Cardiologia e Symptomatologia

Cardiovascular Diseases Study Notes

• Angina Pectoris: Characterized by chest pain, typically triggered by exertion or stress, often relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. A form of myocardial ischemia, and can be a precursor to more severe conditions.

• Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, causing reduced blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. Often characterized by a systolic murmur, and can lead to heart failure.

• Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria. Can cause symptoms like palpitations and decreased blood flow. May be treated with antiarrhythmic drugs.

• Bronchial Asthma: A chronic inflammatory/ obstructive lung disease characterized by episodic or acute bronchospasm. Can result in breathing difficulties, cough, and wheezing.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular or abnormal heart rhythms. Can be benign or life threatening depending on the type and severity.

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Affects the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) and their ability to supply oxygen-rich blood. It is a major cause of heart attack. Atherosclerosis, a key component, impacts these arteries by narrowing them over time.

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): A chronic condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to fluid buildup in various tissues and organs. Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.

• Duodenal Ulcer: A sore or lesion in the lining of the duodenum, often involving the presence of gastric acid. Typical symptom is stomach pain.

• Endocarditis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves (endocardium), often caused by bacterial infection.

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining. Can cause symptoms like abdominal pain and indigestion.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A chronic condition where blood pressure is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels.

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, impacting its ability to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to various heart rhythm problems.

• Infectious Endocarditis: Bacteria or fungi entering the bloodstream and settling in the heart. This can inflame heart valves and tissues, and is more serious than other endocarditis types.

• Ischemic Heart Disease: A condition where there's insufficient blood flow to the heart muscles. Atherosclerosis can restrict coronary artery blood flow, and is a significant factor in heart disease.

• Mitral Regurgitation: Leaking of blood through the mitral valve, between the left atrium and ventricle, causing reduced blood flow and often accompanied by a heart murmur.

• Mitral Stenosis: Narrowing of the mitral valve. Results in reduced blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Also often accompanied by a heart murmur.

• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Death of heart muscle cells due to a blocked artery, reducing blood flow. Heart attack symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort.

• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle. It can be caused due to infections or autoimmune diseases.

• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. Usually causes chest pain.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels carrying blood between the heart and lungs. Can be caused by various underlying conditions and lead to heart failure

• Rheumatic Fever: An inflammation of connective tissues in the heart, often caused by a streptococcal infection. Can damage heart valves over time.

• Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory process that causes sores in the colon, often leading to blood in stool. Abdominal pain is a common symptom.

Additional Topics

• Diabetes: A group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Involves issues with insulin production and/or effectiveness.

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

• Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks the pulmonary arteries, impacting blood flow.

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: The study of disorders and ailments affecting the digestive system

• Kidney Disease: A variety of conditions, often chronic, affecting kidney function, that can range from mild to life-threatening.

• Cancer: A serious disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, potentially resulting in tumors. Several types exist, with varying causes, traits, and associated treatments

• Infectious Diseases: Conditions caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

• Neurological Disorders: Diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

• Respiratory Problems: A broad category that covers various diseases and conditions impacting the respiratory system, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnostic Procedures

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram: Sonograms used to visualize the heart and blood flow.
• Angiography: Creates images of blood vessels using X-rays or dye.
• Spirometry: Measures lung function, and is useful in evaluating respiratory disorders.
• Radiography: X-rays and scans of body parts to locate and diagnose issues
• Blood Tests: Blood analysis methods often used in diagnosis of many diseases

Medications

• Anti-hypertensive drugs: Used to treat high blood pressure.
• Anti-arrhythmic drugs: Used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Used to treat inflammation.
• Antibiotics Drugs used to combat bacteria and other microorganisms
• Anti-cancer drugs: Cancer treatments, targeting specific ways that tumors divide, or use the whole body approach