http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/index.html National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's web-based health index for quick and dependable information about heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders. en-us Tue, 08 Dec 2009 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/joinhin/index.asp Weblog Editor 2.0 nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/af/af_what.html Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is the most common type of arrhythmia. Thurs, 21 Jul 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/af/af_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Atherosclerosis/Atherosclerosis_WhatIs.html Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Thurs, 21 Jul 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Atherosclerosis/Atherosclerosis_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbc/HBC_WhatIs.html To understand high blood cholesterol, it helps to learn about cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all cells of the body. Thurs, 21 Jul 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbc/HBC_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pe/pe_what.html Pulmonary embolism, or PE, is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The blockage usually is caused by a blood clot that travels to the lung from a vein in the leg. Thurs, 21 Jul 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pe/pe_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pcd/pcd_what.html Primary ciliary dyskinesia, or PCD, is a rare disease that affects tiny, hair-like structures that line the airways. These structures are called cilia. Tues, 28 Jun 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pcd/pcd_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Itp/ITP_WhatIs.html Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder. In ITP, the blood doesn't clot as it should. This is due to a low number of blood cell fragments called platelets or thrombocytes. Tues, 28 Jun 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Itp/ITP_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vWD/vWD_WhatIs.html Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder. It affects your blood's ability to clot. If your blood doesn't clot, you can have heavy, hard-to-stop bleeding after an injury. The bleeding can damage your internal organs. Rarely, the bleeding may even cause death. Tues, 28 Jun 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vWD/vWD_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_what.html Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is an inherited disease of the secretory glands. Secretory glands include glands that make mucus and sweat. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/asthma/asthma_whatis.html Revised Spanish language article on asthma. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/asthma/asthma_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/hbp/video_hbp.html High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease and many other health problems. If you have the condition, you can take steps to control it. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/hbp/video_hbp.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/anemia/video_anemia.html Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that usually develops over time if the body doesn’t have enough iron to build healthy red blood cells. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/anemia/video_anemia.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/sarc/video_sarc.html Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. The disease can affect any organ in your body, but it's more likely to affect some organs than others. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/sarc/video_sarc.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/apnea/video_apnea.html Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. Millions of Americans have sleep apnea. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/apnea/video_apnea.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/asb/asb_whatare.html Asbestos-related lung diseases are diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a mineral that, in the past, was widely used in many industries. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/asb/asb_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sar_whatis.html Sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis) is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. This disease affects your body's organs. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sar_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Cad/CAD_WhatIs.html Coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Cad/CAD_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lungtxp/lungtxp_whatis.html A lung transplant is surgery to remove a person's diseased lung and replace it with a healthy lung from a deceased donor. Wed, 25 May 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lungtxp/lungtxp_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ms/ms_whatis.html Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raise your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. Thurs, 28 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ms/ms_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pah/pah_what.html Pulmonary hypertension, or PH, is increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These arteries carry blood from your heart to your lungs to pick up oxygen. Thurs, 28 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pah/pah_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hs/hs_whatis.html Heart surgery is done to correct problems with the heart. More than half a million heart surgeries are done each year in the United States for many heart problems. Thurs, 28 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hs/hs_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hvd/hvd_whatis.html Heart valve disease is a disease in which one or more of your heart valves don't work properly. The heart has four valves: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic (ay-OR-tik) valves. Thurs, 28 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hvd/hvd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ha/ha_whatis.html Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over. Thurs, 07 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ha/ha_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ida/ida_whatis.html Iron-deficiency anemia is a common, easily treated condition that occurs if you don't have enough iron in your body. Thurs, 07 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ida/ida_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vas/vas_whatis.html Vasculitis is a condition that involves inflammation in the blood vessels. Thurs, 07 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vas/vas_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/scda/scda_whatis.html Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Thurs, 07 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/scda/scda_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. Thurs, 07 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pad/pad_what.html Peripheral arterial disease is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pad/pad_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/arm/arm_what.html An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your body. