Category: Valvular & cardiovascular diseases

Atrioventricular blocks (AV blocks) are delays or interruptions in the electrical signal traveling between the atriaThe atria are the two upper chambers of the heart. They act as reservoirs for blood that will fill the ventricles. and the ventricles. This pathway, controlled by the AV node — the heart’s “electrical gatekeeper” — can be slowed to varying degrees.
Three degrees of AV block are recognized, ranging from a simple delay to a complete interruption of the signal.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, often caused by a viral infection. It typically causes chest pain and usually resolves without long-term consequences. Fluid may sometimes accumulate around the heart and requires monitoring, but treatment is generally straightforward and recovery is usually complete.

MitraClip is a non-surgical procedure used to treat mitral regurgitation. Performed by catheter, it reduces valve leakage without open-heart surgery. It is mainly intended for patients at high surgical risk.

The Heart Team is a group of specialists who come together to discuss complex heart conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment. This collaborative approach has become essential with the rapid development of catheter-based procedures, such as TAVI, which now offer alternatives to certain types of traditional heart surgery.

Chronic mitral regurgitation is a progressive leak of the mitral valve that can remain silent for a long time. Learn about its causes, effects, and progression.

Epicardial fat necrosis is a rare and benign cause of chest pain. Often overlooked, it can mimic more serious heart conditions, which explains the use of imaging tests such as CT scan or cardiac MRI.