Eisenmenger syndrome is a complex and serious heart condition that arises as a late complication of certain congenital heart defects, particularly those that cause abnormal blood flow between the heart’s chambers or vessels. Over time, this abnormal flow leads to…
Congenital heart block (CHB) is a condition present at birth where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are partially or completely blocked as they travel from the atria (upper chambers of the heart) to the ventricles (lower chambers). This…
Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition that arises as a complication of rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by untreated streptococcal infections. This disease primarily affects the heart valves and endocardium, leading to significant morbidity and mortality if…
Cardiac tamponade is caused by the accumulation of fluid, blood, or other substances in the pericardial space—the thin sac surrounding the heart. This buildup increases pressure inside the pericardium, which compresses the heart and prevents it from expanding fully during…
Pericardial effusion is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, the thin membrane surrounding the heart. The treatments for pericardial effusion depend largely on the size of the fluid buildup, the speed at which it accumulates, the…
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, particularly affecting the heart valves. This condition arises when infectious agents, most commonly bacteria, enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to the heart’s endocardium, the delicate tissue lining the…
Myocarditis in children is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can affect how well the heart pumps blood and cause irregular heart rhythms. Recognizing the signs early is crucial because myocarditis can sometimes lead to serious complications if left…
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often called broken heart syndrome, is a temporary heart condition that happens when the heart muscle suddenly weakens and doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This condition can look a lot like a heart attack because…
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and weakened. This enlargement and weakening reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Because the heart struggles to meet…
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is primarily caused by genetic mutations that affect the proteins responsible for the structure and function of heart muscle cells. These mutations lead to abnormal thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle, especially the walls of the left…