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Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide, and they can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is crucial for timely treatment and better outcomes. This informative video will discuss the top 5 warning symptoms of a heart attack that you should never ignore. These symptoms can be subtle and life-threatening, from chest pain and discomfort to shortness of breath and nausea. Don’t wait until it’s too late – watch this video and learn how to identify the signs of a heart attack and take steps to protect your heart health.
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the middle muscular layer of your heart. Inflammation means your heart muscle has swelling and irritation when fighting an infection, injury, or something harmful. This inflammation can affect your heart’s ability to pump blood and maintain normal rhythm. The condition affects people of all ages and can range from mild cases with few symptoms to life-threatening complications. [1]
It can happen suddenly when caused by infection, toxins, or drugs. But when the trigger is autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, it affects the heart more slowly, causing a long-term effect like heart failure and cardiomyopathy. [1]
Commonly identified causes and risk factors of myocarditis include:
Myocarditis is more common in young adults, especially males, but it can affect people of any age. Children and infants are also vulnerable, particularly during viral outbreaks. [2]
Viral infection is the most common cause of myocarditis, directly infecting cardiac cells by releasing cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α or inducing an immune-mediated response. Infections caused by various viruses, including influenza, herpes, adenovirus, coxsackievirus, parvovirus B19, and even SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), can cause myocarditis. [1]
Exposure to toxins and radiation can lead to myocarditis by directly damaging the heart muscle or triggering inflammation. Substances like excessive alcohol, recreational drugs such as cocaine, heavy metals like lead or mercury, and industrial chemicals can harm heart tissues and cause inflammation. Similarly, radiation therapy, particularly when targeting the chest area for cancer treatment, can unintentionally damage the heart muscle and lead to myocarditis. [3]
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the heart muscle. Myocarditis may also occur due to autoimmune reactions triggered by infections or other conditions. [4]
Rheumatic fever is a condition that can develop if you’ve had an untreated or poorly treated strep throat infection. It happens when your immune system, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including your heart. If this affects your heart muscle, it can lead to myocarditis, causing swelling and irritation in your heart. [5]
Some medicines and vaccinations can, in rare cases, cause myocarditis as a side effect. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, or immune-suppressing treatments, may trigger an inflammatory response in your heart muscle. Vaccinations, including some for COVID-19, have been linked to very rare cases of myocarditis, typically occurring in younger males after their second dose. [6]
The symptoms of myocarditis can vary widely, and sometimes, there might be no noticeable symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
You may feel sharp, stabbing, or pressure-like pain in your chest, similar to what happens during a heart attack. This occurs due to inflammation of the heart muscle and can worsen with physical activity or deep breaths. [7]
You might struggle to catch your breath, especially when lying flat or after mild activity. This happens because the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, causing fluid buildup in your lungs. [7]
Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after routine tasks, is common with myocarditis. This is due to the heart’s inability to supply oxygen-rich blood to your body efficiently. [8]
You might notice your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats. This indicates that the inflamed heart muscle interferes with your heart’s normal electrical signals. [9]
Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet may occur due to fluid buildup caused by the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood. Swelling may also appear around your abdomen or even in the veins in your neck. [7]
If a virus triggers your myocarditis, you might first experience symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, or general discomfort. These often precede heart-related symptoms.
