood to the body. After the baby is born, doctors can treat the problem with medicines and several surgeries.

• What’s an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)? (Video)

  An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the upper filling chambers of the heart.

• Words to Know (Heart Glossary)

  A guide to medical terms about the heart and circulatory system. In an easy A-Z format, find definitions on heart defects, heart conditions, treatments, and more.

• X-Ray Exam: Chest

  A chest X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person's chest, including the heart, lungs, diaphragm, lymph nodes, upper spine, ribs, collarbone, and breastbone.

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) happens when the autonomic nervous system — which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — doesn't work as it should.

• Premature Ventricular Contractions

  A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an early heartbeat that happens between normal heartbeats. PVCs usually are harmless.

• Pulmonary Stenosis

  Pulmonary stenosis means the pulmonary valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

• Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox)

  Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

• Raynaud’s Syndrome

  Raynaud's syndrome makes a person's fingers or toes temporarily feel cold, numb, tingly, or painful.

• Sclerotherapy

  Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which medicine is injected into blood vessels or lymph vessels to make them close. It's used to treat vascular malformations.

• Sickle Cell Disease

  Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out how to help your child.

• Single Ventricle Defects

  Usually, a heart has two working ventricles (pumping chambers). Having a single ventricle means that only one of the two ventricles works well enough to pump blood.

• Splenic Sequestration

  Splenic sequestration is when too many blood cells get stuck in the spleen. This medical emergency can happen to people, usually kids, who have sickle cell disease.

• Sturge-Weber Syndrome

  Sturge-Weber syndrome is a problem with the way blood vessels grow in the skin, eyes, and brain. When a baby is born with a port-wine birthmark on the face, doctors will look for other signs of Sturge-Weber.

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

  Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of abnormal heart rhythm in which the heart beats very quickly.

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

  Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of problems caused by a birth defect that changes the way blood flows through the heart.

• The Fontan Procedure

  The Fontan procedure is open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the third of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• The Glenn Procedure

  The Glenn procedure is an open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the second of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• The Lymphatic System and Lymphatic Conditions

  The body's lymphatic system keeps fluid levels in balance and defends against infections. But problems can happen. Find out about lymphatic conditions and how they're treated.

• The Norwood Procedure

  The Norwood procedure is an open-heart surgery. It's the first of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• Tricuspid Atresia

  Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect. A baby born with tricuspid atresia often has serious symptoms soon after birth because blood flow to the lungs is much less than normal.

• Hereditary Spherocytosis

  Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder. Treatments can help with symptoms.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  When someone has hypertension (high blood pressure), the heart has to pump harder and the arteries are under more strain as they carry blood.

• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

  Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect of a baby’s heart. The left side of the heart doesn’t grow as it should, making it smaller and weaker than normal.

• Infantile Hemangiomas

  A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. An infantile hemangioma becomes visible in the first few weeks after birth.

• Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA)

  An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition in which the aorta doesn’t form completely. Surgery must be done within the first few days of a baby’s life to close the gap in the aorta.

• Iron-Deficiency Anemia

  Iron helps the body carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. Too little iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

• Kawasaki Disease

  Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. When symptoms are noticed early and treated, kids begin to feel better within a few days.

• Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries

  Levo-transposition of the great arteries (L-TGA) is when the positions of the heart's ventricles are reversed. Some people with the condition never need treatment. Others are treated with medicines and surgery.

• Long QT Syndrome

  Long QT syndrome is a condition that affects the electrical system of the heart. Some kids have no symptoms, while others may feel changes in their heartbeat or feel lightheaded.

• Lymphatic Malformations

  A lymphatic malformation is a clump of lymph vessels that form a growing, jumbled, spongy cluster. They're unusual growths, but are not cancerous.

• Metabolic Syndrome

  Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, many kids improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

• Mitral Valve Prolapse

  Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition, but it isn't a critical heart problem or a sign of other serious medical conditions.

• Myocarditis

  The muscle that makes up the heart is called the myocardium. Myocarditis is when this muscle gets inflamed (swollen).

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

  The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. If it stays open, the result is a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

  The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the upper two chambers of an unborn baby’s heart. It usually closes soon after the baby’s birth — when it doesn't, it's called a patent foramen ovale.

• Port-Wine Stains

  For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.

• Dictionary: Left Atrium

  The left atrium receives blood full of oxygen from the lungs and then empties the blood into the left ventricle.

• Dictionary: Left Ventricle

  The left ventricle pumps blood full of oxygen out to the body.

• Dictionary: Open-Heart Surgery

  Open-heart surgery is surgery that involves opening the chest and heart. A heart-lung machine does the work for the heart and lungs during the procedure.

• Dictionary: Right Atrium

  The right atrium receives blood low in oxygen from the body and then empties the blood into the right ventricle.

