Why you need to understand pathogenesis of heart disease?
Why you need to understand pathogenesis of heart disease?
Introduction
Knowledge of the reasons that cause and contribute to the development of heart disease will help in taking the right approach. For instance, a clear understanding will help you seek timely screening, and avail the best treatment for best outcomes. Let’s take a good look at pathogenesis of heart disease to understand why it is necessary to screen for certain conditions.
What is pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease?
Ischemic heart disease is also commonly known as coronary artery disease. This condition is due to a reduction in flow of blood to the heart muscle. This, is turn, is the result of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Key points to bear in mind for a clear understanding of pathogenesis of heart disease are outlined below:
- Atherosclerosis – is almost always the main underlying cause. This occurs as a result of plaque buildup on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque is essentially a combination of cholesterol, fatty material and cellular waste. Accumulation of plaque results in narrowed arteries and reduced flow of blood.
- Lesser flow of blood – affects the heart muscle as the required oxygen-rich blood does not reach it. This increases during physical activity or some kind of stress.
- Angina – is the pain or discomfort experienced when the heart muscle receives less oxygen. This is a symptom of IHD and is typically experienced during exertion or under stress.
- Myocardial infarction – commonly known as a heart attack refers to completely blocked flow of blood to the heart muscle. This is due to ruptured plaque in the coronary artery, resulting in formation of blood clot. This, in turn blocks the artery, preventing flow of blood, following which the affected part of the heart muscle either dies or s severely damaged.
What is rheumatic heart disease pathology?
This refers to a condition resulting from rheumatic fever, untreated strep throat infections. As part of understanding pathogenesis of heart disease, let’s look at the following key processes that contribute to RHD:
- Rheumatic fever -an inflammatory disease that usually develops post strep throat infection.
- Immune response – post rheumatic fever, the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues like the heart by mistake.
- Inflammation – because of the above immune response, inflammation occurs in the heart tissues. This affects the heart valves and may also affect the heart muscle, and the lining of the heart.
- Valvular damage – this is effectively the most serious outcome of rheumatic fever. The heart valves are affected, such as thickening of the heart valve leaflets. Other effects include narrowing of the valve opening, reducing flow of blood. Leakage of blood due to inability of valves to close, chronic valvular disease are other outcomes.
- Heart failure – is the consequence of chronic damage and dysfunction of the heart valves, as the heart becomes unable to pump blood effectively
What does organic heart disease mean?
This term broadly refers to heart conditions due to physical changes or damage to the structure of the heart. To continue with a clear understanding of pathogenesis of heart disease, this term distinguishes conditions from functional heart disorders. For instance, certain abnormalities occur in heart function without any related structural damage. Let’s dive deeper into the explanation.
- Structural changes – there would be clear discernible changes in the structure of the heart, like changes to heart valves. Similarly, other changes could include enlarged, thickened, or rigid heart muscle that has effect on the ability of the heart to pump blood. Abnormalities also include holes between heart chambers.
- Reasons – the changes in structure are primarily due to infections like rheumatic fever or endocarditis. Other reasons include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and genetically inherited conditions. Inflammation of the heart muscle as a result of infections or autoimmune conditions are also possible reasons.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is through imaging tests, like echocardiograms, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests show the physical changes in the heart. To look for genetically inherited conditions, advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu, offering patients a convenient testing option. This will indicate if you are genetically inclined to certain conditions, by analyzing blood or saliva sample.
How is the condition treated or managed?
Treatment will vary, depending on the condition and typically involves a combination of many measures. For instance, medications, changes in lifestyle, or surgical procedures may be necessary.
Organic heart disease, can also be summed up as a condition caused organically due to a combination of genetics, age and lifestyle causing deformity. This is different from heart damage caused by external influence, like an injury.
What is the pattern of cardiac enzymes in heart disease?
Cardiac enzymes are essentially substances that are released into the blood due to damage to the heart muscle. By measuring these enzymes, it is possible to diagnose and evaluate the condition better. This also helps in understanding pathogenesis of heart disease for a better and effective approach to treatment. Here is how cardiac enzyme levels change in various conditions:
Troponin – Levels increase within 3-12 hours after damage to the heart muscle. Troponin is regarded as the best marker of heart attack as it is highly specific to heart muscle damage.
Creatine Kinase – Levels increase within 4-6 hours after injury to heart muscle. CK-MB is an isoenzyme of creatine kinase that is mainly found in the heart muscle. This makes it extremely useful for diagnosing heart attacks.
Myoglobin – Levels increase within 1-4 hours after damage to the heart muscle. This is regarded as an early marker of muscle damage. However, it is not very specific like troponin and CK-MB, as it is also present in other muscles.
B-type Natriuretic Peptide – Levels increase as a result of increased pressure in the heart chambers, that usually occurs in heart failure conditions. The levels are used to evaluate and monitor heart failure and not usually for myocardial infarction.
Related Blogs :
Top tips for medical management of heart disease
Top tips for medical management of heart disease Inroduction What is the best approach to medical management of congenital heart disease? What are the actions performed as...
What are the reliable methods for diagnosis of heart disease?
What are the reliable methods for diagnosis of heart disease? Introduction What is meant by rheumatic heart disease diagnostic evaluation? What is the ICD code for ischemic...
Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).