Preliminary research into these diseases has shown differing patterns in men and women, with men usually afflicted sooner and more severely. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is unable to maintain normal blood flow throughout the body. It can happen when the heart muscle or valves are damaged or the nerves governing the heartbeat are working improperly. Congestive heart failure can cause swelling in body tissues and a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles, is often an early sign of congestive heart failure.
Shortness of breath is another.
Infections of the heart valves and heart lining can result in a condition called bacterial endocarditis. These infections are most often seen in people with structural abnormalities of the heart, valve malfunctions, or artificial valves. Bacterial endocarditis is also seen in injection drug users. Arrhythmias Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. They are caused by malfunction in the electrical signals that stimulate the heart to beat.