WHAT IS SWINE FLU?

Swine flu is also called Hog flu or pig flu. It is an air borne disease which can be transmitted from one person to other directly through air.

The virus responsible for swine flu is influenza virus. There are various types of influenza virus present. Among them swine flu is caused by ‘H1N1’ virus.

Officially Till date it is not proved that swine flu is caused only by pigs.

The influenza virus is grouped in ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories. Among these Influenza ‘A’ and ‘C’ are seen in pigs and it seems like the virus responsible for swine flu is related to Influenza ‘A’ group looking at the structure. This virus may undergo some mutations and may infect the human beings.

Swine flu virus is called ‘Quadruple reassortant’ virus because the genes seen in this virus are linked to some of the North American, European pigs and some with Europe and Asian bird’s genes and few with human beings.

SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS -

- Fever

- Cough

- Throat infection

- Running nose

- Headache

- Cold

- Restlessness

- Redness of eyes and nose

- Stomach pain,

- Sore throat

PREVENTION OF SWINE FLU-

Presently for the prevention of swine flu there is a vaccine available for pigs. But for human beings the swine flu vaccine is still in the developing state. However as the ‘H1N1’ antigen nature is recognized it is expected that soon the human vaccine will also be discovered.

1. People should cover there face with their handkerchief while sneezing and coughing.
2. The hands should be properly washed after dealing with their cough or sneeze.
3. The handkerchief which was used to cover up their face should not be used by a second person and it should be properly disposed.
4. Those who are suffering from cold should stay away from others. Even if they attain their good health they should maintain distance from others at least for the next 24 hours.
5. Proper hygiene should be maintained in houses.
6. It is not necessary to wash the infected person clothes separately. However it can be done to maintain cleanliness.
7. FOMILE TRANSMISSION- While using public toilets there is a possibility or there is a chance of getting infected by touching the handles, nabs. Because of this the hands should be properly washed by hand sanitizers.
8. Wearing of masks in public places is not very much useful but it may increase awareness of the former person.

SWINE FLU TREATMENT -

Just like an ordinary flu swine flu is also treated in the same manner. In India the treatment is available free of cost which can be done by Antiviral drugs. But these drugs should be used in a proper manner. The drugs are same which are used for Tami flu like oseltamivir can be used. But these drugs should be taken only after the advice of Doctor. Once the Doctor prescribes the medicines then it can be obtained from Public Health Network of the Government for free of cost.

Do remember that antiviral will not cure the swine flu completely but they do lessen the symptoms of swine flu.

The pregnant women are at risk of getting infected especially in the second and third trimester. They can take the antiviral drugs on the advice of a Doctor.

Relenza is an inhaled antiviral drug which can treat flu without reaching the developing fetus

Relenza is not advised for babies who are under the age of one for the treatment of swine flue.

]]> http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/swine-flu/feed/ 2 http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/ankylosing-spondylitis/ http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/ankylosing-spondylitis/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:43:01 +0000 dr.faizan http://www.medicinelogy.com/?p=476 What is Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis which affects the spine and leads to stiffness of the back. The word ‘ankylosing’ means stiff, ‘spondyl’ means spine and ‘itis’ means inflammation. Because of this reason the disease is also called inflammation and arthritis of the joints of the spinal bones (vertebrae) which gets fused together and tends to become stiff and rigid. Ankylosing spondylitis more commonly affects the young age group persons and in severe cases ankylosing spondylitis can result in full stiffness of the spine because of the fusion of the bones, although the disease usually stops before this stage, leaving with stiffness of lower back and hips.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

When it comes to cause of ankylosing sponydylitis recent research has shown that this disease can be because of hereditary factors. HLA-B27 a genetic marker has been more recently discovered in more than 90 % of the patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis which clearly signifies that someone who is having this HLA-B27 has more chances of getting developing ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis starts with the pain and stiffness in the region of lower back which is severe during morning hours while waking up from the sleep. There can be inflammation of sacroiliac joints which is a joint between the base of the spine and hip bones which causes backache. Slowly the inflammation may spreads up to the spine and even the neck may be stiff. The spine may begin to curve prominently if the problem is ignored and treatment is not done. There can be fusion of the joints and can limit the affected person movement.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

Ankylosing spondylitis can be diagnosed by doctor by looking at the patients x-ray report of the sacroiliac joints and spine which may show prominent changes. The patient may also need to undergo blood test on the advice of the doctor to look for the HLA-B27 marker.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

The chief support in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is exercise because if the patient keeps taking rest then there may be increase in the stiffness and fusion of the affected joints.
If the disease is in acute condition then ankylosing spondylitis can be treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Few forms of exercise like breathing exercises, flexion, extension and rotation of the spine can be learned under guidance of a physiotherapist.

