Condition Lookup
Speciality:
Cardiovascular
Number of Conditions: 87
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
heart murmur; rapid breathing; difficulty feeding; poor growth; fatigue; frequent respiratory infections
Root Cause:
The ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery in fetal circulation, remains open after birth, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG, or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Observation for small PDAs (may close on their own), catheter-based closure, or surgical ligation.
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like indomethacin or ibuprofen to promote closure in premature infants; diuretics for managing fluid overload.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 1 in 2,000 full-term births but is more common in premature infants.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, maternal rubella infection, or genetic conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; small PDAs may close spontaneously.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, infective endocarditis.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; frequent respiratory infections in children; heart murmur; swelling of the legs, feet, or abdomen; arrhythmias in adults
Root Cause:
An opening in the atrial septum (wall separating the heart's two upper chambers) that allows blood to flow between the atria, leading to a mix of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac MRI, or cardiac catheterization.
Treatment:
Small defects may close on their own; larger defects require surgical closure or catheter-based repair.
Medications:
While no medications can close the defect, anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin or aspirin ) may be used to reduce stroke risk, and diuretics or beta-blockers may be used to manage symptoms of heart failure.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to occur in 1 out of every 1,859 live births; more common in females than males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of congenital heart defects, maternal alcohol or drug use during pregnancy, genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely repair, with most individuals living normal lives; untreated large defects may lead to heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, stroke, atrial arrhythmias, Eisenmenger syndrome (severe pulmonary hypertension with cyanosis).
Coarctation of the Aorta
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
high blood pressure; weak or absent pulses in the legs; cold feet; headaches; nosebleeds; leg cramps or pain during exercise
Root Cause:
Narrowing of the aorta, leading to increased workload on the heart and reduced blood flow to the lower body.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG, MRI, or CT angiography.
Treatment:
Balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical repair.
Medications:
Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) to manage high blood pressure.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart defects; more common in males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., Turner syndrome), family history of heart defects.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; long-term blood pressure monitoring is essential.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hypertension, aortic rupture, heart failure, endocarditis.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
severe cyanosis; rapid breathing; difficulty feeding; lethargy; cold extremities; heart murmur
Root Cause:
The left side of the heart is underdeveloped, leading to inadequate pumping of oxygen-rich blood to the body.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prenatal ultrasound, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Prostaglandin E1 to keep the ductus arteriosus open, staged surgical repair (Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan procedures), or heart transplantation in severe cases.
Medications:
Prostaglandin E1 (prostaglandin analog), anticoagulants to prevent clotting, and diuretics to manage heart failure symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes, maternal diabetes, or prenatal exposure to toxins.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Guarded; survival rates have improved significantly with advances in surgery, but long-term complications are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, developmental delays.
Kawasaki Disease
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis
Symptoms:
fever lasting >5 days; red eyes (conjunctivitis); strawberry tongue; rash; swollen hands and feet; lymphadenopathy
Root Cause:
Acute systemic vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries, especially coronary arteries, primarily in children.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical criteria (fever and at least four of the main symptoms); echocardiography to assess coronary artery involvement.
Treatment:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose aspirin to reduce inflammation and prevent coronary complications.
Medications:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (immune modulator), aspirin (antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory), and corticosteroids in refractory cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 8–67 per 100,000 children under 5 years annually; higher in East Asian populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age <5 years; male sex; Asian ethnicity; genetic predisposition
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; risk of coronary artery aneurysms in untreated cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Coronary artery aneurysms; myocarditis; heart failure; myocardial infarction
Myocarditis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; fatigue; irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias); fever; leg swelling (in severe cases)
Root Cause:
Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by a viral infection, autoimmune response, or exposure to toxins.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and sometimes endomyocardial biopsy to confirm inflammation.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity, including supportive care, medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure management, and addressing infections or autoimmune conditions when present.
Medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., corticosteroids), immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine ), and medications for heart failure (e.g., ACE inhibitors like enalapril or beta-blockers like carvedilol ). In cases caused by infection, antibiotics or antivirals may be used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; incidence is estimated at 10-20 cases per 100,000 people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infection; autoimmune disorders; exposure to toxins (alcohol, drugs); certain medications; weakened immune system
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; some cases resolve completely, while others can lead to chronic heart failure or require a heart transplant.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; cardiogenic shock; sudden cardiac death; dilated cardiomyopathy
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Symptoms:
severe chest pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back; shortness of breath; nausea and vomiting; sweating; dizziness or fainting
Root Cause:
Complete blockage of a coronary artery due to a blood clot or plaque rupture, causing heart muscle damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG); blood tests for cardiac enzymes like troponin; echocardiography; coronary angiography
Treatment:
Emergency reperfusion therapy (e.g., percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis), followed by long-term management with medications and lifestyle changes.
Medications:
Medications include antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin , clopidogrel ), anticoagulants (e.g., heparin ), beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol ), ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril ), statins (e.g., atorvastatin ), and thrombolytics (e.g., alteplase ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Leading cause of death worldwide; prevalent among older adults and those with cardiovascular risk factors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High cholesterol; hypertension; diabetes; smoking; obesity; sedentary lifestyle; family history of heart disease
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis improves with early treatment; delayed treatment increases risk of heart failure and death.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; cardiac arrest; stroke; ventricular rupture
Unstable Angina
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Symptoms:
sudden and worsening chest pain; pain at rest or with minimal exertion; shortness of breath; nausea; sweating
Root Cause:
Acute reduction in blood flow to the heart due to ruptured plaque or clot formation in the coronary arteries.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG); blood tests for cardiac biomarkers like troponins; coronary angiography
Treatment:
Immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow, often involving antiplatelet therapy and coronary interventions.
Medications:
Medications include antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin , clopidogrel ), anticoagulants (e.g., heparin , enoxaparin ), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ), and statins (e.g., atorvastatin ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects individuals with existing coronary artery disease; a precursor to myocardial infarction.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced atherosclerosis; smoking; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; obesity; stress
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High risk of myocardial infarction; requires prompt and aggressive treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart attack; arrhythmias; sudden cardiac death
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat; chest pain; dizziness; shortness of breath; loss of consciousness; palpitations
Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical signals originating in the ventricles cause rapid and ineffective contractions, impairing blood flow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, cardiac MRI, or electrophysiology study.
Treatment:
Antiarrhythmic medications, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or catheter ablation.
Medications:
Amiodarone (antiarrhythmic), lidocaine (sodium channel blocker), beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol ), or magnesium sulfate (for Torsades de Pointes).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in the general population; more common in patients with underlying heart disease or structural abnormalities.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic conditions (e.g., long QT syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be life-threatening if untreated, but ICDs and medical therapy significantly improve survival.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, and syncope.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
sudden collapse; loss of consciousness; no pulse; agonal gasping (abnormal breathing)
Root Cause:
Disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles causes ineffective pumping and cessation of blood flow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) during cardiac arrest.
Treatment:
Immediate defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and treatment of underlying causes (e.g., coronary artery disease).
Medications:
Epinephrine (to support circulation), amiodarone or lidocaine (antiarrhythmics), and magnesium sulfate (for Torsades de Pointes).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Primary cause of sudden cardiac death, with approximately 300,000 cases annually in the U.S.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and electrolyte imbalances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor without immediate intervention; survival improves significantly with early defibrillation and CPR.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain damage due to lack of oxygen, recurrent VF, and death.
Pericarditis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
sharp chest pain (often relieved by sitting forward); fever; shortness of breath; heart palpitations; pericardial friction rub (a specific heart sound)
Root Cause:
Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), often due to viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or post-cardiac injury syndrome.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed based on clinical symptoms (e.g., chest pain relieved by sitting up), ECG changes (e.g., diffuse ST elevation), imaging such as echocardiography to detect pericardial effusion, and blood tests for inflammation markers.
Treatment:
Treatment typically includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids in severe or recurrent cases, along with addressing any underlying infections or conditions.
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen ), colchicine (to reduce inflammation and recurrence), and corticosteroids (for autoimmune-related pericarditis). Antibiotics are used for bacterial pericarditis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 27 cases per 100,000 people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Viral or bacterial infections; autoimmune diseases; recent heart attack; chest trauma or surgery
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves with treatment, but recurrent or chronic pericarditis may occur. Rarely progresses to constrictive pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac tamponade (fluid buildup compressing the heart); chronic constrictive pericarditis; recurrence of pericarditis
Aortic Dissection
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Arterial Disorders
Symptoms:
sudden, severe chest or upper back pain; pain radiating to the neck or down the back; shortness of breath; weakness or paralysis in limbs; fainting; differences in blood pressure between arms
Root Cause:
A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, potentially leading to rupture or organ ischemia.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using imaging such as CT angiography, MRI, or transesophageal echocardiography.
