Angina pectoris, commonly known as angina, is a type of chest pain that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina itself is not a disease but an indicator of an underlying heart problem that needs careful attention and management. Causes Coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis (narrowing of heart arteries from fatty deposits) Coronary artery spasm (temporary tightening of the muscles within the artery walls) Severe anaemia reducing oxygen supply to the heart Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle) Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve) Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) increasing heart demand
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is persistently too high. It is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if not treated. Hypertension is one of the leading preventable causes of early death worldwide. Causes Primary (essential) hypertension: No identifiable cause, develops gradually over many years Secondary hypertension: Caused by another condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome), obstructive sleep apnoea, certain medications (like steroids, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives), or excessive alcohol use Pathophysiology Hypertension
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. This leads to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower limbs. CHF is a major cause of hospitalisation and reduced quality of life, particularly in older adults. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve outcomes. Causes Coronary artery disease (most common cause) Hypertension Cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive) Heart valve diseases (e.g., aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation) Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation Congenital heart defects Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) Endocrine disorders like diabetes and thyroid disease Excessive alcohol intake, substance abuse (e.g.,
Generic Name: Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) Common Brand Names: Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, Bufferin, Disprin Introduction Aspirin is one of the most widely used medications globally, classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is known for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aspirin is also used in cardiovascular medicine for its antiplatelet effects. Conditions of Use (Indications) Pain and Fever: Used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. Inflammatory Disorders: Effective in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Cardiovascular Prevention: Used as a prophylaxis for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Administered during acute heart attacks or
Generic Name: Baclofen Common Brand Names: Lioresal, Gablofen, Kemstro Introduction Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity and muscle pain associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. It is also sometimes used for the management of alcohol use disorder. Conditions of Use (Indications) Muscle Spasticity: Relieves muscle spasticity from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Alcohol Use Disorder: Occasionally used to reduce cravings in patients with alcohol dependence. Cerebral Palsy: Can be used to manage spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Mechanism of Action Baclofen acts as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) B receptor agonist in the central nervous system.
Generic Name: Captopril Common Brand Names: Capoten, Apo-Captopril, Rami-Cap Introduction Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor primarily used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It is also employed in the management of diabetic nephropathy and in the prevention of post-myocardial infarction remodeling. Conditions of Use (Indications) Hypertension: Captopril lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Heart Failure: Helps reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing blood pressure and limiting the effects of neurohormonal activation in heart failure. Diabetic Nephropathy: Captopril helps protect kidney function in patients with diabetes by lowering proteinuria and stabilizing renal function. Post-Myocardial Infarction: Used to
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Specializes in interventional electrophysiology and comprehensive cardiovascular care with over 15 years of clinical experience.
