Condiciones Cardiovasculares - Vista General

Cardiovascular Conditions - Overview

• Cardiovascular conditions encompass a wide range of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.
• These conditions can vary significantly in severity and presentation, requiring diverse diagnostic and treatment approaches.
• Factors such as age, lifestyle, genetics, and underlying medical conditions influence the likelihood and progression of cardiovascular ailments.

Angina Pectoris

• Angina pectoris is characterized by chest pain or discomfort, typically triggered by exertion or stress.
• The pain results from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease.
• Symptoms range from mild pressure or tightness to severe crushing pain, potentially radiating to the arm, jaw, or back.
• Stable angina is predictable, occurring with exertion and relieved by rest or medication.
• Unstable angina presents as new or changing symptoms, increased severity, or occurrence at rest, and represents a critical medical concern.
• Diagnosis entails a complete medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac catheterization.
• Management includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise), medication (e.g., nitrates, beta-blockers), and potentially procedures like coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Pericarditis

• Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart.
• It arises from various causes, including viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications.
• Symptoms commonly include sharp chest pain, worsened by deep breathing or lying down, accompanied by fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
• A physical examination may reveal a friction rub, a distinctive sound indicative of inflammation.
• Diagnostic procedures involve ECG, chest X-rays, and blood tests to identify the causative agent and assess the severity of inflammation.
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, addressing the underlying cause, and preventing complications.

Heart Valve Disease

• Heart valve disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting heart valves, hindering their normal function.
• It can lead to narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation) of blood flow through the valves.
• Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and edema (swelling).
• Diagnosis involves physical examination, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to assess valve structure and function, and potentially cardiac catheterization.
• Treatment varies based on the condition's type and severity. Mild cases may be managed medically, while severe cases may require surgical valve repair or replacement.

Arrhythmias

• Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats resulting from disturbances in the heart's electrical conduction system.
• They can manifest as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath; potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and tachycardia (fast heart rate) are two principal types of arrhythmias.
• Diagnosis often includes ECG monitoring over extended periods (e.g., Holter monitor) to detect precise rhythm disturbances.
• Treatment options include medication, implantable cardiac devices (e.g., pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), or catheter ablation procedures.

Endocarditis

• Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of heart chambers and valves (endocardium).
• Common causative agents are bacterial infections.
• Risk factors include pre-existing heart conditions, especially heart valve abnormalities.
• Symptoms can be gradual or sudden, including fever, chills, fatigue, and new or changing heart murmurs.
• Diagnosis involves blood cultures to identify the causative organism, echocardiography to detect valvular abnormalities, and ECG.
• Treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics administered for an extended period to eradicate the infection and prevent complications.