The ❤️

Sarcoidosis and the Heart💭

May lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), swelling, or shortness of breath.

▪️Cardiac sarcoidosis predominantly impacts the myocardium, where inflammatory cells form granulomas leading to scarring and damage.

▪️These granulomas often disrupt the heart's electrical system, resulting in potentially life-threatening —arrhythmias and conduction issues, and can affect any chamber, frequently leading to heart failure or ventricular tachycardia.

▪️Key Areas —Affected— Myocardium: The primary site for inflammation and granuloma formation is the main heart muscle. Electrical System (Conduction —System)
▪️Damage commonly results in AV blocks (impacting up to two-thirds of patients), bundle branch blocks, and irregular heartbeats.

▪️Left Ventricle: Infiltration typically causes damage to the left ventricular wall, — leading to ventricular tachycardias (up to 42% of patients) and decreased —contraction strength.

▪️Valves and Atria: Although less frequent than ventricular involvement, inflammation can cause conduction --abnormalities in the atria and valvular function issues.

▪️Basal Aneurysms: Specific areas, particularly the base of the heart, may develop small aneurysms due to weakness from granulomas.

Effects on —
▪️Cardiac Function: Heart Failure: Weakening of the heart muscle leads to dysfunction in 10% to 30% of patients.

▪️Arrhythmias: Irregular rhythms, such as ventricular tachycardia, are prevalent and can be fatal.

▪️Heart Block: Interference with electrical signals, including complete heart block. The damage can be widespread, making the left ventricular ejection fraction a crucial indicator of prognosis and mortality risk.

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