Acute pericarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. While often benign, acute pericarditis can cause significant discomfort and, in severe cases, lead to complications. Understanding the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for acute pericarditis is crucial for prompt management and optimal outcomes.   What is Acute Pericarditis? Acute pericarditis refers to the sudden onset of inflammation in the pericardium, the double-layered sac that surrounds the heart and helps to maintain its position within the chest cavity. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, it can lead to chest pain, discomfort, and other...

Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is a unique cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a rapid and irregular heart rate originating from multiple atrial foci within the heart. This condition poses challenges in both diagnosis and management due to its distinctive nature. What is Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia? Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heartbeat originating from multiple sites in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. Unlike normal atrial rhythms, MAT involves three or more distinct P-wave morphologies, reflecting the diverse origin of electrical impulses within the atria. This results in an irregular and accelerated heart rate,...

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced or blocked. Typically caused by plaque build-up in the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients, undiagnosed or untreated ACS can rupture or cause a blood clot, leading to a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the heart.   ACS can manifest in different ways, depending on the severity and duration of the blockage. The three types of ACS are unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). > Unstable angina...

Myocarditis is a medical condition that causes the inflammation of the myocardium which is the muscle layer of your heart’s wall. This disease reduces the heart’s ability to pump out blood as it directly affects the heart muscle and electrical systems in our body. This eventually leads to several potential complications like arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, an abnormal or rapid heartbeat. What Causes Myocarditis? Viral infections can be a known cause for myocarditis as inflammation occurs as a body’s response to fighting infections. However, it can also be caused by more systemic inflammatory disorders like autoimmune diseases. The heart muscle weakens to...