Inflammatory heart disease pertains to inflammation of the heart
muscles because of an infection that develops from a bacteria or virus
or from an internal peculiarity. This type of inflammation is often
associated with episodes of rheumatic fever and Kawasaki disease. The
condition may be classified as either myocarditis, pericarditis or
endocarditis.
Types of Inflammatory Heart Disease
Myocarditis
Myocarditis describes any inflammation that occurs within the heart
muscle. It is induced by various infections which will include viruses
like sarcoidosis, and distinct immune diseases. The most prevalent form
of infection is the viral kind that assaults the heart muscle resulting
in local inflammation. Once the infection subsides the immune response
will still endure. Because of this, myocarditis will continue to plague
the heart muscle long after the infection has ceased.
SYMPTOMS
It is not unusual for the disease to be completely asymptomatic. Pain in
the chest is the most likely sign of myocarditis. In astringent
instances the disease may progress into degeneration of the heart
muscle. It is then unfortunately able to trigger heart failure with the
associated symptoms: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, oedema
or swelling of feet and ankles, fatigue among others.
DIAGNOSIS
Myocarditis will be discovered by employing the usual methods of
diagnostics. ECG or electrocardiogram will be used to detect deviations
within the heartbeat. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging tests will be
applied to reveal heart muscle peculiarities. Blood tests will be
performed to search for any likely infection and also for the possible
rise in level of heart muscle enzymes.
PROGNOSIS
There is much uncertainty about the likelihood of recovery in the early
phases of the disease. A fair portion of individuals achieve total
recovery while some may eventually be inflicted with chronic heart
failure due to extravagant damage to the heart muscles. Infrequently a
person may be struck with fulminant heart failure which will necessitate
a heart transplant. If the degeneration of the muscle is enormous a
defibrillator may be implanted to better the heart’s ability to
function.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a disease that causes inflammation of the pericardium.
The pericardium is the fluid sac that envelopes the heart. It provides
lubrication to the heart thus decreasing friction during activity and
also firmly secures the heart to the surrounding walls within the
cavity.
The cause of pericarditis may possibly be unexplained however there
are some factors that may induce the disease. These will include:
• Some tumours and cancers
• Specific metabolic disorders potentially hypothyroidism and uremia (kidney failure)
• Infection with a virus or bacteria
• Prior impairment to the heart, for example heart attack, trauma and heart surgery
• An underlying connective tissue disease such as sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis
• An unexpected reaction to a particular type of medication
SYMPTOMS
The most defining symptom will be chest pain or angina pectoris that is
generally expressed as a cutting, intense pain that migrates from the
chest area to the shoulder blades, back and neck. It is also quite
possible to experience pain near the diaphragm that extends to the back.
When inhaling deeply the chest pain will become significantly worse.
The pain is typically unbearable when lying flat but will be bettered by
leaning forward.
If the inflammation occurs considerable close to the oesophagus it may cause pain when swallowing.
If the inflammation is prompted by an infection a slight fever may be observed.
DIAGNOSING PERICARDITIS
Diagnosis will begin with an assessment of the pain symtoms to
distinguish it from pain associated with another condition. A
pericardial friction rub may be detected using a stethoscope, this will
be an obvious sign of inflammation. However it may not always be able to
determine that there
is inflammation because the rub may be inconstant.
To confirm the presence of the disease an ECG electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and ultrasound of the heart will be utilized.
A blood test may be undertaken to detect any other underlying
conditions that may have triggered the development of pericarditis.
TREATMENTS
The primay treatment is the administering of anti-inflammatory
medications to reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen is once such measure that
may be used because of its anti-inflammatory properties. A narcotic pain
medication may also be prescribed. Pericardiocentesis may be applicable
as a from of progressive treatment. It will remove excessive fluid from
the sac and or will detect the pathogen of origin that may have induced
the condition.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is induced by an infection of the endocardium or inner
lining of the heart resulting in pronounced inflammation. It will
present itself when pathogens from other regions of the body infect the
bloodstream and affix to defective areas of the heart. If it is not
treated speedily it may cause partial or complete damage to the heart
valve or may develop into a life-threatening condition. It usually
affects individuals who have an artificial heart valve in place or have
suffered degeneration of a heart valve. Having a pre-existing heart
defect also increases the odds of developing the condition. It does not
normally affect healthy people.
SYMPTOMS
Endocarditis may develop over a fairly long period of time or may
manifest quite suddenly. Its progression will depend on the
corresponding heart defect or infection
• Unexplained and sudden weight loss
• Joint and muscular pain
• Fever and chills
• Visible purple or red spots exhibited in the mouth on the skin or on the whites of the eyes
• Heart murmurs (irregular sounds arising from the heart)
• Constant coughing
• Blood in the urine
• Oedema or swelling of the feet and abdomen
• Fatigue and unusual tiredness
• Night sweats
• Tenderness below the rib cage that is associated with the spleen
• A pale complexion
• Areas of red tender spots just below the skin of the fingers.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Though these symptoms may look similar to other non-threatening
conditions it is still necessary to consult a medical practitioner when a
few of these symptoms are observed especially if affected by another
heart defect.
GROUPS MOST AT RISK
• Individuals who currently have a artificial valve(s). Artificial
valves are more susceptible to infection by pathogens most notably in
the first year of implantation.
• Having a congenital birth defect means the heart is more likely to be affected by infections.
• Any previous injury to the heart will also increase overall susceptibility
• Intravenous drug users are at a greater risk of developing the
condition because of needle sharing. The bacteria that may incite this
condition is commonly harboured in contaminated needles.
DIAGNOSIS
• Blood tests will be applicable. They will discover the source of bacterial infection.
• An echocardiogram will be employed to properly assess the heart’s condition.
• An ECG or electrocardiogram and x-ray will also be used to confirm diagnosis.
• MRI magnetic resonance or CT computerized tomography imaging scan will
be used if it is believed the infection may have traveled to other
areas of the body.
TREATMENTS
The main treatments are antibiotics in less intense cases and possible surgery where damage is significantly compromising.
Kaynak: http://www.inflammatoryheartdisease.org/