What Is an LVAD? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside a person’s chest to help a weakened heart ventricle pump blood throughout the body. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn’t replace the heart. It just helps it do...
How does atrial fibrillation occur? Most common causes leading to atrial fibrillation include heart valve disease, heart failure, and others. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by an irregular and fast heartbeat. The upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically. This can cause pooling and clotting of blood in the atria,...
What is myocarditis? Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. It is positioned in the chest behind the sternum (breastbone; in front of the trachea, esophagus, and aorta; and above the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. Myocarditis is inflammation...
What is a panic attack vs. heart attack? A panic attack is an intense wave of fear accompanied by symptoms like sweating, shaking, dizziness and others. A heart attack is a blockage in blood flow to the heart. The symptoms of a heart attack and panic attack are similar, but they have different outcomes. When...
Heart ablation is a procedure done to rectify problems with heart rhythm. Heart ablation surgery is usually safe but like every procedure, there are some risks associated with it. Problems with heart ablation surgery include: The injury to the blood vessels as the catheter passes through Blood clots in the legs or lungs Stroke or...
The procedure helps doctors find and fix any heart problems. Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that is considered to be safe for most patients. The procedure helps doctors find and fix any heart problems. It is a low-risk procedure and complications are usually rare, but as with any procedure, complications may arise. These...
Triglycerides definition and facts High triglyceride levels can be lowered with medication and naturally through diet and exercise. Triglycerides are particles in the blood that transport fat. They come from excess sugar (refined carbohydrate) and fat intake in the diet and can also be made in the liver. Triglycerides are converted into energy in the...
Marfan syndrome definition and facts* Syringomas on the Eyelids of a Marfan Syndrome Patient. Marfan syndrome affects different people in different ways. The body systems most often affected by the syndrome are the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. Image Source: Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose,...
Orthostatic hypotension definition and facts What Is Low Blood Pressure? The autonomic nervous system makes changes in blood pressure and heart rate to allow the body to provide adequate blood supply to the brain when the body changes position. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Dehydration, blood...
Vasovagal syncope (fainting) occurs when your heart rate or blood pressure drops suddenly Have you ever felt lightheaded after seeing something shocking? Or downright fainted? You may have experienced what’s known as vasovagal syncope. Vasovagal syncope (neurocardiogenic or reflex syncope) occurs when something causes your body to have a sudden drop in heart rate or...