What is Brevibloc and how does it work? Brevibloc Premixed (esmolol hydrochloride) Injection is a beta-blocker indicated for the rapid control of ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter in perioperative, postoperative, or other emergent circumstances. Brevibloc is also indicated in noncompensatory sinus tachycardia where the rapid heart rate requires specific intervention....
Ventricular septal defect facts A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common form of congenital heart disease. VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the ventricles of the heart. VSD is the most common type of heart malformation present at birth (congenital heart disease). VSD lets blood shunt from the left ventricle...
What is a ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) procedure? Ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) is a lifesaving procedure used for cardiac (heart) trauma. Ventricular repair is also called cardiorrhaphy. It is a lifesaving procedure performed for cardiac (heart) trauma in the emergency room (ER). Emergency thoracotomy or surgical resuscitation may be done first prior to ventricular repair. Emergency thoracotomy...
What does “fibrillation” mean? Picture of a cross section of the heart, including the atria and ventricles Atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are heart conditions that include the term “fibrillation.” When defined as related to the heart, "fibrillation" refers to a very rapid irregular contractions of the heart’s muscle fibers. What are the main differences...
What are the warning signs of a heart attack in a woman? Many women think that the typical signs of a heart attack like crushing chest pain and shortness of breath can be easily recognized and cannot be missed. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women in the United States, with...
Chest X-ray definition and facts Chest X-rays can detect some lung and heart abnormalities like tumors, as well as rib fractures. A chest X-ray is most commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs, but can also detect abnormalities in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. Extra metallic objects, such as...
Heart valve disease may be seen at birth or it may develop later in life This depends on the type of valve involved and the severity of its involvement. The recent advances in heart surgery and the consideration of surgery in the elderly have increased the chances of survival in these patients. After the successful...
What are palpitations? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath may accompany palpitations. Palpations are sensations by a person that they are having hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeats or a combination of these sensations. A brief description of the heart's function that should help readers to better understand palpitations. The...
Heart attack facts One cannot overemphasize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention in the presence of new symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives, and delays in reaching medical assistance can be fatal. A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to...
Coronary balloon angioplasty and stents facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Coronary Balloon Angioplasty Illustration Coronary angioplasty is accomplished using a balloon-tipped catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist to enlarge a narrowing in a coronary artery. Coronary artery disease occurs when cholesterol plaque builds up (arteriosclerosis) in the walls of...