You could feel dizzy or faint, especially during physical activity or when standing up suddenly. This happens because reduced blood flow to your brain can result from your heart’s inability to pump effectively. [7]
Knowing when to call for help is important if you have myocarditis. You should dial 911 immediately if your chest pain feels tight or heavy, lasts more than 15 minutes, or starts spreading to your arms, back, neck, or jaw. It’s also important to seek urgent help if you feel short of breath or nauseous along with the pain. These could be signs of a serious problem that needs immediate attention, so don’t wait to get the care you need. [10]
The inflammation caused by myocarditis can cause chest pain similar to that in a heart attack, making the diagnosis difficult. The following tests might be done to diagnose myocarditis:
A complete blood count may reveal an elevated white blood cell count, indicating an infection or inflammation. Tests like troponin and creatine kinase measure heart enzymes that are released when your heart muscle is damaged, helping to confirm myocarditis. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can show your body’s inflammation level. If a viral infection is suspected, blood tests can identify specific viruses or antibodies that may have triggered the condition. [7]
EKG is a test that checks your heart’s rhythm by recording its electrical activity. It can detect certain changes that might suggest myocarditis, although these changes aren’t specific to the condition. Importantly, even if your ECG looks normal, it doesn’t rule out myocarditis completely. [10]
A chest X-ray gives a clear image of your heart and lungs, helping to check for signs like an enlarged heart or fluid buildup in your lungs, which can happen when your heart isn’t pumping well. While it can’t confirm myocarditis independently, a chest X-ray helps your doctor rule out other conditions that can mimic myocarditis. [11]
An echocardiogram, or echo, is a test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. An echo can help see how well your heart is pumping and check for any areas of damage. It can also show if your heart is enlarged or if there’s fluid around it, which are signs of inflammation. This test is painless and non-invasive, and it gives information about how your heart is functioning. [12]
An MRI scan creates detailed images of the heart’s shape and structure. It’s especially useful for assessing heart function and detecting inflammation or scar tissue caused by myocarditis. [13]
A PET scan involves using radioactive dyes to produce body images, showing how the heart functions. Typically, it’s done alongside a CT or MRI scan for better assessment. [11]
If other tests are inconclusive, endomyocardial biopsy is done. During this procedure, tiny samples of heart muscle are taken. It helps identify the extent and type of inflammation linked to myocarditis. However, this procedure is uncommon. [14]
Myocarditis typically improves on its own or with treatment, often resulting in full recovery. If a viral infection causes myocarditis, the treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and allowing your body to recover. This includes rest, avoiding strenuous activities to give your heart time to heal, and hydration to support overall health. Your doctor might also recommend pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce discomfort and inflammation. [7, 10]
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or immunosuppressants (like azathioprine or methotrexate) are used in the treatment of myocarditis. These medications help reduce the immune system’s activity and limit inflammation, improving heart function. However, their use depends on the underlying cause of myocarditis, and they are often reserved for more severe cases. [7]
When myocarditis causes the heart to weaken, making it less effective at pumping blood, you might be given medication to assist your heart. These include angiotensinogen converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), which relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood flow, and beta-blockers (like metoprolol), which slow down the heart rate and reduce the heart’s workload. Diuretics (such as furosemide) may also be used to remove excess fluid from your body, especially if you have swelling in your legs, abdomen, or around the lungs. [10]
Myocarditis can cause irregular heart rhythms, which can be life-threatening. Antiarrhythmic medications, like amiodarone or lidocaine, which help restore a normal heart rhythm, may be used to manage this. In some cases, if arrhythmias are severe or unresponsive to medication, your doctor may recommend implanting a pacemaker to regulate the heart’s rhythm and ensure it beats at a consistent pace. [9]
If a bacterial infection causes your myocarditis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The type of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria causing the condition. For example, penicillin may be used for infections caused by certain bacteria, while more broad-spectrum antibiotics may be needed for others. Early antibiotic treatment is important to prevent further heart damage. [15]
VADs are special devices that help weakened hearts pump blood throughout the body. It is usually performed as a bridge to a heart transplant. [9]
In extremely severe cases of myocarditis, where the heart is no longer able to function effectively despite other treatments, a heart transplant may be necessary. This is typically considered only when the heart failure is life-threatening, and all other options have been exhausted. A heart transplant is a complex procedure with risks, but it can offer a chance at life for patients with advanced heart failure due to myocarditis. [16]
ECMO, a specialized heart-lung support device, can significantly improve survival rates for patients with severe myocarditis, especially when conventional treatments aren’t effective. [17]
If left untreated, myocarditis can cause can lead to serious consequences over time. The inflammation in your heart can weaken its ability to pump blood, leading to heart failure, where your heart struggles to meet your body’s needs.
