Other Heart Diseases



Here are some of the other heart diseases that you may have heard of but do not know much about. Learn more about their symptoms and causes, and possible treatment plans.

What is Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy?

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a temporary heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations .The condition can also be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery.

People with broken heart syndrome may have sudden chest pain or think they're having a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome affects just part of the heart, temporarily disrupting your heart's normal pumping function.
 

What are the symptoms of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy?

Broken heart syndrome symptoms can mimic a heart attack. Common symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

     

How is Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Imaging Test

Cardiac imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the size of your heart and if there is fluid build-up surrounding organs.


Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.


Coronary Angiography

A coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure to observe how blood flows through the heart’s arteries heart’s and blood vessel function


Blood Test

A blood test will be done to organ function, and check cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia.

What is Vetricular Septal Defect (VSD)?

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart (atria). The condition is present at birth.

Small defects might be found by chance and never cause a problem. Some small atrial septal defects close during infancy or early childhood. VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect, and in most cases they're diagnosed and treated successfully with few or no complications.
 

What are the symptoms of Vetricular Septal Defect (VSD)?

  • Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of legs, feet or abdomen
  • Heart palpitations or skipped beats
  • Stroke
  • Heart murmur


How is Vetricular Septal Defect (VSD) diagnosed?

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a form of ultrasound which shows your heart's movement, structure, and function.


Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart


Chest X-ray

This helps your doctor see the condition of your heart and lungs. An X-ray can identify conditions other than a heart defect that might explain your signs or symptoms


CT Scan

This uses a series of X-rays to create detailed images of your heart. It can be used to diagnose an atrial septal defect and related congenital heart defects

What is Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue [the fibers that support and anchor your organs and other structures in your body]. Marfan syndrome most commonly affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton.

People with Marfan syndrome are usually tall and thin with unusually long arms, legs, fingers and toes. The damage caused by Marfan syndrome can be mild or severe. If your aorta [large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body] is affected, the condition can become life-threatening.
 

What are the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome?

  • Tall and slender build
  • Disproportionately long arms, legs and fingers
  • A breastbone that protrudes outward or dips inward
  • A high, arched palate and crowded teeth
  • Heart murmurs
  • Extreme near-sightedness
  • An abnormally curved spine
  • Flat feet
     

How is Marfan Syndrome diagnosed?

Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is often used to confirm the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. If a Marfan mutation is found, family members can be tested to see if they are also affected.


Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.


Eye Test
Slit-lamp exam. This test checks for lens dislocation, cataracts or a detached retina. Your eyes will need to be completely dilated with drops for this exam.

Eye pressure test. To check for glaucoma, your eye doctor may measure the pressure inside your eyeball by touching it with a special tool. Numbing eyedrops are usually used before this test.

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