Treatment:
Treated with blood pressure control and urgent surgical or endovascular repair for type A dissections or severe type B dissections.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., labetalol or esmolol ) to lower blood pressure and heart rate; vasodilators like nitroprusside to reduce shear stress on the aorta.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is about 3-4 cases per 100,000 annually, more common in older adults, especially males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
uncontrolled hypertension; connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome); aortic aneurysm; bicuspid aortic valve; cocaine use
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality without prompt treatment; survival rates improve significantly with timely surgery and blood pressure management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
aortic rupture; organ ischemia; stroke; heart failure
Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis
Symptoms:
headache; jaw claudication (pain while chewing); scalp tenderness; vision loss; fever; fatigue; weight loss
Root Cause:
Inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries, especially the temporal arteries, due to an immune-mediated process.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical symptoms; elevated ESR and CRP; temporal artery biopsy (showing granulomatous inflammation); Doppler ultrasound of the temporal artery
Treatment:
High-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent complications, followed by a gradual tapering.
Medications:
Corticosteroids such as prednisone (anti-inflammatory), tocilizumab (an IL-6 receptor antagonist for refractory cases), and aspirin (antiplatelet therapy to reduce vascular complications).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 200 per 100,000 people aged over 50; more common in women and people of Northern European descent.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age >50 years; female sex; genetic predisposition (HLA-DR4); Northern European ancestry
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; untreated cases risk permanent vision loss or aortic aneurysm.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent vision loss; aortic aneurysm; stroke; vascular stenosis
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Thromboembolic Diseases
Symptoms:
sudden shortness of breath; chest pain that worsens with breathing; rapid heart rate; coughing up blood; lightheadedness; fainting; leg swelling or pain (indicative of deep vein thrombosis)
Root Cause:
A blockage in the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically caused by a blood clot that has traveled from the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical assessment, D-dimer testing, and imaging such as CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).
Treatment:
Treated with anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin, or DOACs) and thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy in severe cases.
Medications:
Anticoagulants like heparin (low molecular weight or unfractionated) and warfarin (vitamin K antagonist); direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban , apixaban , and dabigatran ; and thrombolytic agents like alteplase in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence in the general population is estimated at 60-70 cases per 100,000 annually; higher in hospitalized and post-surgical patients.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights or bed rest); surgery; trauma; pregnancy; oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy; cancer; obesity; family history of venous thromboembolism
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely diagnosis and treatment; untreated PE has a high mortality rate, but appropriate management reduces the risk of recurrence and complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH); right heart failure; recurrent pulmonary embolism; post-thrombotic syndrome
Atherosclerosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Symptoms:
chest pain or discomfort (angina); shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle weakness; cold or numb extremities; poor wound healing in extremities
Root Cause:
Buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arterial walls, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for cholesterol and triglycerides; angiography; ultrasound of blood vessels; CT or MRI scans; ankle-brachial index (ABI) test for peripheral artery disease
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), medications to reduce cholesterol and prevent clots, and procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery if necessary.
Medications:
Medications include statins (e.g., atorvastatin or rosuvastatin ) to reduce cholesterol, antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin , clopidogrel ) to prevent blood clots, and antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors like lisinopril or beta-blockers like metoprolol ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally; the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High LDL cholesterol; hypertension; diabetes; obesity; smoking; family history of heart disease; sedentary lifestyle
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive disease that can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart attack; stroke; peripheral artery disease; aneurysms; chronic kidney disease
Stable Angina
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Symptoms:
chest pain or discomfort triggered by physical activity or stress; pain usually subsides with rest; shortness of breath; nausea
Root Cause:
Reduced blood flow to the heart due to atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG); exercise stress test; coronary angiography; blood tests for cardiac enzymes
Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications, medications to improve blood flow and reduce heart workload, and coronary interventions if needed.
Medications:
Medications include nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ) to relieve chest pain, beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol ) to reduce heart workload, calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine ), and antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin ) to prevent clot formation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with coronary artery disease, especially those aged 50+.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; obesity; sedentary lifestyle; family history of heart disease
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms are controllable with medications and lifestyle changes, but it may progress to more severe forms of coronary artery disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to unstable angina; myocardial infarction; heart failure
Prinzmetal’s Angina (Variant Angina)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Symptoms:
chest pain that occurs at rest, often during nighttime; temporary st-segment elevation on ecg; pain relieved by nitrates or calcium channel blockers
Root Cause:
Coronary artery spasm temporarily reduces blood flow to the heart.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG during an episode; coronary angiography with vasospasm provocation tests
Treatment:
Medications to prevent or reduce coronary artery spasms; lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.
Medications:
Medications include calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem , amlodipine ) and nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ) to alleviate and prevent symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; occurs more often in younger patients or those without significant coronary artery disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking; stress; cold exposure; certain medications or drugs like cocaine
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment; severe cases may lead to arrhythmias or myocardial infarction.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias; myocardial infarction
Systolic Heart Failure (Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Heart Failure
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in legs, ankles, and feet; persistent cough or wheezing; reduced exercise tolerance
Root Cause:
Impaired ability of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively due to weakened heart muscle.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography to measure ejection fraction; chest X-ray; BNP blood test; ECG; cardiac MRI
Treatment:
Medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, devices like ICDs or LVADs; heart transplantation in severe cases.
Medications:
Medications include ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril ), beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol ), diuretics (e.g., furosemide ), aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ), and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) (e.g., sacubitril /valsartan ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among older adults with cardiovascular disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension; coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction; diabetes; obesity
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with variable outcomes; prognosis improves with optimal medical therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias; kidney damage; liver congestion; cardiac arrest
Diastolic Heart Failure (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Heart Failure
Symptoms:
shortness of breath, especially during exertion or lying flat; fatigue; swelling in legs and feet; persistent cough or wheezing
Root Cause:
Stiffness or impaired relaxation of the heart muscle, leading to inadequate filling of the ventricles despite normal ejection fraction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography with Doppler imaging; BNP blood test; chest X-ray; ECG
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, medications to manage comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes, and diuretics to control fluid retention.
Medications:
Medications include diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) to reduce congestion, beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol ) to lower heart rate, calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ) for relaxation, and RAAS inhibitors (e.g., ACE inhibitors like enalapril ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for about 50% of heart failure cases, common in older adults, especially women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension; obesity; diabetes; aging; coronary artery disease
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable; worse prognosis if underlying conditions are poorly controlled.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension; arrhythmias; worsening heart failure symptoms
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Heart Failure
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; swelling in legs, feet, and abdomen; persistent cough or wheezing; fatigue; weight gain due to fluid retention
Root Cause:
Reduced heart function leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other tissues.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography; chest X-ray; BNP blood test; ECG; cardiac MRI
Treatment:
Comprehensive management includes lifestyle changes, medications, and device therapy like ICDs or biventricular pacemakers.
Medications:
Medications include ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril ), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), diuretics (e.g., furosemide ), aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ), and ARNIs (e.g., sacubitril /valsartan ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally, especially in older adults with comorbid conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension; coronary artery disease; diabetes; obesity; valvular heart disease
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive, but with treatment, quality of life and longevity can improve significantly.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney dysfunction; arrhythmias; pulmonary edema; cardiac arrest
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Heart Failure
Symptoms:
severe shortness of breath; rapid weight gain due to fluid retention; swelling in legs and abdomen; fatigue; persistent cough with frothy or pink sputum
Root Cause:
Sudden worsening of heart failure symptoms, often triggered by an acute event like myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, or infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; echocardiography; chest X-ray; BNP blood test; ECG
Treatment:
Hospitalization for urgent treatment, including diuretics to relieve fluid overload, vasodilators, and inotropic agents if needed.
