An aneurysm is a dangerous bulging or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel, often an artery, caused by weakness in the vessel wall. Treating an aneurysm depends on its size, location, symptoms, and risk of rupture. The main…
A mini stroke, medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a brief episode where the brain experiences a temporary lack of blood flow. This causes stroke-like symptoms that usually last only a few minutes to a few hours…
Understanding the risk factors for stroke is crucial for prevention and management. Stroke, a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, can be broadly categorized into ischemic and hemorrhagic types. Ischemic strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is…
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin, protective sac surrounding the heart. This inflammation can cause chest pain and other symptoms because it affects how the heart moves and functions. Understanding what causes pericarditis involves looking…
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, can lead to a wide range of complications, some of which may be severe and life-threatening. The heart muscle’s inflammation disrupts its ability to pump blood effectively, which can cause a cascade of…
Diagnosing cardiomyopathy involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, electrical activity assessments, laboratory tests, and sometimes genetic analysis to understand the type, severity, and underlying cause of the disease. The process usually begins with a detailed medical history and…
Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and often rapidly. This causes the heart to lose its normal rhythm and can lead to various symptoms…
Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle doesn’t work as well as it should. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped, but that it can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can happen suddenly or…
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Managing it effectively involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medications. Treatments aim to…
Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops gradually through several distinct stages, each representing a progression in the narrowing and damage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Understanding these stages helps explain how the disease evolves from…