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      Condition Category: Cardiology

      Deep Vein Thrombosis

      Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. It can cause swelling, pain, and redness. The main concern with DVT is that part of the clot can break off, travel to the lungs, and cause a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications. Causes Blood flow slowing down (stasis) such as during long periods of immobility Damage to the blood vessel wall (trauma, surgery, inflammation) Increased tendency of blood to clot (hypercoagulable states) Cancer and chemotherapy Pregnancy and postpartum period Hormone therapy, especially oestrogen-containing medications like oral contraceptives

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      Peripheral Arterial Disease

      Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed due to a build-up of fattyCommentHighlight deposits, known as atherosclerosis. It reduces blood flow, which can lead to symptoms like pain when walking (claudication) and in severe cases, critical limb ischaemia. PAD is an important marker for systemic atherosclerosis and indicates a higher risk of heart attack and stroke Causes Atherosclerosis (primary cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia) Obesity Inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis Blood vessel injury or trauma Radiation exposure damaging blood vessels Pathophysiology PAD develops mainly due to atherosclerosis. In this process,

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      Peripheral Vascular Disease

      Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, most commonly arteries supplying the legs. It occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow. PVD can significantly impair quality of life and is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Causes Atherosclerosis (most common cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking Hypertension High cholesterol levels Inflammatory conditions (e.g., vasculitis) Blood clots (thrombosis) Arterial trauma or injury Radiation exposure affecting blood vessels Pathophysiology PVD primarily results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside arterial walls. This causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries,

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      Congestive Heart Failure

      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.,

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      Hypertension

      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

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      Angina Pectoris

      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

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