Medications:
Medications include IV diuretics (e.g., furosemide ), vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin ), and inotropic agents (e.g., dobutamine ) for severe cases. Long-term management involves heart failure medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common cause of hospitalization in older adults with chronic heart failure.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Uncontrolled hypertension; nonadherence to heart failure medications; acute infections; myocardial infarction
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable, depending on the severity of the acute episode and response to treatment; high risk of recurrent episodes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary edema; multi-organ failure; arrhythmias; death
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Cardiomyopathies
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet; irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias); chest pain or discomfort; fainting episodes
Root Cause:
The heart's ventricles (usually the left) become enlarged and weakened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, echocardiogram, EKG, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, blood tests, and sometimes a heart biopsy.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, medications, implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers or defibrillators), and in severe cases, heart transplantation.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol , metoprolol ), ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril , lisinopril ), ARBs (e.g., losartan , valsartan ), diuretics (e.g., furosemide ), aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ), and anticoagulants if there is a risk of blood clots.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 250 individuals; more common in men and often diagnosed in middle age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, viral infections, chronic alcohol use, chemotherapy, uncontrolled hypertension, or autoimmune conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; many patients live normal lives with treatment, though severe cases may progress to heart failure requiring advanced therapies.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and thromboembolism.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Cardiomyopathies
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen; palpitations; reduced exercise tolerance
Root Cause:
Stiffness of the heart muscle impairs its ability to fill with blood, leading to diastolic dysfunction while systolic function remains relatively normal.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, EKG, blood tests, and sometimes biopsy.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, as the condition is often progressive. Diuretics and anticoagulants may be used, and underlying causes (e.g., amyloidosis) are treated if identified.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) for symptom relief, anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin ) if atrial fibrillation is present, and medications specific to the underlying cause, such as tafamidis for transthyretin amyloidosis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; exact prevalence unknown but often associated with other systemic diseases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, radiation therapy, and connective tissue disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally poor without specific treatment for the underlying cause; supportive care can improve quality of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and thromboembolic events.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Cardiomyopathies
Symptoms:
palpitations; dizziness or fainting; shortness of breath; chest pain; sudden cardiac death during physical activity
Root Cause:
A genetic condition where the muscle tissue of the right ventricle is replaced by fat and fibrous tissue, leading to arrhythmias.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
EKG, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, and sometimes a biopsy.
Treatment:
Lifestyle modification (avoiding strenuous exercise), medications, ICDs, and catheter ablation for arrhythmias.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol ) and antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone , sotalol ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 5,000 people; more common in athletes and often diagnosed in young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., desmosomal protein genes), family history, and vigorous physical activity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition requiring close monitoring; risk of sudden cardiac death in untreated cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Cardiomyopathies
Symptoms:
sudden chest pain; shortness of breath; palpitations; fainting; symptoms mimicking a heart attack
Root Cause:
Temporary weakening or ballooning of the left ventricle, often triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, blood tests (troponin), coronary angiography to rule out blocked arteries.
Treatment:
Supportive care, managing symptoms, and addressing triggers. Most patients recover within weeks.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril ), and diuretics (e.g., spironolactone ) for heart function recovery.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for about 1-2% of all cases initially suspected to be heart attacks; more common in postmenopausal women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Extreme emotional or physical stress, prior mental health conditions, female sex, and postmenopausal status.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with appropriate care; most patients recover fully within weeks.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and recurrence in some cases.
Aortic Stenosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
chest pain (angina); shortness of breath; fatigue; fainting (syncope); heart murmur
Root Cause:
Narrowing of the aortic valve opening, leading to restricted blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through echocardiography to assess valve narrowing and blood flow, often supported by auscultation of a systolic murmur.
Treatment:
Treatment involves valve replacement or repair, typically through surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Medications:
Medications may include beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to reduce the heart’s workload, diuretics to manage fluid overload, and ACE inhibitors or ARBs for concurrent hypertension. These are supportive treatments rather than curative.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-4% of individuals over 65 years old in developed countries.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging; bicuspid aortic valve; rheumatic fever; calcium buildup on the valve; congenital valve abnormalities
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely valve replacement; untreated severe cases lead to heart failure or death within a few years after symptom onset.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; sudden cardiac death; endocarditis; blood clots
Aortic Regurgitation
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath (especially during exertion or lying flat); palpitations; swollen ankles or feet; chest pain
Root Cause:
The aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle, leading to volume overload.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Identified using echocardiography to evaluate valve insufficiency and regurgitant flow, often confirmed with cardiac MRI or CT in complex cases.
Treatment:
Management includes medications for heart failure symptoms and surgical valve repair or replacement in severe cases.
Medications:
Vasodilators (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or hydralazine ) can reduce afterload, and diuretics can relieve fluid overload. Beta-blockers may also be used if concurrent hypertension or arrhythmias exist.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 2-5% of adults, often increasing with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension; Marfan syndrome; infective endocarditis; rheumatic fever; congenital valve malformation
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on severity; mild cases may remain stable, while severe cases require valve replacement to prevent heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; endocarditis; aortic aneurysm or dissection
Mitral Stenosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; palpitations; swollen feet or ankles; hemoptysis (coughing up blood); heart murmur
Root Cause:
Narrowing of the mitral valve, leading to restricted blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via echocardiography to measure mitral valve area and detect restricted flow, often accompanied by auscultation of a diastolic murmur.
Treatment:
Treatment includes percutaneous balloon valvotomy, surgical repair, or valve replacement, often supported by diuretics for symptom control.
Medications:
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants) to prevent thromboembolism, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to manage atrial fibrillation, and diuretics to reduce pulmonary congestion.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in developed countries; more common in developing regions due to rheumatic fever.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of rheumatic fever; female sex; atrial fibrillation; endocarditis
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated cases often progress to severe pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Atrial fibrillation; pulmonary hypertension; stroke; heart failure
Mitral Regurgitation
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; palpitations; swelling in feet or ankles; heart murmur
Root Cause:
Mitral valve allows blood to flow backward into the left atrium, causing volume overload in the heart.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Evaluated with echocardiography to visualize regurgitant flow and assess valve structure and function.
Treatment:
Options include medical management for symptoms and surgical repair or replacement in severe or symptomatic cases.
Medications:
Vasodilators (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs), diuretics for fluid management, and anticoagulants if atrial fibrillation is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 2% of the population; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Connective tissue disorders; rheumatic fever; infective endocarditis; previous heart attack
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely intervention; untreated severe regurgitation can lead to heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; atrial fibrillation; pulmonary hypertension
Tricuspid Stenosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fatigue; swelling in the abdomen or legs; cold extremities; distended neck veins; fluttering sensation in the neck; heart murmur
Root Cause:
Narrowing of the tricuspid valve restricts blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle, leading to systemic venous congestion.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using echocardiography to assess valve narrowing and confirm elevated pressure gradients across the valve.
Treatment:
Treated with valve replacement or repair, often combined with managing associated conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure.
Medications:
Diuretics, such as furosemide , are commonly used to manage systemic fluid overload and relieve symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, often associated with rheumatic heart disease or congenital defects.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Rheumatic fever; carcinoid syndrome; congenital abnormalities; prosthetic valve dysfunction
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on underlying cause; good prognosis with surgical correction but poor if left untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; atrial fibrillation; systemic congestion leading to liver and kidney dysfunction
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fatigue; swelling in the abdomen, legs, or ankles; distended neck veins; shortness of breath with exertion; heart murmur
Root Cause:
The tricuspid valve allows blood to flow backward into the right atrium, causing systemic venous congestion and right-sided heart strain.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Identified through echocardiography to detect regurgitant flow and evaluate the severity of valve dysfunction.
Treatment:
Focuses on treating underlying causes and symptoms, with surgical or transcatheter valve repair or replacement for severe cases.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide or spironolactone ) are used to manage fluid retention. In some cases, vasodilators may be used for pulmonary hypertension.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Commonly found in mild form; severe cases are less common and typically secondary to other heart conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pulmonary hypertension; rheumatic fever; infective endocarditis; prior heart surgery
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; mild cases may not require intervention, but severe cases can lead to right-sided heart failure if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure; arrhythmias; systemic congestion
Pulmonic Stenosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; heart murmur; fainting (syncope); cyanosis in severe cases
Root Cause:
Narrowing of the pulmonic valve restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries, increasing the workload on the right heart.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with echocardiography and Doppler imaging to measure valve narrowing and pressure gradients.
Treatment:
Managed with balloon valvuloplasty or surgical intervention in severe or symptomatic cases.
Medications:
Medications are typically not needed, but diuretics may be used to manage fluid retention in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A rare congenital heart defect, occurring in about 0.6-0.8 per 1,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital heart defects; Noonan syndrome; Carcinoid syndrome
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated severe cases can lead to right-sided heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure; arrhythmias; cyanosis; infective endocarditis
Pulmonic Regurgitation
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; swelling in the legs or abdomen; palpitations; heart murmur
Root Cause:
The pulmonic valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the right ventricle, causing volume overload and strain on the right side of the heart.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Evaluated using echocardiography to detect regurgitant flow and assess right heart function.
