Conditions
This section provides an overview of the main conditions, for which the Brandenburg Heart Center's Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments currently provide treatment.
Aortic stenosis
The heart valve separating the left ventricle from the aorta may lose its flexibility, thus impeding the normal flow of blood between the heart and the rest of the body. mehr
High blood pressure
Long-term high blood pressure may cause irreversible damage to blood vessels. Potential causes of high blood pressure include stress, obesity, and excessive salt intake. mehr
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart muscle becomes dilated, i.e. stretched, which results in a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood around the body. mehr
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) that may result in the heart valves becoming leaky. Endocarditis is usually treated with antibiotics. mehr
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. A heart attack constitutes a medical emergency that usually occurs as a result of coronary heart disease. mehr
Heart failure
Heart failure is one of the most common cardiac diseases and, particularly in elderly patients, may lead to reduced physical and mental health. mehr
Heart valve disease
Heart valve disease is a disease affecting the function of the heart valves. Faulty heart valves may lead to excess strain being placed on the heart, which in turn may lead to heart failure. mehr
Cardiac arrhythmias
The term cardiac arrhythmia refers to pathological changes affecting the transmission of normal electrical impulses that result in a slower, faster or irregular heart rhythm. mehr
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
This particular condition is characterized by a thickening of the heart muscle, and is associated with severely reduced physical capacity. mehr
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is a condition affecting the coronary arteries. One of the cardinal symptoms of coronary heart disease is seizure-like chest pain. mehr
Pulmonary embolism and lung cancer
Sometimes, tests for heart disease may reveal that a patient also has a lung tumor. If heart surgery has been scheduled anyway, it may be possible to arrange for this lung tumor to be removed at the same time. mehr
Mitral regurgitation
Mitral regurgitation is a relatively common condition where the atrioventricular valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart fails to close properly. mehr
Mitral valve stenosis
Mitral valve stenosis is relatively rare, and is characterized by a narrowed (stenotic) mitral valve between the left atrium This type of valve disease is not very common. mehr
Myocarditis
The term myocarditis refers to any inflammatory condition affecting the heart muscle. These inflammatory conditions may be caused by viruses or bacteria but may also be caused by certain poisons and medicines. mehr
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the protective sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), which is made up of connective tissue. Pericarditis may result in chest pain and is usually treated with medication. mehr
Atrial septal defect
This congenital defect affects the wall (septum) separating the two atria, or upper chambers of the heart. This defect leads to blood flowing from the left into the right side of the heart - and may cause heart failure. mehr