As a precaution the patient is advised to undergo genetic counseling to prevent the occurrence of the disease in the future generations. If the patient is finding this disease intolerable then corrective surgery can be done.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease or wear and tear arthritis. Mostly people who have crossed 60 years of age are commonly affected by this disease. Changes in the joint in osteoarthritis are as follows.

The joint tissues are elastic and flexible in a healthy joint which permits smooth movement of the joint. In patients affected by osteoarthritis its pathology is characterized by extensive growth of bone on one hand and loss of cartilage on the other. In osteoarthritis patients the ends of the bones remain unprotected as the cartilage gradually wears away and this leads to improper gliding surface causing pain while moving the joint.

The ends of the bone become thickened because of the formation of spurs of bone called ‘osteophytes‘. Moreover bits of bone and the cartilage may loosely float in the joint space which may contribute to pain while moving of joint. The pain worsens when the cartilage completely worn out, the bone end then grinds painfully together when joint moves. The surrounding tendons, ligaments and muscles are also indirectly affected and become weak.

The referred pain in people affected by osteoarthritis of hip is felt in their knee and osteoarthritis of spine can cause pressure on nerves which causes pain in the arms or legs.

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most commonly it affects the weight bearing joints such as those of hips, knees, feet and spine. The bones of the neck and the lower back are also commonly affected. Rarely it affects the joints of the wrists, elbows, ankles and finger joints because of any external injury.

There is a type of osteoarthritis called ‘chondromalacia’ in which there is softening and loss of integrity of the knee cap or patella. The patients who have this problem may give a history of the knee cap slipping out of place. Such patients complain of pain in the knee joint which worsens after climbing of stairs or after an unaccustomed physical activity.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

When it comes to causes of osteoarthritis it is broadly divided into two categories.

1. PRIMARY OSTEOARTHRITIS- In this type of osteoarthritis the degenerative changes occur in an otherwise normal joint and it is also inherited.
2. SECONDARY OSTEOARTHRITIS- In this type of osteoarthritis the most common factor is thought to be excessive stress on joints. The perfect matching of the cartilage surfaces is lost if a joint is deformed or dislocated and results in osteoarthritis. Similarly if a fracture is not properly set the bones heal badly and the neighbor joints are put to abnormal stress leading to osteoarthritis.

Because of these reason workers in certain occupation are more likely to suffer from degenerative changes in their joints because of unequal or excessive stressing of a joint like elbows in pneumatic drill workers, the knees in coal miners and the back of those lifting heavy weights. If the athletes and other sports persons appear to develop osteoarthritis if they fail to let an injured joint heal properly before resuming their game or the usage of joint again. Obesity may also lead to secondary osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints.

Investigations required in case of osteoarthritis are routine blood tests, urine analysis, blood biochemistry and x-rays of the affected joint are usually advised. In patients of osteoarthritis x-ray findings shows narrowing of the joint space, presence of bone cysts surrounding the joint. CT and MRI scan may be needed in patients in whom symptoms point to involvement of spine and narrowing of spinal column.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Nagging ache or painful feeling in the affected joints are the most common symptoms. There may be difficulty in movement and may feel a little stiff and mostly these symptoms take several months to develop in middle aged or elderly people. One of the common complaint is aching is most and worse during cold and damp environment. One of the common forms of osteoarthritis particularly in women involves the joints of the fingers, where knobby lumps called “heberden’s nodes” appear at the side of the end joints and knuckles. Several fingers may also get involved which leads to pain and discomfort. The pain increases after injury to the joint which may swell up with fluid. Overuse of the affected joint makes symptoms worse. However the pain and stiffness settle with rest and treatment. Muscle wasting and joint deformity may also occur in long standing cases.