You might also develop life-threatening arrhythmias. In severe cases, myocarditis can cause cardiogenic shock, where your heart can’t pump enough blood to keep your organs working. Scarring from the inflammation may also lead to chronic heart damage, permanently weakening your heart. That’s why it is important to seek medical care early and follow your treatment plan to avoid these long-term complications. [18]
Myocarditis can sometimes come back, even after you’ve recovered from the initial episode. This is called recurrence and can happen if the underlying cause, like a viral infection or autoimmune condition, isn’t fully resolved or flares up again. Recurrence may bring similar symptoms, such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, and can further stress your heart. If you experience any new or returning symptoms, it’s important to inform your doctor immediately. Early treatment of recurrent myocarditis can help protect your heart and prevent long-term damage. [18]
Preventing myocarditis starts with taking steps to protect your heart from infections and other triggers. Keeping up with your vaccinations, such as the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, can reduce the risk of viral infections that might lead to myocarditis. Practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, helps prevent the spread of germs. If you’re taking medications, use them only as prescribed to avoid harmful side effects, and stay away from substances like alcohol and recreational drugs that can damage your heart. Following your doctor’s treatment plan for autoimmune conditions can lower the chances of inflammation affecting your heart. [19]
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscles, impairing their ability to pump blood to the rest of the body effectively. It often goes undetected, but it is estimated that approximately 1 in every 500 adults may have this condition. It can affect people of any age, sex, and race.
There are several types of cardiomyopathy; the common ones are as follows:
If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscular wall of your heart becomes thickened, making it difficult for your heart to pump blood effectively throughout your body. This condition is genetic, so if one of your parents has HCM, there is a 50 percent chance that you may have inherited HCM can develop at any age, but it tends to be more severe when it starts during childhood.
In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weakened and dilated, decreasing the heart’s ability to pump blood It is the most common type of cardiomyopathy.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a type of myopathy characterized by abnormal stiffness of the heart muscle, which impairs its ability to fill properly with blood during the relaxation phase of the heartbeat. This stiffness is often caused by infiltrating abnormal substances, such as scar tissue or proteins, into the heart muscle, which results in reduced ventricular filling and decreased cardiac output, leading to heart failure.
While the exact cause of cardiomyopathy is often complex and multifactorial, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Some of the risk factors are as follows:
A family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death can significantly increase the risk of developing the condition.
If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, it can strain the heart muscle over time, leading to hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Hypertensive cardiomyopathy is a form of secondary cardiomyopathy characterized by thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle.
Excessive and prolonged drinking of alcohol can weaken the muscles in your heart and lead to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Malfunctioning heart valves, such as those affected by conditions like rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis, can disrupt normal blood flow through the heart and contribute to the development of
Certain organisms like the Coxsackie B virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Chagas disease are known to be associated with the development of cardiomyopathy.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause inflammation and damage the heart muscle, leading to secondary
Illicit drug use, particularly cocaine and amphetamines, can cause damage to the heart muscle and increase the risk of cardiomyopathy.
The symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
Various diagnostic tests can detect the presence of cardiomyopathy. Common diagnostic tests are discussed below:
EKG is a common diagnostic test used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and can provide valuable information for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. While an EKG alone cannot definitively diagnose cardiomyopathy, it can help detect abnormalities in heart rhythm and conduction, which may indicate underlying cardiac issues.
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It can help identify abnormalities in heart size, shape, and function and assess the heart’s pumping ability.
Blood tests help assess levels of certain enzymes and proteins that can indicate heart muscle damage. These may include cardiac troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and can detect abnormalities in the heart muscle, valves, and blood It is particularly useful for evaluating myocardial tissue characteristics and detecting scar tissue.
CT scans can provide detailed images of the heart and blood vessels, helping to identify structural abnormalities, assess coronary artery disease, and evaluate heart function.
Genetic testing may be recommended in cases where a genetic component to cardiomyopathy is It helps to identify specific genetic mutations associated with the condition.