Treatment:
Typically monitored, with surgical or transcatheter valve replacement reserved for severe cases causing right heart dysfunction.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) for fluid management; vasodilators (e.g., prostacyclin analogs or endothelin receptor antagonists) may be used to address underlying pulmonary hypertension.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare as an isolated condition; more commonly secondary to pulmonary hypertension or previous cardiac surgery.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pulmonary hypertension; tetralogy of Fallot repair; endocarditis; rheumatic fever
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated cases can lead to right-sided heart failure over time.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure; arrhythmias; infective endocarditis
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
heart murmur; difficulty feeding in infants; poor growth; fatigue; shortness of breath; frequent respiratory infections
Root Cause:
A hole in the ventricular septum (wall separating the heart's lower chambers) allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG, cardiac MRI, or cardiac catheterization.
Treatment:
Small VSDs may close on their own; larger defects require surgical repair or catheter-based closure.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) to manage fluid overload, ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril ) to reduce heart strain, and digoxin to improve heart function.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common congenital heart defect, occurring in 1-3 per 1,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome), maternal infections, or toxin exposure during pregnancy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Very good if repaired early; untreated large defects may lead to heart failure or Eisenmenger syndrome.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, arrhythmias, heart failure.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
cyanosis (bluish skin); shortness of breath; clubbing of fingers and toes; poor weight gain; fainting; heart murmur
Root Cause:
A combination of four defects
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray (showing a "boot-shaped" heart), ECG, pulse oximetry, cardiac catheterization, or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Surgical repair (intracardiac repair) during infancy; temporary shunt placement may be needed for stabilization.
Medications:
Prostaglandins (to keep the ductus arteriosus open in neonates), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) to manage "Tet spells" (cyanotic episodes).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 1 in 3,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome), maternal rubella or toxin exposure during pregnancy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with surgery; ongoing monitoring for arrhythmias or pulmonary valve issues is required.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, pulmonary regurgitation, heart failure, sudden cardiac death.
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
severe cyanosis shortly after birth; rapid breathing; poor feeding; heart murmur
Root Cause:
The positions of the aorta and pulmonary artery are reversed, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate to the body and oxygen-rich blood to recirculate to the lungs.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray (showing "egg on a string" appearance), ECG, or cardiac catheterization.
Treatment:
Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductus arteriosus patency, balloon atrial septostomy for stabilization, and surgical arterial switch procedure.
Medications:
Prostaglandin E1 (a prostaglandin analog) to maintain ductus arteriosus patency until surgery.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 3,500 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Maternal diabetes, genetic factors, or inadequate prenatal care.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely surgical repair; requires lifelong monitoring for complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, coronary artery problems, heart failure.
Ebstein’s Anomaly
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
cyanosis; shortness of breath; heart palpitations; fatigue; heart murmur; swelling in the legs or abdomen
Root Cause:
Malformation of the tricuspid valve, which is displaced downward into the right ventricle, causing abnormal blood flow and heart function.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG, or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Observation for mild cases, surgical repair or valve replacement for severe cases, and arrhythmia management with medication or catheter ablation.
Medications:
Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone or sotalol ) to manage arrhythmias; diuretics to manage fluid retention.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in about 1 in 20,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Maternal lithium use during pregnancy, genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies depending on severity; mild cases may have a near-normal life expectancy, while severe cases require surgical intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, infective endocarditis.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
irregular or rapid heartbeat; palpitations; shortness of breath; fatigue; dizziness; chest pain
Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical signals in the atria cause them to beat irregularly and out of sync with the ventricles.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress tests, or event recorders.
Treatment:
Rate control (medications), rhythm control (medications or cardioversion), catheter ablation, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, avoiding triggers).
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem ), antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone ), and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , apixaban , or rivaroxaban ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of the global population, with increasing prevalence in individuals over 65 years of age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and hyperthyroidism.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate management, patients can maintain a good quality of life, but the condition increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, heart failure, blood clots, and cardiomyopathy.
Atrial Flutter
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
rapid heart rate; palpitations; shortness of breath; fatigue; lightheadedness; chest discomfort
Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical signals in the atria create a "sawtooth" rhythm, leading to rapid and organized contractions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, or electrophysiology study.
Treatment:
Cardioversion, catheter ablation, rate control, and rhythm control with medications or procedures.
Medications:
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem ), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol ), anticoagulants (e.g., dabigatran or warfarin ), and antiarrhythmics (e.g., sotalol or flecainide ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than AFib, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1–1% in the general population, more common in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, hypertension, previous heart surgery, structural heart disease, and thyroid dysfunction.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often treatable, especially with catheter ablation, but recurrence is possible without intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, heart failure, and progression to atrial fibrillation.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat; palpitations; dizziness; shortness of breath; chest tightness; fainting (syncope)
Root Cause:
Rapid electrical activity originating above the ventricles, often due to reentrant circuits or accessory pathways.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, event recorder, or electrophysiology study.
Treatment:
Vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter ablation, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding stimulants like caffeine).
Medications:
Adenosine (acute episodes), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), and antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 2.25 per 1,000 people, with a higher prevalence in women and younger individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Structural heart abnormalities, accessory pathways (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), thyroid dysfunction, and caffeine or stimulant use.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually benign and treatable, especially with catheter ablation, but recurrent episodes can affect quality of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, syncope, or progression to more severe arrhythmias.
Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
heart palpitations; irregular heartbeat; skipped beats; mild chest discomfort; anxiety
Root Cause:
Early electrical impulses in the atria disrupt the normal heart rhythm.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, or event monitor.
Treatment:
Usually benign and requires no treatment; lifestyle changes or beta-blockers for symptomatic cases.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ) are sometimes used to reduce symptoms in symptomatic patients.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common and often asymptomatic; prevalence increases with age and in individuals with heart disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, electrolyte imbalances, and structural heart disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Benign in most cases but may precede more significant arrhythmias like AFib.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; may progress to atrial fibrillation or cause significant symptoms in predisposed individuals.
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest; skipped or extra heartbeats; lightheadedness; occasionally asymptomatic
Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical impulses originating in the ventricles disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, causing premature heartbeats.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, event monitor, or exercise stress test.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing caffeine or alcohol), stress management, beta-blockers, or catheter ablation for severe cases.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol , atenolol ) may be prescribed to reduce the frequency of PVCs. Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., flecainide , amiodarone ) may also be used in more severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
PVCs are common and may occur in healthy individuals or those with heart conditions; up to 50-60% of adults experience them.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, electrolyte imbalances, heart disease, and certain medications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally benign in healthy individuals but may indicate underlying heart disease if frequent or symptomatic.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rarely, frequent PVCs can lead to cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
fatigue; dizziness; syncope (fainting); bradycardia or tachycardia; shortness of breath; palpitations
Root Cause:
Dysfunction of the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's natural pacemaker, causing irregular heart rhythms (bradycardia, tachycardia, or alternating rhythms).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG, Holter monitoring, event monitoring, or electrophysiological studies.
Treatment:
Pacemaker implantation is the primary treatment; antiarrhythmic medications may be needed for tachyarrhythmias.
Medications:
For tachyarrhythmias, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem ), or antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone ) may be prescribed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in the elderly, with increasing prevalence due to aging; estimated to affect 1 in 600 cardiac patients over age 65.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, heart disease, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With a pacemaker, most individuals live normal lives, though it may indicate underlying cardiac conditions.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Syncope, heart failure, stroke (due to tachyarrhythmias like atrial fibrillation).
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
palpitations; dizziness; shortness of breath; chest pain; syncope; rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Root Cause:
Presence of an extra electrical pathway (accessory pathway) in the heart leads to episodes of tachycardia or pre-excitation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG showing a shortened PR interval and delta waves, electrophysiological testing, or Holter monitoring.
Treatment:
Catheter ablation is the preferred treatment; vagal maneuvers and medications may control acute episodes.
Medications:
Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., procainamide or flecainide ) may be used to manage symptoms. Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers are avoided if atrial fibrillation is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in about 1-3 per 1,000 people; often diagnosed in younger individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital condition; family history may play a role.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with catheter ablation; untreated WPW may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Brugada Syndrome
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
syncope; palpitations; seizures; sudden cardiac arrest, often during sleep or rest
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation affecting sodium channels in the heart, leading to abnormal electrical activity and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG (coved ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V3), genetic testing, or drug challenge tests.
Treatment:
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the primary treatment; lifestyle changes and avoidance of triggers (e.g., fever, certain medications).
Medications:
Quinidine (antiarrhythmic) may be used to reduce arrhythmias in patients not eligible for an ICD.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 individuals; more common in Southeast Asian populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex, family history, fever, and certain medications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; high risk of sudden cardiac death without treatment, but good outcomes with an ICD.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sudden cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation.