Maintaining a good lifestyle is best method for treatment of arthritis and it is by losing weight. Even a minor amount of weight loss will show great difference. Topical application of heat or ice may be useful. There is no specific treatment available but however a recent research conducted shows an Indian herb called ‘Frankincense Salai’ or ‘Boswellia serrata’ can treat osteoarthritis effectively.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a form of chronic arthritis which typically affects the same joints of the two sides of the human body like hands and feet. The symptoms keep coming and going at different times. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more common types of arthritis.

RHEMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS and DIAGNOSIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed if a patient has four of the seven symptoms described below. They are as follows:

1.      Stiffness of the joints in the morning lasting at least for one hour for a period of 6 weeks or more

2.      Arthritis of three or more joints.

3.      Arthritis of hand joints.

4.      Symmetrical arthritis i.e., involving arthritis of the same joints on both sides of the body.

5.      Finding of RF in the serum of the patient.

6.      Presence of rheumatoid nodules in the patient which is observed by a physician.

7.      Radiological changes of the hand and wrist.

The onset of the disease is heralded by symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, muscle ache or myalgia, early morning stiffness of the joints, arthalgia or joint pain, swelling of the joint or sometimes fever.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CAUSES

Many theories have been put forward to find the cause of rheumatoid arthritis disease.

1.      INFECTION- One of the most reasonable theory suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is due to some kind of infection or by some tiny germs called viruses which are yet unknown. Viruses can find their way into the joints and trigger off inflammation.

2.      AUMTO IMMUNE RESPONSE- It is based on a theory called ‘Auto immune’ theory. It states that rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system is mistakenly seems to turn against the body. In general antibodies are produced against the invading antigens to protect the body and if these antibodies are directed against parts of the persons own body cells they are called auto-antibodies and the disease is termed auto immune.

3.      GENETIC FACTOR- Rheumatoid arthritis can also be inherited from ones own parents or grand parents.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

In most of the cases rheumatoid arthritis starts spreading gradually for several weeks with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. The hands and feet are affected first usually and this stiffness is worse especially during early morning hours and wears off during the day. Slowly the arthritis may spread to others joints of the body like elbow join, shoulder joint, hip joint, knees and ankles. Sometimes even the joints in the jaw and spine, especially the neck can be affected. A hoarse voice in the joints of larynx which is voice box of the body may indicate arthritis rarely. At some point the tendon sheaths frequently become inflamed which adds to the pain and swelling. Sometimes the fingers in hands and toes in the feet bend and deform in which case it becomes difficult to straighten that part.

Remember rheumatoid arthritis is not only a disease of the joints but of the whole body. The affected person feels tired, weak and feverish. The weakness worsens when the muscles near the painful joint start getting smaller. Organs like lungs, heart, eyes and digestive system may also get involved in later stages.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of adequate rest, individually tailored exercise and physiotherapy, joint protection and suitable medication to control symptoms. If so warranted by the situation surgical procedures may require as an inevitable part of rehabilitation to reduce the inflammatory symptoms and to produce routine activities.

Median nerve decompression at the wrist, arthrodesis of wrist or ankles, synovectomy of the wrist and knee, repair of ruptured tendons, hip, knee and other joint replacement are useful operations in rheumatoid arthritis.

The main objective of the drug therapy is to get relieve from the pain, reduce inflammation, prevent deformities and to keep the joints functioning as effectively as possible.

Depending upon intensity of the symptoms and signs the patient can administer salicylates, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDS (disease modifying anti-inflammatory drugs) such as gold salts, D-penicillamine, antimalarials and immunosuppressive agents on the advice of a physician. Antidepressants, antibiotics, iron tablets, muscle relaxants are can also be prescribed by the doctor depending on the intensity of symptoms.

The patients who do not respond to other medications are treated by systemic corticosteroid therapy. Injection of a steroid medicine to the affected joints with persistent inflammation is done by orthopedic surgeon in patients who do not respond to other medicines.

About one third of the rheumatoid arthritis patients have miled illness with a high rate of spontaneous remission, whereas another third of the patients progress slowly with minor functional disability while the remaining patients have a significantly aggressive disease with only limited periods of partial or complete remission.

