There are many different types of heart diseases, and each has its own set of causes. Some heart diseases are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. Others are acquired later in life. Still, others are the result of lifestyle choices or other health conditions.
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and diseases. Cardiologists may treat conditions that affect the heart muscle, the valves of the heart, the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and the electrical system of the heart. They may also treat conditions that affect the lungs, such as asthma and emphysema. Depending on where you live, you can search for “Los Angeles cardiology,” for example, to find a cardiology specialist near you.
Cardiologists typically use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose heart conditions. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram, and a stress test. Cardiologists may also order heart biopsies or coronary angiograms to further assess the health of the heart. Keep reading to learn more about the different causes of cardiology diseases.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart muscle can become weakened, enlarged, or thickened. This can lead to problems with how the heart pumps blood. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure and death. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type. The heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged, and the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes thickened, which can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes stiff and doesn’t relax as well as it should. This makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood.
Some people who have cardiomyopathy may not have any symptoms. Others may have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. There are many different causes of cardiomyopathy. Some of the most common causes include heart attack, high blood pressure, valvular diseases, and diabetes.
Pericardial Diseases
The pericardium is a thin sac that surrounds and protects the heart. The pericardium has two layers: the outer layer is called the parietal pericardium, and the inner layer is called the visceral pericardium. The parietal pericardium is made up of tough connective tissue, and the visceral pericardium is made up of a thin layer of squamous cells.
Several diseases can affect the pericardium. These diseases can be caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. Some common diseases that affect the pericardium include tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, rheumatic fever, and viral cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms of pericarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to remove fluid from around the heart. This procedure can help relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the cells that make up the lining of the pericardial space. This condition can be caused by infection or cancer. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. Treatment may include antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, depending on what is causing it.
Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The wall of an aneurysm may be weak and can rupture or leak blood. Aortic dissection is a separation of the layers of the aorta’s wall. It can cause serious bleeding and lead to death within minutes if not treated.
Aortic aneurysms and dissections are caused by problems with the structure or function of the aorta. Risk factors for developing these conditions include high blood pressure, smoking, family history of heart disease, being overweight or obese, and older age.
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular layer of the heart. Myocarditis can be caused by a variety of infections, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It can also be caused by noninfectious agents, such as chemicals or drugs. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, are also associated with myocarditis. The most common symptom of myocarditis is chest pain. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and arrhythmias. Myocarditis can lead to congestive heart failure and death.
Cardiology diseases are heart conditions that can affect different areas of the heart and the function of your heart. It’s important to seek treatment from a cardiologist in order to manage and treat any potential heart problem.
