Definition & Pathophysiology Unstable angina (UA) is a form of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) characterized by myocardial ischemia at rest or with minimal exertion, due to dynamic obstruction from thrombus formation on a ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaque—without elevation of cardiac biomarkers above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (i.e., non–ST-elevation ACS). It represents an…
Overview Aortic valve regurgitation, also known as aortic regurgitation, is a condition in which the aortic valve of the heart does not seal tightly. As a result, a portion of the blood pushed from the heart\’s primary pumping chamber (left ventricle) escapes backward. The leaking may hinder the heart\’s ability to adequately pump blood to…
Definition and Pathophysiology Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic sequela of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an autoimmune disorder triggered by group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis—not skin infections (though the role of pyodergha is debated in some endemic regions). RHD manifests as permanent structural damage to cardiac valves, primarily affecting the mitral valve (>65% of…
Prepared for the Practicing Cardiologist or Internal Medicine Physician 1. Definition & Epidemiology Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural abnormalities of the heart or great vessels present at birth, resulting from aberrant cardiovascular development in utero (typically weeks 3–8 of gestation). Though historically considered a pediatric condition, advances in surgical and interventional cardiology have…
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