• Dictionary: Right Ventricle

  The right ventricle pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs.

• Dictionary: Sano shunt

  A Sano shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

• Dictionary: Single Ventricle Defect

  Having a single ventricle means that only one of the heart's two ventricles (pumping chambers) works well enough to pump blood.

• Dictionary: Superior Vena Cava

  The superior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the head and arms to the heart.

• Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)

  Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a heart defect where the aorta connects to the heart in the wrong place.

• Ebstein Anomaly

  Ebstein anomaly is a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve. It can cause problems that range from very mild to very serious.

• Echocardiogram

  An echocardiogram (also called an echo or cardiac ultrasound) uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It shows the structure of the heart and its parts and how well they’re working.

• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

  Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the use of a machine to do the work that the heart and lungs normally do.

• Fetal Echocardiogram

  A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart.

• Heart Health Center

  Are you heart smart? Learn about this amazing muscle, including how to care for kids with heart conditions.

• Heart Murmurs

  Heart murmurs are very common, and most are no cause for concern and won't affect a child's health.

• Heart Palpitations

  Heart palpitations are rapid or irregular heartbeats that make it feel like the heart is racing or fluttering. They usually aren't a sign of a health problem, and most kids who have them won't need to limit their physical activity.

• Heart Transplant

  If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Heart and Circulatory System

  The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

• Aplastic Anemia

  Aplastic anemia happens when the body can't make enough blood cells. A person can develop anemia, infections, and bleeding. Treatments can help with most kinds of aplastic anemia.

• Arrhythmia (Abnormal Heartbeat)

  An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem.

• Arteriovenous Malformations

  An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually needs medical treatment.

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

  Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

• Atrioventricular Canal Defect

  An atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal) is a heart problem in which the center of a baby's heart does not form normally before birth.

• Blood Types

  Categorizing blood according to type helps prevent reactions when someone gets a blood transfusion. Find out how blood types work.

• Body Basics: The Heart (Slideshow)

  Learn how this amazing muscle pumps blood throughout the body.

• Cardiac Arrest

  Cardiac arrest is when changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating. Quick medical care is essential.

• Cardiac Catheterization

  This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

• Cardiac Stents

  Cardiac stents are very small mesh wire tubes that hold blood vessels open so that blood can flow through the vessels normally. Find out about the procedure to place a stent.

• Cardiomyopathy

  Cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood through the body. Treatments can help with the symptoms and sometimes stop it from getting worse, but usually there's no cure.

• Coarctation of the Aorta

  Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body.

• Congenital Heart Defects

  Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy.

• Congenital Hemangiomas

  A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. A congenital hemangioma is one that a baby is born with. They're usually a bluish or purple circle or oval.

• Congestive Heart Failure

  Heart failure is when the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when blood backs up in the heart.

• DASH Diet for High Blood Pressure

  Doctor may recommend the DASH diet for kids who've had a blood pressure reading that was higher than normal. The DASH diet is not a strict diet, but more of a lifestyle.

• Dictionary: Aorta

  The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

• Dictionary: Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt

  A Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

• Dictionary: Blood Pressure

  Blood pressure is a measurement that tells how hard the heart is pumping to move blood through the blood vessels.

• Dictionary: Heart Transplant

  A heart transplant is a surgery where doctors remove a person's sick heart and replace it with a healthy donor heart.

• Dictionary: Inferior Vena Cava

  The inferior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

• Dictionary: Interstage Period

  Babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) need three surgeries. The time between the first and second surgeries is called the interstage period.

• A to Z: Beta Thalassemia

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• Anemia

  Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

• Aortic Aneurysm

  An aortic aneurysm is weak spot in the large artery that carries blood from the heart (the aorta). Kids who have one need regular checkups and care to prevent emergencies.

• Aortic Stenosis

  Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

• Strokes

  A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a second. Often, kids who have a stroke can learn to use their arms and legs and speak again through brain retraining.

• Chylous Ascites

  Chylous ascites is when chyle collects in the belly. Depending on what's causing it, doctors can treat chylous ascites and often cure it.

• Marfan Syndrome

  Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

• Morquio A Syndrome

  Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

• Noonan Syndrome

  Noonan syndrome is a condition that some babies are born with. It causes changes in the face and chest, and usually includes heart problems.

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia

  Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

• G6PD Deficiency

  G6PD deficiency an inherited condition in which someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells.

• Hemophilia

  Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

• Hemophilia: Handling Bleeds

  Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.

• Beta Thalassemia

  Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

• Stem Cell Transplants

  Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

• Thrombocytopenia

  Thrombocytopenia is when someone has too few platelets in their bloodstream. Many things can cause it and most can be treated.

• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)

  Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.