Surgical help for arthritis is considered in the last resort except for infective arthritis. Mostly drugs and rehabilitation can take care of the rheumatoid arthritis. ]]> http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/rheumatoid-arthritis/feed/ 0 http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/9-tests-to-diagnose-arthritis/ http://www.medicinelogy.com/blog/9-tests-to-diagnose-arthritis/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:45:18 +0000 dr.faizan http://www.medicinelogy.com/?p=456 Arthritis diagnosis can be done by following tests.

1. ESR ( Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)- This is the test used to detect the collection of the RBC at the bottom of the glass tube which is filled with a test sample of blood. In people suffering from arthritis there is high ESR rate with inflammation. Note- High ESR rate is also found in some diseases like TB and few other types of cancer).

2. TOTAL BLOOD COUNT- It includes counting of all the blood cells RBC, WBC, and blood platelet count. Haemoglobin % , total proteins with albumin and globulin levels, c-reactive protein (or CRP) value estimation.

3. RF TEST (Rheumatoid factor Test)- There is a antibody called RF antibody which is abnormal. In this test this antibody is checked in blood. In more than 70% of Rheumatoid arthritis patients RF is present in a quantity higher than 80 I.U.

4. ANA TEST (Anti nuclear antibody test)- This test is used to determine another type of abnormal antibody called Anti DNA type or ANA.

5. VDRL TEST- This test is suggested for patients suffering from syphilis and shows symptoms of arthritis.

6. Non- IMMUNOLOGICAL TEST- It is used for estimation of serum enzyme levels.

7. TISSUE BIOPSY (Synovial fluid Analysis) - In this test the synovial fluid is drawn out from the joint. This test is specially useful in the diagnosis of infective and gouty arthritis.

8. X-RAY, CT, MRI- X-rays of the effected joints including imaging techniques like isotope scanning, CT and MRI scan is also helpful for doctors to diagnosis.

9. DIAGNOSTIC ARTHROSCOPY- Through this procedure a doctor can directly view the inside of the joints. The orthopaedic surgeon can do it by inserting an arthroscope, which diameter is as small as that of a drinking straw into the joint through a small hole and move it around to examine the joint tissues such as the cartilage and the extent of damage to the joint can be determined.

The clinical characteristics of inflammation are redness, pain, heat, swelling and few other features are loss of mobility or stiffness, instability and deformity.

PHYSIOLOGY OF ARTHRITIS

The meeting point of two bones is at joint and they are connected in a way that permits each bone to move in relation to the other. A smooth white cartilage cap is present at the end of each bone and it is a tough tissue acting like a cushion when the joint is in use, thus preventing the bone to bone rubbing and consequent wear and tear of bone.

There is a membrane called synovial membrane and it contains liquid called synovial fluid which lubricates the cartilage. The synovial membrane is delicate and it is protected by a strong, fibrous layer called the capsule.

If there is sluggish circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid in the joint and the synovial fluid grows stagnant, the waste products and poisons of cellular metabolism build up in lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) of the joint rather than being efficiently transported to the skin and kidneys for elimination from the body. The acidic wastes and the toxins which get accumulated in the joint fluid irritate the sensitive nerve fibers in the joint which causes pain and stiffness. The structure of the joint begins to degenerate if such situation persists for a long time. The joint fluid starts drying up and the soft cartilage lining corrodes away and the bones start accumulating large amount of calcium which leads to formation of new bone growth limiting the movement of the joint. Slowly the whole joint is destroyed and the movement becomes impossible.

A careful examination and analysis of the synovial fluid can provide a clue to determine the type and extent of arthritis. The other causes and types of arthritis will be discussed in the coming posts.

FIRST AID FOR COMA PATIENTS-
Like every first aid normally the first aid for coma patient is also called as ABC.
A-AIRWAY- The victim’s airway should be tried to open
B-BREATHING- Care should be taken for the patient so that he gets enough oxygen for breathing.
C-CIRCULATION- Stands for maintaining blood circulation. And if the person gets injury on head the bleeding should be tried to stop.
If the person is showing signs of going into coma then he/she should be made to sleep on any one side. The patient should not be forced to drink water, this may be dangerous.

If their is any head injury then care should be taken to avoid movement of head. If coma occurs because of deficiency of potassium then patient should be given coconut water to drink.