Heart Block
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Symptoms:
fatigue; dizziness; fainting; shortness of breath; bradycardia
Root Cause:
Impaired electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles, ranging from delayed conduction (first-degree) to complete block (third-degree).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG, Holter monitoring, or electrophysiological studies.
Treatment:
May include pacemaker implantation for symptomatic or advanced cases.
Medications:
No specific medications for heart block, but beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may worsen conduction delays. Pacemakers manage severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
First-degree block
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, Lyme disease, and medications (e.g., digoxin, beta-blockers).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
First-degree has an excellent prognosis. Advanced blocks require pacemaker but can allow a normal life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Syncope, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.
Endocarditis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
fever; fatigue; heart murmurs; shortness of breath; unexplained weight loss; petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin); janeway lesions or osler nodes
Root Cause:
Infection or inflammation of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart) and often the heart valves, typically caused by bacteria or fungi entering the bloodstream.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through blood cultures and echocardiography to detect infection and vegetation
Treatment:
Treated with prolonged intravenous antibiotics and sometimes valve surgery.
Medications:
Antibiotics such as penicillin, ceftriaxone , or vancomycin (bacterial infections); antifungals like amphotericin B for fungal endocarditis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 3-10 cases per 100,000 people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prosthetic heart valves; congenital heart defects; IV drug use; previous endocarditis; rheumatic heart disease
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, prognosis is generally good; untreated, it is often fatal.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart valve damage; heart failure; stroke or embolism; abscess formation; sepsis
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; swelling in the legs; heart murmur
Root Cause:
Chronic damage to the heart valves caused by an autoimmune response to untreated streptococcal infections (group A strep).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by echocardiography and clinical history of rheumatic fever.
Treatment:
Treatment includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and valve repair or replacement for severe damage.
Medications:
Long-term antibiotics (e.g., penicillin prophylaxis), diuretics for fluid management, and anticoagulants to prevent embolism.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 39 million people worldwide, primarily in low-income countries.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated strep throat; poverty; poor access to healthcare; overcrowding
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong monitoring and treatment required; severe valve damage may necessitate surgery.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; stroke; infective endocarditis
Libman-Sacks Endocarditis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Heart Diseases
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic; fever; fatigue; heart murmurs; symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (sle)
Root Cause:
Formation of sterile vegetations on heart valves, caused by an autoimmune response in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using echocardiography and associated with lupus serologies.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on managing the underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anticoagulation for thromboembolic prevention.
Medications:
Immunosuppressants (e.g., hydroxychloroquine , corticosteroids) and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin ) to reduce embolism risk.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; seen in 10-15% of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); antiphospholipid syndrome; autoimmune diseases
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies depending on lupus severity and valve damage; risk of complications like embolism or secondary infections.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke or embolism; infective endocarditis; progressive valve dysfunction
Essential Hypertension (Primary Hypertension)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic; headaches; dizziness; blurred vision; shortness of breath; nosebleeds (rare)
Root Cause:
Chronic elevation of blood pressure with no identifiable secondary cause, likely due to genetic and environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Repeated blood pressure measurements; ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM); basic labs (CBC, CMP, lipid panel, urinalysis); EKG to check for complications
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications (DASH diet), regular physical activity, weight management, and pharmacological interventions.
Medications:
First-line medications include thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide ), ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril ), ARBs (e.g., losartan ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine ), and beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol , used in select patients).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 30-45% of adults globally; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history; obesity; high salt intake; sedentary lifestyle; smoking; alcohol consumption; stress; age (older individuals)
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be well-managed with treatment; untreated hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Left ventricular hypertrophy; heart failure; stroke; chronic kidney disease; retinopathy; vascular dementia
Secondary Hypertension
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Symptoms:
depends on underlying cause; persistent elevated blood pressure; fatigue; headaches; chest pain; dizziness
Root Cause:
Elevated blood pressure due to an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders (e.g., hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome), or medication side effects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed medical history; physical exam; labs (renal function, hormone levels); imaging (renal ultrasound, CT scan); 24-hour urine studies
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause (e.g., surgery for adrenal tumors, discontinuation of causative medications) and controlling blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medications.
Medications:
Treatment may include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics, depending on the underlying cause. For specific causes like hyperaldosteronism, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ) are used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for approximately 5-10% of hypertension cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Kidney disease; endocrine disorders; renal artery stenosis; medication use (e.g., NSAIDs, decongestants); sleep apnea
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; blood pressure can often be normalized or significantly improved with appropriate treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to essential hypertension; organ damage (heart, kidneys, eyes); stroke; cardiovascular disease
Hypertensive Crisis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Symptoms:
severe headache; blurred vision; shortness of breath; chest pain; confusion; nausea/vomiting; nosebleeds
Root Cause:
Sudden, severe elevation of blood pressure (≥180/120 mmHg) with or without acute organ damage. Hypertensive emergency involves organ damage, while urgency does not.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement; assessment for end-organ damage (e.g., labs for kidney function, EKG, imaging for stroke or heart damage)
Treatment:
Immediate reduction of blood pressure in a controlled manner to prevent or minimize organ damage. In emergencies, intravenous medications are used.
Medications:
For hypertensive emergencies, IV medications such as nitroprusside (vasodilator), labetalol (beta-blocker), or nicardipine (calcium channel blocker). For urgency, oral medications like captopril (ACE inhibitor) or clonidine (alpha agonist) are used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, but more common in patients with poorly controlled hypertension or non-adherence to treatment.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Uncontrolled hypertension; kidney disease; pheochromocytoma; pregnancy-related hypertension (e.g., preeclampsia); sudden discontinuation of antihypertensive medications
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, prognosis is good; delayed treatment can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke; heart attack; acute kidney injury; pulmonary edema; aortic dissection
Pulmonary Hypertension
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Symptoms:
shortness of breath (especially during exertion); fatigue; chest pain; palpitations; leg swelling (edema); syncope (fainting)
Root Cause:
Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease, or idiopathic origins.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram; right heart catheterization (gold standard); chest X-ray; CT or MRI of the chest; blood tests for autoimmune or infectious causes
Treatment:
Depends on the underlying cause and includes supportive care, oxygen therapy, medications to lower pulmonary artery pressure, and, in severe cases, lung transplantation.
Medications:
Endothelin receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan); phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil); prostacyclin analogs (e.g., epoprostenol); calcium channel blockers (for select patients)
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; prevalence varies by subgroup (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is ~5-15 cases per million adults annually).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Connective tissue diseases; congenital heart disease; chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, interstitial lung disease); family history; HIV infection; drug/toxin exposure (e.g., certain weight loss drugs)
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive; survival depends on the underlying cause and treatment. With advanced therapies, quality of life and survival rates have improved.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right heart failure; arrhythmias; blood clots; pulmonary edema; sudden cardiac death
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Aneurysms
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic; when symptomatic, symptoms may include abdominal or back pain, a pulsating sensation near the navel, and a feeling of fullness.
Root Cause:
Weakening and dilation of the abdominal aorta due to chronic stress on the vessel wall and underlying connective tissue disorders.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound (primary screening tool), CT scan, or MRI to confirm size and location.
Treatment:
Regular monitoring for small aneurysms, lifestyle changes, and surgical repair (open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]) for large or symptomatic aneurysms.
Medications:
Beta-blockers and statins may be used to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of rupture.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1-3% in men over 65 years old; less common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, male gender, age >65, family history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early detection and management; high mortality if rupture occurs.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rupture, internal bleeding, and death.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Aneurysms
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic; symptoms may include chest or back pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, and signs of compression of nearby structures.
Root Cause:
Weakening of the thoracic aorta due to genetic factors, hypertension, or trauma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, CT angiography, or MRI.
Treatment:
Monitoring for small aneurysms; surgical repair (open surgery or thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]) for large or symptomatic cases.
Medications:
Antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce stress on the aortic wall.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than AAA; affects 6-10 per 100,000 individuals annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, connective tissue disorders, and a family history of aortic disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on size and growth rate; high mortality if rupture occurs.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rupture, aortic dissection, and compression of adjacent structures.
Cerebral Aneurysm
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Aneurysms
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic unless rupture occurs; symptoms of rupture include sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and loss of consciousness.
Root Cause:
Weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein, leading to a balloon-like bulge.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan, MRI, or cerebral angiography.
Treatment:
Observation for small aneurysms; surgical clipping or endovascular coiling for larger or symptomatic aneurysms.
Medications:
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nimodipine ) to reduce vasospasm after rupture; anticonvulsants for seizure management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Found in 2-5% of the general population; rupture risk is low for small aneurysms.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, smoking, family history, polycystic kidney disease, and connective tissue disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated before rupture; poor if rupture leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rupture, stroke, hydrocephalus, and neurological deficits.