This procedure involves inserting a tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in the arm, groin, thigh, or neck, which is then guided to the heart. It helps to measure heart chamber pressures to assess for heart failure, obtain blood samples to evaluate oxygen levels and heart function and take an endomyocardial biopsy to diagnose specific types of cardiomyopathy or myocarditis.
Coronary angiography is a specialized X-ray imaging technique used to visualize the coronary arteries. It helps to rule out CAD as a cause of cardiomyopathy by detecting blockages or narrowing in the coronary It can also guide treatment decisions, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery if significant CAD is present.
It is a minimally invasive procedure and is sometimes utilized in diagnosing cardiomyopathy. It involves extracting a small tissue sample from the heart muscle. This biopsy aids in identifying specific types of cardiomyopathies or myocarditis, providing crucial insights for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The treatment of cardiomyopathy aims to manage symptoms, improve heart function, prevent complications, and enhance overall quality of life.
Beyond these lifestyle steps, medications, surgery, and implantable devices for cardiomyopathy are key parts of care. Here is a list of five things you can do to help you with your cardiomyopathy.
Heart Failure Medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (Enalapril, Lisinopril), Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (Losartan, valsartan), beta-blockers (carvedilol, metoprolol), and diuretics(spironolactone, Eplerenone). These medications are a core part of heart failure treatment, commonly prescribed to alleviate heart failure symptoms, enhance heart function, and decrease fluid retention.
Pacemakers are among the most common implantable devices for cardiomyopathy, essential in managing certain types of cardiomyopathy, particularly those associated with rhythm disorders. Indicated primarily for patients with bradyarrhythmia like sinus node dysfunction or heart block, pacemakers work by monitoring the heart’s electrical activity and delivering electrical impulses to regulate heart rate and rhythm. Pacemaker implantation, a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, involves inserting leads into the heart through veins and placing the pulse generator under the skin.
IICDs are among the most important implantable devices for cardiomyopathy, playing a crucial role in managing cardiomyopathy, especially in cases with a risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. These devices continuously monitor the heart rhythm and are designed to deliver a shock when they detect a dangerous arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. By restoring normal heart rhythm through electrical therapy, ICDs can prevent sudden cardiac arrest and potentially save lives. The implantation procedure involves placing leads into the heart and positioning the device under the skin, typically in the chest area.
The LifeVest is a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) designed for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest who are not immediate candidates for an ICD or who require temporary protection after an ICD removal. It is a garment worn directly against the skin, typically over the torso, with electrodes integrated into the fabric. The LifeVest continuously monitors the patient’s heart rhythm, and if it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia, it delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm. Unlike permanent ICDs, the LifeVest is non-invasive and can be worn during daily activities, providing continuous protection without surgical implantation. This device serves as a bridge therapy, offering temporary protection while patients await further evaluation or as a transitional measure after ICD implantation or explantation.
CRT is a specialized treatment for certain types of cardiomyopathy, particularly those associated with heart failure and electrical It involves implanting a device similar to a pacemaker, called a CRT device, which delivers precisely timed electrical impulses to the heart’s ventricles. These impulses help synchronize the contractions of the heart’s chambers, improving its overall pumping efficiency. CRT is typically recommended for individuals with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction who have a widened QRS complex on their EKG, indicating electrical desynchrony.
Surgical interventions for cardiomyopathy aim to address specific underlying issues contributing to heart dysfunction and improve overall cardiac function.
From heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medications to implantable devices for cardiomyopathy and, in severe cases, heart transplantation, today’s treatments can help most people manage cardiomyopathy and protect their quality of life.
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic condition that develops as a complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection, caused explicitly by group A Streptococcus bacterium.
Rheumatic fever triggers an immune response in the body, where the immune system attacks various tissues, including the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. If the heart is affected, it can lead to the development of rheumatic heart disease. The most significant impact of rheumatic heart disease is the damage it causes to heart valves, particularly the mitral valve. The inflammation caused by the immune response causes them to become thickened and less flexible. This leads to valvular dysfunction, including regurgitation and narrowing of the valves.
