Cardiology

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious heart disease that affects one or more of the four small heart valves. Damage to the valve remains after an illness called acute rheumatic fever (ARF). During ARF, the tissue of the heart valve and sometimes other parts of the heart (lining of the heart or muscle) become inflamed and this is called carditis. After carditis, the heart valves can be damaged, followed by scarring, and the result is disruption of normal blood flow through the damaged valves. Some of the blood may flow backward through a leaky valve that does not close properly, or a leaky, scarred valve may not open properly. When the heart is damaged in this way, the heart valve may not function properly and heart surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valve. Routine antibiotics are prescribed for people with RHD to prevent recurrent ARF and subsequent valve damage. Causes Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever, which affects many connective tissu...

  Myocarditis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocardium, the muscular layer of the heart wall. This muscle is responsible for contracting and relaxing to supply blood to the heart and body and the rest of the body. When this muscle is inflamed, the ability to pump blood becomes less effective. It can cause problems such as abnormal heartbeats, chest pain, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to blood clots, heart failure or heart damage or death, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In general, inflammation is a physical response to any type of injury or infection. Hold down g when you cut your finger: in a short time, the tissue around the cut swells and turns red, which are classic signs of inflammation. Your body's immune system goes to the wound site and produces specialized cells to carry out repairs. But sometimes another cause of inflammation or inflammation of the immune system can lead to myocarditis. What are ...

Congenital heart disease is one or more problems with the heart's construction that are present from birth. Congenital means that you were born with a defect. Congenital heart disease, also called a congenital heart defect, can change the way blood flows through your heart. Some congenital heart defects may not cause any problems. However, complex defects can cause grievous complications. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have allowed children with congenital heart disease to survive into adulthood. Former the signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease don't appear until you're an adult. If you have congenital heart disease, you will likely need care throughout your life. Inquire your doctor to determine how often you need to be tested. Types All cardiologists are not the same. While each doctor undergoes education and training related to the heart, they specialize in different types of heart problems. It is important that you be treated by a cardiologist trained in c...

Acute coronary syndrome is a term used to describe a variety of conditions associated with a sudden decrease in blood flow to the heart. One of those conditions is heart attack (myocardial infarction), when cell death results in damaged or destroyed heart tissue. Although severe coronary syndrome does not cause cell death, decreased blood flow changes the way your heart works and is a sign of an increased risk of heart attack. Acute coronary syndrome often causes severe pain or discomfort in the chest. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and care. The goals of treatment are to improve blood flow, treat problems, and prevent future problems. Acute coronary syndrome is the name given to three types of coronary artery disease associated with a sudden rupture of plaque within the coronary artery: Unstable angina Myocardial infarction or non-EST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ST-segment elevation Myocardial infarction or heart attack (STEMI). The l...