Diseases Associated with the Circulatory System
Diseases that affect the heart and other parts of the circulatory system are called cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular problems may be classified as congenital, which means that they have been present since birth, or acquired, which means that they developed some time after birth.
Diseases of the Heart
Congenital Heart Defect
A congenital heart defect is a health problem that affects babies. The defect occurs even while a baby is still inside the mother's womb. A common sign of congenital heart defect is heart murmur. This is an abnormal sound that can be heard when you listen to a baby's heartbeat.
This disease may be contracted if the mother gets infected with contagious diseases like measles or hepatitis B during her pregnancy. It may also be due to some unprescribed drugs taken by the mother during her pregnancy.
