Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterised by decreased right atrial compliance, which manifests as a significantly elevated jugular venous pressure and prominent right heart failure.
Dr Jeffrey Kalei
Author and illustrator for Hyperexcision. Interested in emergency room medicine. I have a passion for medical education and drawing.
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is characterised by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, myocardial hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction. It is commonly caused by genetic mutations in sarcomere proteins. There is a hypertrophied interventricular septum, which blocks blood from flowing through the aortic…
Cardiomyopathies
Cardiomyopathies are disease processes that affect the myocardium – the contractile portion of the heart. They are characterized by impaired filling and contractility of the heart, which leads to increased pulmonary hydrostatic pressure and congestive heart failure symptoms. There may…
Endocarditis
Overview Infective endocarditis (IE) involves the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart as well as the valves. It shows a predilection for males (2:1) and preferentially affects individuals older than 65 years. This is thought to be due…
Acute Pericarditis
Acute pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardial sac for a period of less than 4 – 6 weeks. It is the most common pericardial disease. It peaks between 40 and 50 years of age. Causes of pericarditis Category Causes Infection…
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic orifice due to atherosclerosis, calcification, or fibrosis. It leads to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which can progress to left ventricular failure. It peaks at 70+ years, and affects men and women…
Hypercholesterolaemia (Hyperlipidaemia)
Hypercholesterolemia is a dyslipidaemia that is defined as the presence of high cholesterol in the blood. It is usually in the form of a high LDL. Other dyslipidaemias include hypertriglyceridemia (elevated triglycerides), combined dyslipidaemia (elevated LDL and triglycerides), and low…
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Basics
Overview An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart. It is one of the most common investigations carried out in cardiovascular medicine. Willem Einthoven developed and added onto previous work on electrical charges in…
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic, systemic, immune-mediated condition that develops as a serious complication of rheumatic fever (RF), often following recurrent episodes of acute illness. It is the most significant consequence of acute rheumatic…
Acute Heart Failure
Acute heart failure is a life-threatening emergency that is characterised by the sudden onset or worsening of symptoms of heart failure. It typically presents with symptoms of volume overload. Definition of terms Term Definition Decompensated acute heart failure Acute heart…