## Inflammatory Heart Diseases
**Introduction**
Inflammatory heart diseases (IHDs) are a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the heart. They can affect different parts of the heart, leading to various symptoms.
**Symptoms**
Common symptoms of IHDs include:
– Chest pain
– Shortness of breath
– Fatigue
– Fever
– Night sweats
**Diagnosis**
To diagnose IHDs, doctors may perform:
– Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
– Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the heart’s electrical activity.
– Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A scan that provides detailed images of the heart.
– Cardiac biopsy: A procedure where a small sample of heart tissue is removed for examination.
**Types**
IHDs can affect different parts of the heart:
– **Pericarditis:** Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart.
– **Endocarditis:** Infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart.
– **Myocarditis:** Inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular wall of the heart.
**Prevention**
There are no specific measures to prevent IHDs directly. However, managing underlying conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and drug sensitivities, can reduce the risk.
**Treatment**
Treatment for IHDs depends on the type and severity of the condition:
– **Medications:** Steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation.
– **Surgery:** Pericardiectomy to remove part or all of the pericardium in cases of pericarditis.
– **Radiation therapy:** To treat certain types of pericarditis and endocarditis.
– **Chemotherapy:** For myocarditis caused by cancer.
**Complications**
Complications of IHDs can include:
– Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
– Heart failure
– Valvular heart disease
– Coronary artery disease
**Doctors Who Treat IHDs**
Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, including IHDs.
