TOP 5 CONDITIONS SEEN
IN cardiology
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
What is it?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that occurs when the atria
(upper chambers of the heart) experience chaotic electrical signals.
pathophysiology
Disorganised electrical impulses cause the atria to quiver instead of contracting
effectively, leading to irregular heartbeats.
symptoms
Palpitations, irregular heartbeat, Causes
fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness. Hypertension, coronary artery disease,
Some patients may be asymptomatic. heart failure, hyperthyroidism.
Risk factors: Age, obesity, excessive alcohol
use.
Diagnosis
ECG showing an irregularly irregular
rhythm without distinct P waves. Treatments
Rate control: Beta-blockers, calcium
channel blockers.
Rhythm control: Antiarrhythmic drugs,
electrical cardioversion.
Anticoagulation: Warfarin or direct oral
anticoagulants to prevent stroke.
HEART FAILURE
What is it?
Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to
inadequate blood flow to meet the body's needs.
pathophysiology
Reduced cardiac output due to impaired heart muscle function, leading to fluid buildup in
the lungs and other tissues.
symptoms Causes
Shortness of breath, especially Coronary artery disease, hypertension,
when lying down, fatigue, swollen cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease.
legs or ankles. Risk factors: Diabetes, obesity, smoking.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat,
persistent cough or wheezing with
white or pink-tinged phlegm. Treatments
Medications: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-
blockers.
Lifestyle changes: Sodium restriction, fluid
Diagnosis
management, weight monitoring.
Clinical examination, chest X-ray,
Advanced treatments: Devices like pacemakers,
echocardiogram.
ventricular assist devices, or heart transplant
Blood tests: Elevated BNP (B-type
in severe cases.
natriuretic peptide) levels.
ANGINA
What is it?
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically
due to coronary artery disease.
pathophysiology
Temporary ischemia of the myocardium due to narrowing of the coronary
arteries.
symptoms Causes
Chest pain or discomfort, often Atherosclerosis, coronary artery
described as squeezing or disease.
pressure, that may radiate to Triggers: Physical exertion, stress,
the arms, neck, or jaw. cold exposure, heavy meals.
Shortness of breath, nausea,
sweating. Treatments
Immediate relief: Nitroglycerin to
Diagnosis dilate coronary arteries.
ECG, stress tests, coronary
Long-term management: Beta-
angiography.
blockers, calcium channel blockers,
antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin).
Lifestyle changes: Smoking cessation,
exercise, diet modification.
CARDIAC ARREST
What is it?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, leading to the cessation of blood flow to
the brain and other vital organs.
pathophysiology
Sudden arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation) disrupt the heart's ability to pump
blood.
symptoms Causes
Sudden collapse, loss of Coronary artery disease, severe myocardial
consciousness, no pulse, and no infarction, heart failure.
breathing. Other triggers: Electrical imbalances, severe trauma,
drowning.
Diagnosis Treatments
Clinical observation of Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to
unresponsiveness and absence maintain circulation.
of pulse. Defibrillation: Use of an AED (automated external
ECG to identify underlying defibrillator) or manual defibrillator to restore
arrhythmia. normal heart rhythm.
Advanced life support (ALS) with medications like
epinephrine.
Post-resuscitation care: Monitoring and treating
underlying causes, therapeutic hypothermia if
indicated.
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
What is it?
An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is
blocked, leading to tissue damage or death.
pathophysiology
Plaque rupture in coronary arteries leads to blood clot formation, blocking blood flow.
Lack of oxygen causes myocardial ischemia and cell death.
symptoms
Causes
Chest pain or discomfort, often
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).
radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw.
Risk factors: High blood pressure, high
Shortness of breath, sweating,
cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity.
nausea, lightheadedness.
Fatigue or unexplained weakness.
Treatments
Diagnosis Immediate: Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and
ECG: Detects changes indicative of morphine.
a heart attack. Reperfusion therapy: Thrombolytics or primary
Blood tests: Elevated troponin percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
levels confirm myocardial damage. Post-MI: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins,
Coronary angiography to assess lifestyle changes.
blockages.
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