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Risk factors for heart inflammation depend on the type of heart inflammation. Risk factors may include age; sex; certain genetic conditions; environment; lifestyle choices; medical conditions such as certain cancers, diabetes and HIV/AIDS; and medical procedures including artificial heart valves, pacemakers, and radiation therapy.

Heart inflammation can be caused by infections, particularly from viruses or bacteria; medicines; or damage to the heart’s tissue or muscle from autoimmune diseases, medicines, environmental factors, or other triggers.

A bookmark that presents the decibel levels of various electronic devices, vehicles, machinery, and conversations, and discusses ways to protect your hearing.

Un marcador de libros que presenta los niveles de decibelios de varios aparatos electrónicos, vehículos, maquinaria y conversaciones, e indica formas de proteger la audición.

Sometimes VTE does not cause symptoms until serious complications occur. In other cases, deep vein thrombosis causes swelling or discomfort near the blood clot. Pulmonary embolism can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary embolism can be a life-threatening condition.

Risk factors for VTE include a history of a previous VTE event; surgery; medical conditions such as cancer or spinal cord injury; pregnancy; paralysis or long periods of immobilization; specific genes; and certain circumstances related to age, race, and sex. In most cases of VTE, there is more than one risk factor involved. The more risk factors you have, the greater the chance you have of developing VTE.

VTE occurs in the veins that carry blood to your heart. Blood clots can develop in veins damaged by surgery or trauma, or a result of inflammation in response to an infection or injury.

After sudden cardiac arrest, surgery to implant an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or a fitting for a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), you will need regular visits with your doctor to check your condition, the device, or any medicines you are taking. You can get an ID card with information about your device to keep with you. It can be helpful in an emergency, to show airport security, or for medical personnel who need to know more about your device. If you have an ICD, be aware of the signs of complications with your device.

Defibrillators can be used in children, teens, and adults. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Your doctor may recommend an ICD or WCD to treat an arrhythmia and prevent new or repeat sudden cardiac arrests.

There are three types of defibrillators: automated external defibrillators (AEDs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs). Each type works by checking for arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. Once detected, each defibrillator will send a shock to restore a normal rhythm. Learn more about how the three types of defibrillators work.