FEW RISK FACTORS- Due to sudden withdrawal of alcohol consumption the withdrawal symptoms seen in persons are also at risk of coma. Sometimes FITS (Hypoxia) which occurs because of alcohol consumption also lead to coma. Because of alcohol drinking their may be deficiency of vitamins mainly thiamine, because of this also coma may occur. Such condition is called venix ecnopati.
Treatment for such patients include administration of thiamine, they will easily walk off from the hospital by walking on their own legs.

In villages and small towns some people who go for swimming or for any other thing in old wells, small ponds may suffer from serious health disorders. This is because in old wells and ponds there may be increase concentration of carbondioxide and other toxic gases. These gases will disturb the inhalation of oxygen and carbondioxide may mix up with oxygen and reaches brain through lungs and may result in coma. Such condition is also seen in cities especially among workers who clean man holes.

GLASGOW COMA SCALE- It is the scale which is used to determine the intensity of coma. If the patient doesn’t show any response to the stimuli of doctor then it is set at 3 which is a complete coma stage, and as the condition or response of the patient gets improving the meter of the scale is increased. For example if movement is seen in eyes then the meter reading is increased. Like wise it is done till the reading is achieved till 15 which occur when the patient comes completely out of unconsciousness.

Following are the conditions in which the patient appears to be in coma but in reality that condition is not called coma.

SECOGENIC COMA- Patient looks like a coma patient but he is not.
AKINATE MUSEUM- This is also a similar condition like coma occurs because of mental disorders.
LOCKED IN STATE- The patient looks like not breathing but he can understand everything and is mentally active but due to paralysis of muscles he cannot move his eyes, hands, he cannot speak or cannot respond to any stimuli. It mainly occurs due to injury to the brainstem.
VEGETATIVE STATE- If you are an Indian and interested in movies then you must have seen “Munna Bhai MBBS”- the patient in the movie is of this state. Patient looks like watching us but our speech of words or communication won’t reach him.

COMA due to DIABETES- Those who suffer from low sugar level are at high risk of come. Normally because of Doctor’s advice diabetic patients take medicines regularly on time but problem arises when those medicines are taken without meals and because of that the sugar level falls below 100-140mg/dl to as low as 30-20 making the patient at high risk of coma. In such conditions the patient should be given chocolates or any other sugar substances to bring the sugar level to normal.
Diabetic coma is of 2 more types which occur sometimes because of improper usage of medicines or because of lack of treatment to diabetes.
HYPEROSMOLAR COMA- If the sugar level rises above 500mg/dl then there is risk of coma.
KETOACIDOTIC COMA- It occurs due to increase in number of waste and toxic products in the human body.
In both these cases insulin should be administered to the affected patient to bring back the effected patient to conscious state.
HYPONITRIC COMA- In our body there are many minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium. The normal level of sodium in our body is 140-150 milliEquivalents/lite (mEq/L), and if it goes below 110 then there is risk of coma. Those who are blood pressure patients are at risk of this. Reason to maintain blood pressure Doctor’s advise to decrease the intake of salt consumption and some patients avoid salt intake fully. And these patients sodium level may fall below 110mEq/L and may result in coma.

HYPERNITRIC COMA- It occurs because of increase in the sodium level.

FIBRIAL COMA- Severe fever may result in coma.

CARBONDIOXIDE NARCOSIS- In bronchitis patient’s carbondioxide may get deposit in lungs and this carbondioxide from lungs may reach brain. Such patients are at risk of coma.

COMA DUE TO ALCOHOL- There are many reasons for coma due to alcohol consumption. Too much consumption of alcohol may result in brain damage. Sometimes because of alcohol intake the person may go unconscious and he may fell on his head resulting in head injury which may result in blood clot leading to coma.
Thiamine deficiency may also lead to coma.

1) Among men who crossed 50 years of age prostate cancer is one of the most common when compared to other types of cancer.
2) The occurrence of prostate cancer is very low who are below 50 years of age.
3) Experts say one of the genes present inside the human body is responsible for it.
4) Those that have a family history of prostate cancer.
5) Infection, inflammation which occurs to prostate gland is responsible to some extent.
6) Imbalance of sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are responsible for prostate cancer to some extent.
7) Deficiency of vitamin D may also one of prostate cancer risk factor.
There is a misconception among common people that men who are active in sexual activity are at risk of getting prostate cancer. This is totally wrong. Sexual life doesn’t have any relation to cancer. Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest risk factors of prostate cancer.
9) Those who drink 3 pegs of alcohol daily for about 10 years are at risk of prostate cancer. Consumption of whisky is more dangerous when compared to beverages like wine and bear.
10) Obesity and increase in weight, lack of sedentary life is also one of the risk factor for prostate cancer.

