Archive | The Heart
26
Sep

Ablation Part II

There are a many types of ablations available to patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Atrial fibrillation ablation Pulmonary vein isolation – Most atrial fibrillation (AFib) signals originate in the pulmonary veins.  Ablations are performed to create many lesions (scars) to form a circular scar around the four pulmonary veins during this procedure.  The scar thereby blocks any impulses firing from within the pulmonary veins [...]

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22
Sep

Ablation Part I

A normal heartbeat is controlled by a regular and constant flow of electricity all through the heart.   A short circuit at any location along this electrical pathway can disrupt the normal flow of signals, causing an arrhythmia (ie. an irregular heartbeat).   Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to destroy these short-circuits and [...]

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18
Sep

Cardioversion Part II

Cardioversion Part II of II   Electrical cardioversion–Known as “direct-current” or DC cardioversion, a perfectly timed, synchronized electrical shock is delivered through the chest wall to the heart through paddles or special electrodes that are applied to the skin of the chest and back.   The procedure disrupts the abnormal electrical circuits in the heart; [...]

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14
Sep

Cardioversion Part I

Cardioversion Part I of II   Cardioversion is a quick, corrective, procedure where an electrical shock is applied to the heart to convert an abnormal heart rhythm into normal sinus rhythm.   Elective or “non-emergency” cardioversions are mostly performed to treat atrial flutter (AFL) or atrial fibrillation (A Fib), non-life threatening abnormal rhythms that originate in the top portion [...]

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28
Aug

Skipped Heart Beats

Skipped Beats and Extra Heart Beats It is interesting that both extra heart beats/palpitations and skipped beats are typically due to the same cause: the regular heart rhythm is interrupted by a premature or early beat.   When the premature beat arises in the atria (upper heart chambers), it is called a premature atrial contraction (PAC). [...]

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25
Aug

Cardiac Diagnostic Tests

Cardiac Diagnostic Tests   Because the electrical system of the heart is complex, cardiologists or heart rhythm experts who use special testing equipment are required to diagnose abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias).   To unearth the problem, the physician will ask about symptoms. obtain a medical history, give a thorough physical exam, and order the following [...]

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16
Aug

Arrhythmia Symptoms

Arrhythmia Symptoms   Some arrhythmias can occur without even knowing it, while others may cause the feeling of the lightheadedness, heart “racing,” or dizziness.   At some point, many adults have had short lived heart rhythm changes. Certain heart rhythms, especially the ones that last long enough to affect the function of the heart, can be serious [...]

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13
Aug

Substances & Heart Rhythm Disorders

Substances & Heart Rhythm Disorders There are many substances that may affect the electrical system of the heart and change its ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body.   Many prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, as well as tobacco, certain foods, alcohol and other substances, may affect the heart’s electrical signals that trigger it [...]

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10
Aug

Heart Failure

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a common and serious condition that is usually due to weak heart muscle pumping.   Ineffective heart pumping function can cause swelling legs, fatigue, difficulty breathing  and trouble exercising.   Heart surgery, lifestyle changes, and medications can sometimes help with symptoms, but because many individuals with heart failure also [...]

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07
Aug

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is not a relatively common heart rhythm disorder.    SSS isn’t a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms or signs that indicate the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, isn’t functioning properly.   An individual with SSS may have a heart rhythm that is beating too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or a [...]

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