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/arm/arm_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/prnanmia/prnanmia_what.html Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body can't make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn't have enough vitamin B12. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/prnanmia/prnanmia_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/HeartAttack/HeartAttack_WhatIs.html A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/HeartAttack/HeartAttack_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/brnchi/brnchi_whatis.html Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes become inflamed. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/brnchi/brnchi_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pnu/pnu_whatis.html Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Many germs—such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi—can cause pneumonia. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pnu/pnu_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/poly/poly_whatis.html Polycythemia vera, or PV, is a rare blood disease in which your body makes too many red blood cells. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/poly/poly_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lvq/lvq_whatis.html A lung ventilation/perfusion scan, or VQ scan, is a test that measures air and blood flow in your lungs. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lvq/lvq_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html Revised Spanish language article on Obesity. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/sleep_apnea/sleepapnea_what.html Revised Spanish language article on Sleep Apnea. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/sleep_apnea/sleepapnea_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hd/hd_whatare.html Coronary heart disease risk factors are conditions or habits that raise your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart attack. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hd/hd_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vv/vv_whatis.html Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vv/vv_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemo/hemo_whatis.html Hemochromatosis is a disease in which too much iron builds up in your body (iron overload). Mon, 28 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemo/hemo_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/stroke/stroke_what.html A stroke occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain is blocked. Thurs, 10 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/stroke/stroke_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lym/lym_whatis.html Lymphocytopenia is a disorder in which your blood doesn't have enough white blood cells called lymphocytes. Thurs, 10 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lym/lym_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vent/vent_what.html A ventilator is a machine that supports breathing. These machines mainly are used in hospitals. Thurs, 10 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vent/vent_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_what.html Raynaud's is a rare disorder that affects the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to different parts of your body. Thurs, 10 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Tues, 01 Feb 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/hdw/hdw_whatis.html New Spanish language article on Heart Disease in Women (Enfermedades del corazón en las mujeres). Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/hdw/hdw_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/phys/phys_what.html New Spanish language article on Physical Activity and Your Heart (La actividad física y el corazón). Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/phys/phys_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/chld/chld_whatis.html Childhood interstitial lung disease, or chILD, is a broad term for a group of rare lung diseases that can affect babies, children, and teens. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/chld/chld_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/carend/carend_what.html Carotid endarterectomy, or CEA, is a type of surgery that is used to prevent strokes in people who have carotid artery disease. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/carend/carend_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cm/cm_what.html Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases have many causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cm/cm_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cct/cct_whatis.html A chest computed tomography (to-MOG-ra-fee) scan, or chest CT scan, is a painless, noninvasive test. It creates precise pictures of the structures in your chest, such as your lungs. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cct/cct_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rh/rh_what.html Rh incompatibility is a condition that occurs during pregnancy if a woman has Rh-negative blood and her baby has Rh-positive blood. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rh/rh_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html Revised Spanish language article on Anemia. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/sca/video_sca.html Sickle cell anemia is an inherited, life-long disease. The symptoms and complications of sickle cell anemia vary. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/sca/video_sca.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rls/rls_WhatIs.html Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move your legs. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rls/rls_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nar/nar_what.html Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes periods of extreme daytime sleepiness. The disorder also may cause muscle weakness. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nar/nar_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hyp/hyp_whatis.html Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hyp/hyp_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/catd/catd_whatis.html Carotid artery disease is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside the carotid arteries. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/catd/catd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dash/dash_what.html Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a flexible and balanced eating plan that has been shown to lower high blood pressure. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dash/dash_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/copd/copd_whatis.html La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, o EPOC, es una enfermedad progresiva que hace que sea difícil respirar. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/copd/copd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aplastic/aplastic_whatis.html Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder in which the body's bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aplastic/aplastic_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ekg/ekg_what.html An electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ekg/ekg_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/mar/mar_whatis.html Marfan syndrome is a condition in which your body's connective tissue is abnormal. Connective tissue helps support all parts of your body. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/mar/mar_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hp/hp_what.html Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or HP, is a disease in which the lungs become inflamed from breathing in foreign substances, such as molds, dusts, and chemicals. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hp/hp_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cough/cough_whatis.html A cough is a natural reflex that protects your lungs. Coughing helps clear your airways of lung irritants, such as smoke and mucus. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cough/cough_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cmri/cmri_whatis.html Chest MRI is a safe, noninvasive test. This test creates detailed pictures of the structures in your chest, such as your chest wall, heart, and blood vessels. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cmri/cmri_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/endo/endo_what.html Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/endo/endo_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pulreh/pulreh_whatis.html Pulmonary rehabilitation, also called pulmonary rehab or PR, is a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pulreh/pulreh_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lft/lft_whatare.html Lung function tests, also called pulmonary function tests, measure how well your lungs work. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/lft/lft_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ebc/ebc_what.html Excessive blood clotting is a condition in which blood clots form too easily or do not dissolve properly. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ebc/ebc_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/heartmurmur/hmurmur_what.html A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/heartmurmur/hmurmur_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aps/aps_what.html Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, APS, is an autoimmune disorder. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aps/aps_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/thcp/thcp_what.html Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of blood cell fragments called platelets. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/thcp/thcp_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_what.html Hemophilia (heem-o-FILL-ee-ah) is a rare bleeding disorder in which your blood doesn't clot normally. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/clin/clin_what.html Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/clin/clin_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html Anemia is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cxray/cxray_whatis.html A chest x ray is a painless, noninvasive test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cxray/cxray_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_WhatIs.html Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/peri/peri_whatis.html Pericarditis is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/peri/peri_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/angio/angio_what.html New Spanish language article on Angioplasty (Angioplastia coronaria). Mon, 09 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/angio/angio_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/angina/angina_what.html Revised Spanish language article on Angina. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/angina/angina_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html Revised Spanish language article on Overweight and Obesity (Sobrepeso y la obesidad). Mon, 09 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Thalassemia/Thalassemia_WhatIs.html Thalassemias cause the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Thalassemia/Thalassemia_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/thrm/thrm_what.html Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis are conditions in which your blood has a higher than normal number of platelets. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/thrm/thrm_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hb/hb_whatis.html Heart block is a problem that occurs with the hearts electrical system. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hb/hb_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/crv/crv_whatis.html Cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a fast or irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/crv/crv_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/tah/tah_what.html A total artificial heart (TAH) is a device that replaces the two lower chambers of the heart. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/tah/tah_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hlw/hlw_what.html Your lungs are organs in your chest that allow your body to take in oxygen from the air. They also help remove carbon dioxide (a waste gas that can be toxic) from your body. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hlw/hlw_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/atl/atl_what.html Atelectasis is a condition in which one or more areas of your lungs collapse or do not inflate properly. Wed, 15 Jun 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/atl/atl_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/dvt/dvt_whatis.html New Spanish language article on DVT (trombosis venosa profunda). Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/dvt/dvt_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rf/rf_whatis.html Respiratory failure is a condition in which not enough oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rf/rf_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Angina/Angina_WhatIs.html Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when an area of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Angina/Angina_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html The terms overweight and obesity refer to a person's overall body weight and whether it's too high. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/smo/smo_how.html Cigarette smoking causes about 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States each year. It's the main preventable cause of death and illness in the United States. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/smo/smo_how.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aat/aat_whatis.html Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or AAT deficiency, is a condition that raises your risk for certain types of lung disease, especially if you smoke. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aat/aat_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dic/dic_what.html Disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, is a condition in which blood clots form throughout the bodys small blood vessels. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dic/dic_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/tee/tee_whatis.html Transesophageal echocardiography, or TEE, is a test that uses sound waves to create very high-quality moving pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/tee/tee_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hs/hs_whatis.html Heart surgery is done to correct problems with the heart. More than half a million heart surgeries are done each year in the United States for a variety of heart problems. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hs/hs_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ablation/ablation_whatis.html Catheter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ablation/ablation_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/holt/holt_what.html Holter and event monitors are medical devices that record heart electrical activity. Doctors most often use these monitors to diagnose arrhythmias. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/holt/holt_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Ards/Ards_WhatIs.html ARDS, or acute respiratory distress syndrome, is a lung condition that leads to low oxygen levels in the blood. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Ards/Ards_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cmd/cmd_whatis.html Coronary microvascular disease is heart disease that affects the smallest coronary arteries of the heart. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cmd/cmd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Angioplasty/Angioplasty_WhatIs.html Coronary angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries. The procedure improves blood flow to the heart muscle. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Angioplasty/Angioplasty_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ms/ms_whatis.html Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors linked to overweight and obesity. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ms/ms_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/oxt/oxt_whatis.html Oxygen therapy is a treatment that provides you with extra oxygen, a gas that your body needs to work properly. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/oxt/oxt_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hf/HF_WhatIs.html Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can not pump enough blood to meet the bodys needs. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hf/HF_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hvd/hvd_whatis.html Heart valve disease is a disease in which one or more of your heart valves do not work properly. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hvd/hvd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/shock/shock_what.html Cardiogenic (kar-dee-oh-JE-nik) shock is a state in which a suddenly weakened heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the bodys needs. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/shock/shock_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nscan/nscan_whatis.html A nuclear heart scan is a test that allows your doctor to get important information about the health of your heart. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nscan/nscan_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bdt/bdt_what.html Blood tests help doctors check for certain diseases and conditions. They also help check the function of your organs and show how well treatments are working. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bdt/bdt_what.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cabg/cabg_whatis.html Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of surgery that improves blood flow to the heart. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cabg/cabg_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/hemofilia/hemofilia_whatis.html New Spanish language article on arrhythmia. Tues, 19 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/hemofilia/hemofilia_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Atherosclerosis/Atherosclerosis_WhatIs.html Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (plak) builds up inside your arteries. Tues, 19 Jan 2010 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Atherosclerosis/Atherosclerosis_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aed/aed_whatis.html Learn about automated external defibrillators. Tues, 15 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aed/aed_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dhd/dhd_whatis.html Diabetic heart disease (DHD) refers to heart disease that develops in people who have diabetes. Tues, 15 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dhd/dhd_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html Visit this page to find out about deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Tues, 15 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pleurisy/pleurisy_whatare.html Read this article to learn about pleurisy and other pleural disorders. Tues, 15 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pleurisy/pleurisy_whatare.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/videos.html The DCI offers short videos on select topics. The 3 new videos are on the topics of Asthma, Coronary Artery Disease, and Heart Attack. Thurs, 10 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/videos/videos.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/widgets/widgets.html Widgets are online applications that perform a function or display featured content. You can download these applications to a Web page. Thurs, 10 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/widgets/widgets.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/quiz/quizzes.html The DCI offers short quizzes that allow you to test your knowledge on select heart, lung, blood, and sleep topics. Thurs, 10 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/quiz/quizzes.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/pods/podcasts.html Physical activity is good for your heart and lungs in many ways. The good news is that even modest amounts of physical activity are good for your health. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/pods/podcasts.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/pods/podcasts.html Heart disease is the #1 killer of both women and men in the United States. The good news is that you can prevent and control many heart disease risk factors with lifestyle changes and medicines. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/pods/podcasts.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/brnchi/brnchi_whatis.html New Spanish language article on bronchitis. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/brnchi/brnchi_whatis.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/arr/arr_what.html New Spanish language article on arrhythmia. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dcisp/Diseases/arr/arr_what.html