Intermittent Claudication
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Symptoms:
pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs during exercise that resolves with rest.
Root Cause:
Reduced blood flow to the muscles due to peripheral artery disease (PAD).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, or angiography.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, supervised exercise programs, and, in severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Medications:
Cilostazol (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor to improve walking distance) and antiplatelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10% of individuals over 55 years old.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and advanced age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with lifestyle changes and medication; untreated cases may progress to critical limb ischemia.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Ulcers, gangrene, and potential limb loss.
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Symptoms:
persistent pain in the legs or feet, especially at rest, non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes, and gangrene (in severe cases).
Root Cause:
Severe obstruction of blood flow to the extremities due to advanced peripheral artery disease (PAD).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, CT or MR angiography, and clinical examination of ulcers and ischemic tissue.
Treatment:
Revascularization through angioplasty or bypass surgery, wound care, and, in severe cases, amputation.
Medications:
Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel ), anticoagulants (e.g., heparin ), and vasodilators (e.g., prostaglandins) to improve circulation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2% of individuals with peripheral artery disease; higher in individuals with diabetes or smoking history.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, advanced age, and chronic kidney disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor without intervention; high risk of amputation and cardiovascular death within one year.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tissue necrosis, infection, sepsis, and limb amputation.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Venous Disorders
Symptoms:
swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected leg, often in the calf or thigh
Root Cause:
Formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, typically of the lower extremities, due to venous stasis, hypercoagulability, or endothelial injury (Virchow's triad).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Doppler ultrasound, D-dimer blood test, and venography (in rare cases).
Treatment:
Anticoagulation therapy, compression stockings, and in some cases, thrombolysis or surgical thrombectomy.
Medications:
Anticoagulants such as heparin , warfarin , or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban and apixaban ; thrombolytics like alteplase in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 1,000 adults annually; higher in hospitalized or immobile patients.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and genetic clotting disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden mutation).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; untreated DVT may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and recurrent DVT.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Venous Disorders
Symptoms:
leg swelling, aching, heaviness; varicose veins; skin discoloration; venous ulcers
Root Cause:
Impaired venous return due to damaged valves in the veins, leading to blood pooling and increased venous pressure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound, and venography (if necessary).
Treatment:
Compression therapy (stockings), lifestyle modifications (e.g., leg elevation, exercise), and surgical intervention (e.g., vein ablation or stripping) for severe cases.
Medications:
Venoactive drugs such as diosmin or hesperidin to improve venous tone; diuretics for associated edema.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5-30% of adults, with higher rates in older populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, pregnancy, age, family history, and history of DVT.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with management; severe cases may lead to chronic pain and ulcers.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Venous ulcers, cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis, and lipodermatosclerosis.
Varicose Veins
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Venous Disorders
Symptoms:
enlarged, twisted veins (usually in the legs), aching, heaviness, swelling, and itching or burning near the affected veins
Root Cause:
Valve dysfunction in superficial veins, causing blood to pool and veins to become distended.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound to assess venous reflux.
Treatment:
Compression stockings, sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, or surgical removal (vein stripping or phlebectomy).
Medications:
Venoactive drugs like micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) to alleviate symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 25-30% of adults, more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, family history, and advanced age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good; manageable with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Superficial thrombophlebitis, skin ulcers, and bleeding from ruptured veins.
Venous Ulcers
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Venous Disorders
Symptoms:
open sores or wounds, usually on the inner side of the lower leg, surrounded by swollen, discolored, or hardened skin.
Root Cause:
Chronic venous insufficiency leading to increased venous pressure and poor wound healing.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound to confirm venous insufficiency, and exclusion of arterial disease.
Treatment:
Compression therapy, wound care with dressings, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, venous surgery to improve blood flow.
Medications:
Topical agents (e.g., antimicrobial creams), pentoxifylline (a vasoactive agent to promote healing), and pain management medications.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2% of the population, particularly older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic venous insufficiency, obesity, immobility, and history of DVT.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Healing can be slow; good with proper care but high recurrence rates without addressing underlying venous issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and chronic pain.
Thrombophlebitis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Thromboembolic Diseases
Symptoms:
localized redness, warmth, and swelling along a vein; pain or tenderness in the affected area; a firm, cord-like vein under the skin
Root Cause:
Inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot, often occurring in superficial veins (superficial thrombophlebitis).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound.
Treatment:
Treated with compression, anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulants, and in severe cases, vein removal or ligation.
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation; anticoagulants (e.g., heparin , DOACs) for cases involving deeper veins.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with varicose veins or following intravenous cannulation; superficial thrombophlebitis is less common than DVT.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
varicose veins; prolonged immobility; IV catheter use; pregnancy; cancer; oral contraceptives; clotting disorders
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually self-limiting for superficial cases; deeper vein involvement requires anticoagulation to prevent complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT); pulmonary embolism (if a clot migrates); infection in rare cases
Carotid Artery Disease
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Arterial Disorders
Symptoms:
transient ischemic attacks (tias); sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision problems in one eye; dizziness or loss of balance
Root Cause:
Narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of stroke.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using carotid ultrasound, CT, or MR angiography.
Treatment:
Treated with lifestyle changes, antiplatelet medications, and surgical or endovascular procedures like carotid endarterectomy or stenting for severe stenosis.
Medications:
Antiplatelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel ; statins to lower cholesterol; antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers) to manage blood pressure.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5-10% of adults over age 65; prevalence increases with age and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
age; smoking; high blood pressure; diabetes; high cholesterol; family history of atherosclerosis or stroke
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early detection and treatment, the risk of stroke can be significantly reduced; untreated, it can lead to major cerebrovascular events.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
stroke; transient ischemic attacks (TIAs); embolization causing distal vessel blockages
Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Arterial Disorders
Symptoms:
pain in the hands or feet, worsened by activity; cold sensitivity; skin ulcers or gangrene on fingers or toes; bluish discoloration of extremities; claudication (pain in muscles with exertion)
Root Cause:
Inflammation and thrombosis of small and medium-sized arteries and veins, strongly associated with tobacco use.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via clinical criteria and exclusion of other conditions, supported by angiography.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on smoking cessation, managing symptoms, and in severe cases, amputation if tissue loss occurs.
Medications:
Vasodilators like nifedipine or iloprost to improve blood flow; antiplatelet agents like aspirin ; anticoagulants are typically not effective.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with highest incidence in young male smokers; prevalence varies by geographic region and smoking habits.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
smoking or tobacco use (including chewing tobacco); male gender; age 20-45; genetic predisposition
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor if smoking cessation is not achieved; disease progression often leads to gangrene and amputation. Smoking cessation significantly improves outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
chronic pain; ulceration and infection; amputation of affected limbs
Takayasu Arteritis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis
Symptoms:
fatigue; arm or leg claudication; diminished or absent pulses; blood pressure discrepancies; fever; night sweats; weight loss
Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation of large vessels, particularly the aorta and its major branches, causing stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysms.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Angiography (CT or MRI); vascular ultrasound; elevated ESR and CRP; clinical findings such as pulse deficits
Treatment:
Corticosteroids for inflammation control and immunosuppressants in refractory cases.
Medications:
Prednisone (corticosteroid), methotrexate or azathioprine (immunosuppressants), and biologics like tocilizumab or infliximab (TNF inhibitors) in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated incidence of 1-3 cases per million annually; more common in women of Asian descent aged 10–40 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex; Asian or Indian ancestry; young age (10–40 years); genetic predisposition
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; most cases respond to treatment, but some experience relapses or vascular complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Aneurysms; vascular stenosis; ischemic stroke; aortic regurgitation
Polyarteritis Nodasa
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis
Symptoms:
fever; weight loss; abdominal pain; muscle aches; skin rashes; neuropathy; hypertension
Root Cause:
Necrotizing vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries, leading to tissue ischemia and organ damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biopsy of affected tissue; angiography; elevated ESR/CRP; hepatitis B serology (associated in some cases)
Treatment:
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs for inflammation control. Treat underlying hepatitis B if present.
Medications:
Prednisone (corticosteroid), cyclophosphamide (immunosuppressant), and antiviral therapy if hepatitis B is involved.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is 2–9 per million annually; more common in men aged 40–60 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hepatitis B infection; male sex; middle age
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be life-threatening without treatment but good with early intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Renal failure; intestinal perforation; stroke; peripheral neuropathy
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Dyslipidemia
Symptoms:
tendon xanthomas; xanthelasmas (yellow deposits around the eyes); corneal arcus (gray-white ring around the cornea); premature cardiovascular disease
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation (commonly in the LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes) leading to impaired clearance of LDL cholesterol, resulting in extremely high LDL levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lipid panel showing LDL >190 mg/dL (in adults) or >160 mg/dL (in children), family history of early cardiovascular disease, and genetic testing.