Here are some of the key risk factors for rheumatic heart disease:
A streptococcal throat infection usually causes the clinical signs of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) to appear two to three weeks later. RHD symptoms may not show up for several years. The kind and extent of the damage to the heart valves and which heart valves are impacted determine the symptoms when they appear. Common symptoms of rheumatic heart disease include:
Diagnosing RHD involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, imaging tests, and sometimes laboratory investigations. The diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease is discussed below:
Treating RHD involves addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and preventing further complications. The goals of treatment include:
RHD can lead to several complications due to the damage it causes to the heart valves and other heart structures. Some of the complications of rheumatic heart disease include:
1. Valvular Heart Disease: RHD primarily affects the heart valves, leading to valvular damage. The valves can become thickened, scarred, or distorted, impairing their ability to open and close properly. This can result in conditions such as:
2. Heart Failure: As the valve damage worsens, the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently can be compromised, leading to heart failure. This can result in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, and swelling.
3. Infective Endocarditis: The damaged heart valves can create an environment where bacteria are more likely to infect the heart lining or valves, leading to infective endocarditis. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection.
4. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, can occur due to the changes in the heart’s structure and function caused by RHD. These can range from mild palpitations to more severe rhythm disturbances.
5. Pulmonary Hypertension: Over time, the increased strain on the heart due to valve damage can lead to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries which can affect the lungs and heart function.
6. Stroke: In some cases, blood clots can form on the damaged heart valves. If a clot dislodges and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
7. Embolism: Blood clots can also travel to other parts of the body, causing blockages in blood vessels (embolism) and potentially affecting various organs.
Preventing RHD primarily involves the prevention and prompt treatment of streptococcal infections. Here are key strategies for preventing RHD:
Aortic stenosis is a heart condition that affects the aortic valve, one of the four valves in your heart. Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, reducing blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
Symptoms of aortic valve stenosis range from mild to severe. Most people with aortic valve stenosis would not experience any major symptoms for many years. Symptoms generally occur when the narrowing of the valve is severe:
This is often felt during physical activity or when the heart has to work harder. This pain is often termed as angina.
You can have shortness of breath, especially during exercise or when lying flat.
You might feel lightheaded or dizzy due to reduced blood flow to the brain through the narrowed lumen of the valve. You might even have a syncope if it is too narrow.
As the condition progresses, you can tire easily, usually much faster. You might not be able to conduct the regular activities you used to do.
Children with congenital aortic stenosis can have poor growth. They can be low in weight and height about their age.
When the disease progresses to very advanced stages, patients can present with heart failure and have worsening symptoms.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing aortic stenosis, which often develops gradually over time. Some of them are discussed below:
As we age, the risk of aortic stenosis increases. The valve may naturally thicken and become less flexible over time.
Some people are born with abnormal aortic valves that may eventually lead to stenosis. The bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect affecting 1% of the general population and is one of the leading causes of stenosis in the young population.
Calcium is a mineral present in the blood. As blood flows through the valves, calcium can deposit on the heart valves, and the process gets hastened if the valve is highly pressured, like the aortic, and has microtrauma.
High cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits on the aortic valve, narrowing it.
Uncontrolled hypertension can strain the aortic valve and contribute to its deterioration.
Rheumatic fever is one of the most common conditions seen among children. A previous bout of rheumatic fever can damage the aortic valve, increasing the risk of stenosis.
Treatment options for aortic stenosis depend on the symptoms and the severity of the condition. While you might need a regular follow-up with your doctor if there is mild aortic valve disease or no symptoms, you may need surgery to repair or replace the valve for severe disease. There are less invasive options available, too, but that depends on your overall health and your choice.
The treatment options for aortic valve stenosis are:
This minimally invasive procedure is used in infants and children. The procedure is limited in adults, as the valve gets narrower afterward. So, it is usually only done if you are young or waiting for a valve replacement. In this procedure, a tube with a balloon tip is inserted into an artery through the arm or the groin. It is then taken to the aortic valve. Once it reaches the valve, the balloon is inflated, which widens the valve opening. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter is withdrawn.
