Heart (cardiovascular) disease definition and facts Coronary artery disease is the main cause of heart attacks. Heart disease refers to various types of conditions that can affect heart function. These types include: Coronary artery (atherosclerotic) heart disease that affects the arteries to the heart Valvular heart disease that affects how the valves function to regulate …
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Thoracoscopic vs. Laparoscopic Myotomy
Myotomy can be performed as a laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or an open surgery. Myotomy can be performed as a laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or an open surgery. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic myotomies are minimally invasive procedures. They involve small surgical cuts through which a thin tube-like device is inserted into the body. The device has a tiny camera at one end that enables the …
Read More »How Long Can a Child Live With a Pacemaker?
Most children can live a normal life after pacemaker surgery In most cases, most children can live a normal life after pacemaker surgery. An implanted pacemaker usually lasts around 10 years or more depending on the usage and the type of device implanted, after which the pacemaker would have to be replaced. What is a pacemaker? A pacemaker or an …
Read More »What Foods Trigger Atrial Fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is caused by the two upper chambers of the heart beating irregularly. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the two smaller, upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly instead of rhythmically. This abnormal condition can allow blood clots to form inside the heart and later travel to the brain and cause a …
Read More »What Is the Best Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart disorder that causes an abnormally high heart rate. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of heart disorder that can cause an abnormally high heart rate. AFib occurs due to problems with an individual’s heart’s electrical activity. It results in poor pumping of blood by the heart because of which …
Read More »Why Are Ventricular Repair (Cardiorrhaphy) Procedures Performed?
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 is a procedure that allows …
Read More »What Is Treadmill Stress Testing?
What is treadmill stress testing? During the treadmill stress test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiograph (ECG) are monitored. Exercise stress testing is performed to determine how your heart responds to physical stress or exertion, such as exercise. The test is known as stress test, treadmill stress test, cardiac stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or …
Read More »Why Are Diuretics Used in Heart Failure?
What is congestive heart failure? Heart failure can cause edema when extra fluid seeps into the lung cavity or other cavities. Diuretics treat this symptom, but do not cure heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs. This impairs normal blood circulation …
Read More »What Is a Synchronized Electrical Cardioversion? Arrhythmia Procedure
What does synchronized electrical cardioversion mean? Cardioversion is typically used to terminate a life-threatening or unstable tachycardic arrhythmia. Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a medical procedure in which an electric current is passed through a person’s chest to convert abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) to normal heart rhythm. The direct current (DC) shocks to the heart has long been used successfully to …
Read More »What Are Programmed Stimulation and Entrainment Techniques? Arrhythmia
What are the techniques of programmed stimulation and entrainment? These techniques help to gather information about the conduction system of the heart, which can further be used to guide the treatment of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Programmed stimulation and entrainment techniques are methods of setting the rhythm and rate of the heart. These techniques help to gather information about the …
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