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Valve disease occurs when a valve doesn't open or close the way it should. If a valve doesn't open all the way, the heart has to push blood through a smaller opening. If the valve doesn't close tightly, some blood will leak backward.

Mitral stenosis causes the mitral valve to stiffen and not open right. Learn about what it is, causes, and treatments.

Read on for tips about taking a diuretic safely, and signs that you should call your health care provider.

Learn about the kidneys--where they're located, how they filter waste from the blood, and their other roles in keeping the body healthy.

Your healthcare provider will check the health of your kidneys. That way, treatment can be adjusted if your condition changes. If you have other health problems that affect your kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they will be checked also.

The kidneys' main job is to clean the blood. They filter wastes and excess fluids from thousands of pints of blood each day. Learn about their other roles as well.

A central line is often used instead of a standard I.V. line when you need treatment for longer than a week or so. The line can send medicine or nutrition right into your bloodstream.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that can take over when your kidneys stop working. PD uses the lining of your abdomen as a filter for your blood. Before PD can be done, an opening into this lining must be made. This is done by placing a soft tube called a catheter into your abdomen.

By controlling the amount of potassium you eat, you can keep a safe level in your blood. Here are cooking tips and a list of hidden sources of potassium.