Treatment:
Aggressive LDL-lowering therapy, often starting at a young age. Lifestyle changes and combination medications are used.
Medications:
High-potency statins (e.g., atorvastatin , rosuvastatin ), ezetimibe , PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., evolocumab , alirocumab ), bile acid sequestrants, and LDL apheresis in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia affects 1 in 250 people; homozygous form is rarer (1 in 1 million).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of early cardiovascular disease; inheritance of a mutation in LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable but requires lifelong management; untreated cases lead to early cardiovascular events.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction; stroke; aortic stenosis
Myxoma
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Heart Tumors
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations; syncope (fainting); systemic embolism (stroke or arterial blockage); fever; fatigue
Root Cause:
A benign tumor originating in the heart, most commonly in the left atrium, attached to the interatrial septum.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via echocardiography or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Treated with surgical resection.
Medications:
No specific medications treat myxoma itself; anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin ) may be used to prevent embolic events if indicated.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5 per million people per year.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sporadic in most cases; familial forms may occur in Carney complex (a genetic syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with surgical removal; recurrence is rare but possible in familial cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Embolic events (stroke, organ infarction), valve obstruction, arrhythmias, sudden death.
Rhabdomyoma
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Dyslipidemia
Symptoms:
heart murmurs; arrhythmias; heart failure; shortness of breath; cyanosis in severe cases
Root Cause:
A benign tumor of the heart muscle, often associated with tuberous sclerosis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with echocardiography or MRI, often in infants or children.
Treatment:
Treatment may not be required as many regress spontaneously, but surgery is needed if symptomatic.
Medications:
Everolimus (an mTOR inhibitor) may reduce tumor size in tuberous sclerosis-associated rhabdomyomas.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with most cases occurring in infants and children.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tuberous sclerosis (genetic disorder).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good; many regress spontaneously. Symptomatic cases improve after surgery.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Obstructed blood flow, arrhythmias, heart failure.
Metastatic Tumors to the Heart
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Dyslipidemia
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; arrhythmias; heart failure symptoms; pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
Root Cause:
Secondary invasion of the heart by cancers such as lung, breast, or melanoma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through imaging like echocardiography, CT, or MRI, and biopsy if needed.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on palliative care, chemotherapy, or radiation for the primary cancer.
Medications:
Depends on the primary cancer type (e.g., platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than primary cardiac tumors; seen in advanced cancer cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced-stage cancer, aggressive malignancies, hematogenous spread.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor, due to advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, tamponade, arrhythmias.
Cardiogenic Shock
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Shock Syndromes
Symptoms:
hypotension; cold, clammy skin; altered mental status; weak pulse; reduced urine output; shortness of breath
Root Cause:
Severe pump failure, often due to myocardial infarction (heart attack) or advanced heart failure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by clinical signs, echocardiography, and hemodynamic monitoring.
Treatment:
Treated with inotropes, mechanical support (e.g., intra-aortic balloon pump), and addressing the underlying cause.
Medications:
Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine ), inotropes (e.g., dobutamine ), and diuretics if pulmonary congestion is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 5–10% of acute myocardial infarctions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Acute MI, heart failure, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality (~40–50%) even with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multi-organ failure, death.
Hypovolemic Shock
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Shock Syndromes
Symptoms:
hypotension; tachycardia; pale, cool skin; reduced urine output; altered mental status
Root Cause:
Severe blood or fluid loss leading to inadequate perfusion.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via clinical signs and laboratory tests indicating blood/fluid loss.
Treatment:
Treated with fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and addressing the source of bleeding or fluid loss.
Medications:
No direct medications; supportive treatments include vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine ) if fluids are insufficient.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in trauma or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, surgery, severe burns, dehydration.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable, depending on the severity and rapidity of treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ failure, death.
Septic Shock
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Shock Syndromes
Symptoms:
fever; low blood pressure; tachycardia; altered mental status; warm or cold skin depending on phase
Root Cause:
Systemic infection leading to widespread inflammation, vasodilation, and cardiovascular collapse.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by clinical signs, elevated lactate, and infection markers.
Treatment:
Treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, vasopressors, and source control.
Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam), vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine ), corticosteroids (if refractory).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 20–30 million people annually worldwide; high in ICUs.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, chronic illness, invasive devices, severe infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality (20–50%), depending on timely treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multi-organ failure, death.
Obstructive Shock
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Shock Syndromes
Symptoms:
severe hypotension; shortness of breath; distended neck veins; cold extremities
Root Cause:
Physical obstruction to blood flow (e.g., pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by imaging (e.g., echocardiography or CT) to identify obstruction.
Treatment:
Treated by relieving the obstruction (e.g., thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism, pericardiocentesis for tamponade).
Medications:
Thrombolytics (e.g., alteplase ) for pulmonary embolism; vasopressors may stabilize hemodynamics.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than other shock types; associated with specific conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pulmonary embolism, trauma, malignancy, pericarditis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable, depending on the cause and promptness of treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multi-organ failure, death.
Post-Myocardial Infarction Syndrome (Dressler Syndrome)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications
Symptoms:
chest pain (pleuritic in nature); fever; pericardial friction rub; fatigue; malaise
Root Cause:
An immune-mediated inflammatory response to myocardial injury, involving the pericardium, pleura, or both.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation (chest pain and fever), echocardiography (to identify pericardial effusion), and elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Rule out other causes of fever or chest pain following a myocardial infarction.
Treatment:
Anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care.
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen , corticosteroids like prednisone (if NSAIDs are ineffective or contraindicated), and colchicine to reduce recurrence risk.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 1-5% of patients after a myocardial infarction.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent myocardial infarction, history of pericarditis, autoimmune disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment; symptoms resolve in most cases without long-term complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pericarditis, large pericardial effusion leading to tamponade, recurrence of symptoms.
Complications of Heart Valve Surgery
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications
Symptoms:
fever; fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; arrhythmias; swelling in legs; wound infection symptoms (redness, discharge)
Root Cause:
Complications can arise from mechanical valve malfunction, infection (endocarditis), or issues related to prosthetic valve placement (e.g., thrombosis, structural degeneration).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography (TTE or TEE), blood cultures (for infections), imaging studies (e.g., CT for paravalvular leaks), and clinical symptoms.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the complication.
Medications:
Antibiotics for infection (e.g., vancomycin , ceftriaxone ); anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for thromboembolism; diuretics or antiarrhythmic drugs for heart failure or arrhythmias.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies depending on the type of valve and procedure; prosthetic valve endocarditis occurs in 1-6% of cases, while mechanical valve thrombosis is less frequent.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, diabetes, poor surgical technique, previous infections, inadequate anticoagulation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment but varies by complication; prosthetic valve endocarditis can have a high mortality rate if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection (endocarditis), valve dysfunction (stenosis or regurgitation), paravalvular leaks, thromboembolism, arrhythmias, bleeding from anticoagulation.
Complications of Pacemakers or ICDs
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications
Symptoms:
localized swelling or pain at the device site; fever (infection); hiccups (diaphragmatic stimulation); arrhythmias; fatigue; dizziness
Root Cause:
Mechanical or infectious issues, lead displacement, inappropriate shocks, or device failure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray or fluoroscopy (to check lead position), echocardiography (to assess device-related complications like effusion), device interrogation, and blood cultures (if infection is suspected).
Treatment:
Lead repositioning, device reprogramming, antibiotics for infections, or surgical revision for mechanical issues.
Medications:
Antibiotics like vancomycin or cefazolin for device infections; antiarrhythmics for arrhythmias related to the device; anticoagulants for thromboembolism prevention if leads are inappropriately positioned.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Complication rates vary, with infection occurring in about 1-2% of cases, and lead displacement in up to 5% of new implants.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, diabetes, immunosuppression, poor surgical technique, prior device infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most complications can be managed effectively; however, infections involving the device require prompt intervention to prevent serious outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lead displacement, device infection, cardiac perforation, inappropriate shocks, systemic infections like sepsis.
Complications of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications
Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; fever (infection); arrhythmias; leg pain or swelling (if graft is from the leg)
Root Cause:
Complications may arise from graft failure, wound infections, arrhythmias, or stroke during or after the surgery.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Angiography (to assess graft patency), blood cultures (for infections), imaging studies (CT or ultrasound), and echocardiography.
