Symptoms And Treatments For Heart Conditions You Didn't Know Existed

Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that can affect a variety of organs. Cardiac sarcoidosis affects the heart and only occurs in a small number of those who already suffer from another type (e.g., pulmonary sarcoidosis). In this condition, granulomas (clusters of white blood cells) form within the heart tissue, most commonly where they can affect the heart’s electrical system. In severe cases, it can cause heart failure. This is considered a young person's disease, as it typically affects those between twenty-five and forty-five years old. Unfortunately, the cause is unknown, though genetics may play a part since individuals appear to be at a higher risk if they have a relative with the condition. Another possible cause is an overreaction of the immune system to an infectious agent, such as an allergen.

Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, fainting, arrhythmias, and swelling from excess fluid. Most often, cardiac sarcoidosis does not require treatment. When it does, however, it includes reducing inflammation in the body through corticosteroids and managing irregular heartbeats with anti-arrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. A transplant may occur in the most severe cases.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is where the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart valves and chambers, becomes infected from bacteria or other germs entering the blood, though the term has also been used to refer to endocardium inflammation resulting from other conditions. It is quite rare among individuals with healthy hearts. Risk factors for the condition include artificial or damaged heart valves, medical devices implanted in the heart or blood vessels, as well as the presence of congenital heart defects. Other factors increasing the risk of endocarditis include poor dental hygiene or using intravenous (IV) drugs.

Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, flu-like symptoms, blood in the urine, a new heart murmur or change in an existing one, nausea or vomiting, and a loss of appetite. Skin changes include spots from broken blood vessels under the fingernails, on the chest, on the whites of the eyes, or inside the mouth, and painful red or purple bumps under the skin around the fingers and toes. Dark, flat, and painless spots on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands may also occur.