It is the ultimate treatment for aortic stenosis. The damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical valve made from cows, pigs, or human tissue. While biological valves break down over time and need to be replaced again, mechanical valves remain longer than the biological valve, but the patient will have to take a blood thinning agent.
The valve can be replaced by either of the following two procedures:
Aortic valve replacement is done via an open-heart surgical procedure. During an SAVR, you would be put under general anesthesia and placed on a ventilator while on a heart-lung bypass machine. A surgeon would then cut open your breastbone to get to the heart. In some patients, less invasive approaches can be used. The aortic stenosis valve is cut out and replaced by the new valve. Recovery in the hospital usually takes about five days. This procedure can use both bioprosthetic as well as mechanical valves.
TAVR is an alternative to SAVR and is done for those not candidates for open-heart surgery due to other comorbid conditions. This minimally invasive procedure requires no sternotomy or a heart-lung bypass machine. The replacement valve is usually inserted using a catheter into an artery in the leg, then threaded through arteries to the heart. Once within the diseased aortic valve, the folded TAVR valve is opened with a balloon and placed in the right place. Some valves can, however, self-expand and do not need re-positioning. The surgeon then removes the catheter once the new valve is securely placed. It is to be noted that this procedure uses only bioprosthetic valves only.
Several diagnostic tests are performed to confirm and determine the cause and its severity. Tests for aortic valve stenosis may include:
It is one of the routine tests performed that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can show how fast or slow your heart is beating. Your doctor will look for the strain pattern in the EKG if you have aortic stenosis.
In simple terms, it is an ultrasound of your heart, and it creates images of the heart. It is a fast and painless investigation that helps to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. It can recognize a weakened heart muscle, changes in the valves of the heart, and look at how the blood flows through the valves. With an ECHO, your doctor can determine the severity of aortic valve stenosis.
Chest X-ray gives you a view of the heart and lungs together. It helps to determine if there is an enlarged heart, a common finding of aortic stenosis. It can also show an enlarged aorta and calcium build-up.
This test utilizes multiple X-rays to obtain detailed heart pictures. It is also utilized to evaluate the size of the aorta and calcium deposits on the aortic valves and to guide surgical management of the condition.
This is a test where a catheter is guided from a vessel in the wrist or groin leading to the heart, and a contrast dye is injected through it. The dye goes to the arteries of the heart and helps to assess their patency. The test is not used to diagnose aortic valve disease but can be used if other tests are not able to diagnose the condition. A coronary angiogram can be used to identify patients who also might benefit from surgery on the blood vessels around the heart along with an aortic valve replacement procedure. Therefore, every patient with aortic stenosis should undergo a coronary angiogram to detect and treat any coexisting coronary vessel disease.
While aortic stenosis can initially be asymptomatic, it can lead to several complications as the condition progresses. Watch out for these complications:
As the condition progresses, reduced blood flow can lead to decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue, and a decline in overall physical capacity.
As the aortic valve narrows further, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve. Over time, this extra strain on the heart can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and, eventually, heart failure.
Aortic stenosis can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. The irregular heartbeats can further compromise the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Aortic stenosis may make the heart valve more susceptible to infection. Bacterial or microbial infections of the heart valve can lead to a condition called infective endocarditis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.
You can take steps to strengthen your heart and guard against developing aortic stenosis. These include:
Healthy choices such as daily physical exercise and quitting smoking can prevent calcium buildup in arteries and aortic valve. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or kidney problems, you should consult your doctor regarding adequate management of these chronic health conditions.
Gum infections can lead to infection and development of aortic valve stenosis. A regular dental checkup can avoid aortic valve disease secondary to gum infections.
The bacteria that cause strep throat can sometimes cause rheumatic fever if left untreated. Rheumatic fever often happens in children and young adults. This is a condition that can be easily treated with antibiotics. So, getting treated for strep throat is important to prevent valvular heart disease.
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