Treatment:
Depends on the complication.
Medications:
Aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel ) to prevent graft thrombosis; antibiotics for infections; beta-blockers or amiodarone for arrhythmias; statins to manage cholesterol.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Major complications occur in about 5-12% of patients, with infection rates around 1-2% and graft failure rates around 10% within the first year.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor graft selection, and poor perioperative care.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with successful surgery, but long-term outcomes depend on the patient's adherence to lifestyle changes and medications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Graft occlusion, infection (sternal or leg wound), atrial fibrillation, heart attack, stroke.
Stent Thrombosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications
Symptoms:
sudden chest pain; shortness of breath; heart attack symptoms (e.g., diaphoresis, nausea); fainting
Root Cause:
Blood clot formation within a coronary stent, leading to partial or complete obstruction of the coronary artery.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Coronary angiography confirms the presence of a clot in the stent; elevated cardiac biomarkers (troponin) support myocardial injury.
Treatment:
Emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore blood flow; thrombolytic therapy in some cases.
Medications:
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel , ticagrelor , or prasugrel ); anticoagulants like heparin during PCI.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 0.5-1% of patients after stent placement.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy, suboptimal stent placement, diabetes, smoking, and acute coronary syndrome at presentation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor if untreated, as it often leads to myocardial infarction or death; better outcomes with prompt revascularization.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, death.
Cardiac Amyloidosis
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; swelling in legs and feet (edema); fatigue; irregular heartbeat; difficulty exercising; low blood pressure; chest pain
Root Cause:
Deposition of amyloid protein in the heart, leading to stiffened heart walls and impaired heart function.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography, cardiac MRI, endomyocardial biopsy, blood tests (e.g., serum free light chain assay), and imaging with technetium-labeled radiotracers. Genetic testing may be performed for hereditary forms.
Treatment:
Includes addressing heart failure symptoms, halting amyloid protein deposition, and organ transplantation in advanced cases.
Medications:
Tafamidis (stabilizes transthyretin amyloid proteins), diuretics (e.g., furosemide , to manage fluid buildup), and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , if atrial fibrillation is present). Tafamidis is a transthyretin stabilizer; diuretics are used for symptom management, and anticoagulants prevent blood clots.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people, with higher prevalence in older adults and certain populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, male sex, African or Mediterranean ancestry, family history of amyloidosis, chronic inflammatory diseases.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the type and extent of amyloidosis. Prognosis improves with early diagnosis and treatment. Without treatment, progression leads to heart failure and poor outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, sudden cardiac death.
Hemochromatosis-Related Cardiomyopathy
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations; edema in legs; irregular heartbeat; signs of heart failure
Root Cause:
Excessive iron deposition in the heart muscle, leading to oxidative damage, fibrosis, and impaired heart function.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation), genetic testing (HFE gene mutations), cardiac MRI (to assess iron overload), echocardiography, and liver biopsy (to confirm systemic iron overload).
Treatment:
Iron removal through phlebotomy or chelation therapy, and management of heart failure symptoms.
Medications:
Deferoxamine , deferasirox , or deferiprone (iron chelators). These are used to reduce iron overload in patients who cannot undergo phlebotomy. Diuretics and beta-blockers may also be used to manage heart failure symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hemochromatosis affects approximately 1 in 200–300 individuals of European descent; cardiomyopathy develops in a subset of untreated cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (HFE gene mutations), male sex, excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if diagnosed and treated early; untreated cases can lead to severe heart failure and other organ damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypogonadism.
Fabry Disease
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders
Symptoms:
pain in hands and feet; decreased sweating; heat and cold intolerance; fatigue; angiokeratomas (dark skin spots); proteinuria; shortness of breath; cardiomyopathy; arrhythmias
Root Cause:
X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, leading to deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity and accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL3/Gb3) in tissues, including the heart.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Enzyme assay (alpha-galactosidase A activity), genetic testing (GLA mutation), urine tests (for GL3 levels), echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and biopsy.
Treatment:
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or chaperone therapy, supportive care for symptoms, and management of cardiac and renal complications.
Medications:
Agalsidase alfa or beta (enzyme replacement therapy), migalastat (chaperone therapy). Diuretics and ACE inhibitors are used for heart and kidney complications, respectively. ERT replaces deficient enzymes; migalastat stabilizes mutant enzymes in eligible patients.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, estimated at 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 60,000 males; females can be carriers or mildly symptomatic.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, X-linked inheritance (affects males more severely).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improved with early diagnosis and treatment. Untreated cases may lead to progressive kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke, kidney failure.
Pompe Disease
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders
Symptoms:
muscle weakness; difficulty breathing; enlarged heart (in infantile-onset); fatigue; exercise intolerance; respiratory failure
Root Cause:
Autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GAA gene, resulting in deficient acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme and glycogen accumulation in tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscles.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Enzyme assay (acid alpha-glucosidase activity), genetic testing (GAA mutation), muscle biopsy, and imaging studies (e.g., echocardiography in infantile-onset cases).
Treatment:
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and supportive care, including respiratory support and physical therapy.
Medications:
Alglucosidase alfa (enzyme replacement therapy). ERT replaces the deficient enzyme to reduce glycogen accumulation in tissues. Additional medications may include bronchodilators and oxygen for respiratory support.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 40,000 births globally; varies by population and ethnicity.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (autosomal recessive inheritance), family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; infantile-onset cases have poor outcomes without treatment, but ERT significantly improves survival and quality of life. Late-onset cases progress more slowly.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, heart failure (in infantile-onset), severe disability due to muscle weakness.
Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Disease
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Lifestyle-Related and Functional Disorders
Symptoms:
shortness of breath during exertion; chest discomfort; fatigue; swelling in extremities (edema); high blood pressure
Root Cause:
Excess body fat contributes to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased cardiac workload, leading to conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Body mass index (BMI ≥30), waist-to-hip ratio, clinical evaluation of cardiovascular health (e.g., echocardiogram, ECG, lipid panel, blood pressure monitoring).
Treatment:
Weight loss via lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery for severe cases, and management of cardiovascular complications (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia).
Medications:
Weight-loss medications (e.g., orlistat , liraglutide ); statins for cholesterol (e.g., rosuvastatin ); antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers like metoprolol ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 40% of adults in high-income countries, with obesity contributing significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor diet, physical inactivity, genetic predisposition, socioeconomic status, and comorbid conditions like diabetes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improvement is possible with significant weight loss and treatment of related conditions; untreated obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and stroke.
Cardiac Syndrome X (Microvascular Angina)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Lifestyle-Related and Functional Disorders
Symptoms:
chest pain during physical or emotional stress; fatigue; shortness of breath; chest tightness without coronary artery blockages
Root Cause:
Impaired blood flow in the coronary microvasculature due to endothelial dysfunction or increased sensitivity to stimuli, without significant large coronary artery blockages.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Exclusion of coronary artery disease via angiography; stress testing; coronary flow reserve measurement using imaging like PET or cardiac MRI.
Treatment:
Symptom management with lifestyle changes, medications, and stress reduction techniques.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol ) to reduce heart workload, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem ) to improve blood flow, and nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ) for angina relief. Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin ) may be considered.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2-4% of patients undergoing angiography for chest pain, more common in women than men.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex (postmenopausal), hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and chronic stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis as it’s not usually associated with myocardial infarction; symptoms can be persistent but manageable.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic angina, reduced quality of life, and potential overlap with other cardiovascular conditions.
Deconditioning (from Prolonged Inactivity)
Specialty: Cardiovascular
Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Sub-category: Lifestyle-Related and Functional Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; reduced exercise tolerance; shortness of breath; muscle weakness; lightheadedness
Root Cause:
Loss of cardiovascular and muscular efficiency due to prolonged physical inactivity, leading to reduced cardiac output, muscle atrophy, and orthostatic intolerance.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation; exercise stress testing; assessment of muscle strength and endurance; postural vital sign measurements (e.g., orthostatic hypotension).
Treatment:
Gradual reconditioning with supervised exercise programs (e.g., aerobic and resistance training), physical therapy, and dietary optimization.
Medications:
Medications are typically not necessary unless treating underlying conditions such as orthostatic hypotension (e.g., midodrine ) or cardiac issues (e.g., beta-blockers).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with prolonged hospitalization, chronic illness, or sedentary lifestyles; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Bed rest, chronic illness, aging, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged recovery after injury or surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery is possible with proper rehabilitation; untreated deconditioning can lead to chronic fatigue, frailty, and cardiovascular decline.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of falls, cardiovascular decompensation, and prolonged recovery from illness or surgery.