LARGE VSD- The wall present in between the two ventricles in called interventricular septum. Hole in this region is called Large Ventricular Septal Defect. In general every new born has a hole in this region which gets closed within 48-72 hours after birth or parturition. So it has not been considered a big problem and this condition is named as small ventricular septal defect. In case this hole doesn’t get closed by natural means within 2 to 3 days, then it can be closed by normal surgery.

TETROLOGY OF FALLOT- They are called blue babies as they are blue in color by birth. It occurs due to obstruction of blood flow from right ventricle to lungs. This causes reduction of blood flow to the lungs leading to a condition called Tetrology of blood flow.

COARCTATION OF AORTA- Aorta is one of the blood vessel which carries blood away from the heart. Narrowing of this blood vessel leads to a condition called coarctation of aorta. This can be treated. But in few new born aorta don’t even get developed. Such condition is called Atresia. The research is still on for the treatment of atresia.
There are also diseases like pulmonary valve stenosis and aortic stenosis. The risk factors for the new born are-
1) Pregnant women who are suffering from Gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy).
2) Pregnant women who are consuming medicine for the treatment of epilepsy or fits (in this the babies are more likely to suffer from valvular disease).
3) Previous babies who are born with heart diseases.
4) Babies who suffer from chromosomal abnormality.
5) Those who are suffering from few autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) (related to rheumatic diseases).

Now coming to Acquired Heart disease. These are the heart diseases which are not inborn or occur after birth.

RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE-Families who are from low socio-economic background and low living standard are at risk of this heart disease. People who suffer from throat pain and tonsils which occur because of streptococcal bacterial infections are at more risk of getting effected.
In medicine there is a famous quote “RHEUMATIC FEVER LICKS THE JOINTS AND BITES THE HEART”. Children who are suffering from rheumatic disorders are at risk of getting heart diseases after they grow up. Even though medicines are used in early stages there is every possibility of surgery in later stages. So people who suffer from throat pain and tonsils are treated with antibiotics, otherwise you never know it may result in adverse effects on heart. Doctors treat patients who suffer from streptococcal infections by giving penicillin injections for a brief period of about 3-5 years. Every month one penicillin injection is given to the patient.

HEART DISEASES BECAUSE OF INFECTIONS- It can occurs to everyone by any means at any point of life. Pericardium, Myocardium or silk lining like endocardium present in the heart, etc can be infected. Sometimes disease like Tuberculosis affects the pericardium of the heart and damages it. At such instances the layer should be removed and this is called Pericardiectomy.

ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASES- It is well known to everyone. It occurs because of blockage of veins which carries blood towards heart. The risk factors are diabetes and High BP. There will be a burning sensation in the heart of effected patient. Along with this there is one more factor which most people don’t notice. Families who have an ischemic heart disease history are at more risk of getting effected. So the offspring’s of the patients should undergo test as early as possible.

CARDIOMYOPATHY- It is a different case. It can be both congenital and acquired. Heart muscles get affected in this.

As the heart muscles are affected there is a decrease in the pumping action of heart. Such conditions are called dilated myopathy.
Because of dilation of the heart muscles there is a reduction in the amount of blood flow to the chambers of heart. This is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

CONGENITAL CARDIAC FAILURES- In general we throw away our stored documents, files, papers, etc thinking that they are no more useful to us. At that time we don’t see what kind of papers they are. Likewise congenital, acquired or something else which leads to heart failure, such conditions are called congestive cardiac failures.

Today due to recent advancement in medical field almost every heart disease can be treated. So patients suffering from heart disease or heart related disorder need to worry about it.
Those who are suffering from Diabetes and Blood pressure should try to keep them in normal level. Moreover doing regular exercise, maintaining body weight, eating healthy vegetables, avoiding consumption of fat diet and products, avoiding cigarettes and alcohols etc will help us to stay away from heart diseases.