What is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)? Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story Picture of the interior of the heart and chambers of the heart. The heart is a two-stage electrical pump. A coordinated electrical signal is required for the heart muscle cells to contract in a coordinated way and generate a heartbeat. Normally, an electrical...
How dangerous is percutaneous heart valve replacement surgery? Pictured is an artificial heart valve. Percutaneous (less-invasive) heart valve repair is widely performed and carries the typical surgical risks of a cardiac procedure. Percutaneous heart valve replacement techniques are still evolving. The associated risks are expected to decline with advancements in this field. A percutaneous valve...
Heart disease and stress introduction Are stress and heart disease related? Does stress increase the risk of heart disease? Stress is a normal part of life. But if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including: heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains, or irregular heart beats. How Does Stress...
Pacemaker definition and facts* A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses low-energy electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the...
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) definition and facts Readers Comments 49 Share Your Story Peripheral artery disease occurs when blood vessels in the limbs get clogged. The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly used to refer to peripheral artery disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), meaning narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of...
What is cardiac tamponade? Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which the pressurized protective sack around the heart (pericardium) fills with blood and compromised heart function. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by excessive fluid accumulation in the protective sac (pericardium) around the heart. The fluid exerts pressure on the heart and impairs its...
Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) may be caused due to various reasons. Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) may be caused due to various reasons. The commonest cause includes any damage or abnormalities in the structure of the heart. The risk of AFib may increase with age. Some of the medical conditions that may cause AFib...
POT syndrome definition and facts* *POT syndrome definition and facts medically reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD. POTS is a condition characterized by too little blood returning to the heart when moving from a lying down to a standing up position. Symptoms can include fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness when standing up from a reclining position....
A patient may stay alive for 5 and a half years with LVAD. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is usually used to keep a patient alive until a suitable heart donor is found. A patient may stay alive for 5 and a half years with LVAD. As per research, 80–85% of patients are alive a year...
Targeted temperature management or therapeutic hypothermia is a type of treatment in which healthcare providers use cooling devices to lower the body temperature for a short time. Targeted temperature management or therapeutic hypothermia may be performed for the management of Cardiac arrest Hemorrhagic shock (shock because of excessive blood loss) Brain injury Spinal cord injury...