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Pericarditis

Pericarditis

The pericardium is a thin membrane surrounding the heart. When this membrance is swollen or disturbed, it leads to Pericarditis. The inflamed pericardium increases the lubricating fluid surrounding the heart, thereby laying pressure on the heart. Pericarditis usually occurs after a heart attack or trauma. Any tumor or auto-immune disease can also bring on pericarditis.

Acute pericarditis causes sudden pain. This happens when the pericardium brushes against the heart's outer layers. Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can bring on pericarditis. This sometimes leads to pus in the pericardial sac. Pericarditis that occurs after a heart attack or surgery is referred to as Dressler's syndrome. It is a body autoimmune reaction. Constrictive Pericarditis occurs when the pericardial layers become stiff and stick together. This leads to swelling on the hands and feet as well as atrial fibrillation. Symptoms of pericarditis include shortness of breath while lying down and abdominal swelling. There may be low-grade fever and overall fatigue. Dry cough is noticed in some patients suffering from pericarditis. Chest pain with pericarditis is usually stabbing and felt in the center of the heart.

Diagnosis of pericarditis is done with ECG, MRI and chest x-rays. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and other blood tests to measure cardiac enzymes aid in diagnosing pericarditis. Rest is recommended and in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. NSAIDS are prescribed to decrease the pain and inflammation. Any infection is treated with antibiotics. If atrial fibrillation is noticed, anti-arrhythmics are prescribed. Somtimes costicosteroids are used for treating inflammation. Diuretics aid in removing excess fluid. The pericardial fluid may be drained to aid better functioning of the heart.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation is a heart condition that is characterized by abnormal rhythm of the heart originating in the atria. The heart beats irregularly and ofen rapidly. Persons suffering from AF. High blood pressure or hyperthyroidism can bring on atrial fibrillation. Those suffering from asthma or COPD are at higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation increases the chances of a person suffering a stroke. Cardiomyopathy, pericarditis and pulmonary embolism can lead to development of AF.

Brief episodes of AF last from a few minutes to a few hours whereas in chronic AF, the atria fibrillate all of the time. Chronic atrial fibrillation reduces the pumping capacity of the heart and might lead to its failure. In many cases, patients are not even aware that they suffer from atrial fibrillation. Symptoms of AF are dizziness, fainting and fatigue. The person suffering from atrial fibrillation is likely to experience shortness of breath and angina pain. Heart palpitations and chest discomfort are other symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

Abnormal heartbeats are felt by taking the patient's pulse or with a stethoscope. An electrocardiogram and echocardiography aid in assessing the heart's rhythms. A holter monitor records the heart's rhythm over a period of about 24 hours to detect any intermittent AF. Treatment for AF is geared towards restoring normal heart rhythm, controlling the heart rate and preventing blood clots. Drugs to slow down the rapid heart rate such as digoxin, beta blockers, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide, procainamide and quinidine are used in the treatment of AF. Atrial pacemakers may be implanted to regulate the heart arhythmias. High blood pressure must be controlled. Hyperthyroidism, if any must be corrected. Anticoagulant medications reduce the chances of blood clots and strokes. Excessive use of alcohol or other stimulants must be avoided.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a procedure that replaces the work of your kidneys, if your kidneys have failed and are not able to clean the blood. The dialyis procedures filter the blood of the toxic wastes, excess salt and water. A patient with malfunctioning kidneys needs dialysis when the toxic wastes in the body build up and cause the person to become sick. The BUN blood test and creatinine levels are measured to indicate the functioning ability of the kidneys.

Hemodialysis: A dialysis machine is used to filter the blood. A special type of filter is used. The patient's blood passes through the dialysis membrane and the solution within the dialysis machine filter receives the waste matter. Hemodialysis requires stricter diet control and fluid control.

Peritoneal dialysis: The peritoneal membrane lining the abdomen is used to filter the blood. A plastic tube (dialysis catheter) is placed in the abdominal cavity to remove waste products and fluid. The major problem with peritoneal dialysis is infection due to the plastic tube that can work as a potential entry point for bacteria into the body.

Complications that can arise from dialysis procedure are anemia, high blood pressure, pericarditis, high potassium levels, bone disease, infection and sleep disorders.