Autoimmune heart disease

Autoimmune Heart Disease

Autoimmune heart disease (pronunciation: aw-toh-ih-MYOON hart dih-ZEEZ) is a type of heart disease that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the heart, causing inflammation and damage.

Etymology

The term "autoimmune" is derived from the Greek words "auto" meaning self and "immunis" meaning exempt, referring to the body's immune system attacking its own cells. "Heart disease" is a general term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart.

Definition

Autoimmune heart disease is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the heart muscle, causing inflammation and damage. This can lead to a variety of heart conditions, including myocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of autoimmune heart disease can vary widely depending on the specific type of heart disease. Common symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats.

Causes

The exact cause of autoimmune heart disease is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain infections, such as streptococcal infection, can also trigger an autoimmune response that leads to heart disease.

Treatment

Treatment for autoimmune heart disease typically involves managing symptoms and preventing further damage to the heart. This may include medications to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs, and in severe cases, heart surgery or a heart transplant.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Autoimmune heart disease
Wikipedia's article - Autoimmune heart disease

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