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. …
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What is pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation? An ECMO system works by drawing blood from the patient’s body to artificially oxygenate the red blood cells in the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also called extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs …
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What is aortic stenosis? Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgically and artificially replaces an aortic valve narrowed by aortic stenosis. Sometimes, malfunction of the heart valves can lead to issues with blood flow and threaten the overall health of an individual. Stenosis, more specifically aortic stenosis (AS), is narrowing of the aortic valve (one of the important heart valves) opening. …
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What is a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) surgery? Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that repairs the aorta Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure to repair the major blood vessel in the body called the aorta. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made for repairing the …
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What is pharmacologic stress testing? A pharmacological stress test uses drugs to speed up the heart rate to see how well it pumps when it's working hard. This version of the test is for people with conditions that prevent them from exercising. Able-bodied people undergoing this test instead use an exercise machine to stress their hearts. Pharmacologic stress testing is …
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What is an ankle-brachial index? Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) can indicate arterial disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or atherosclerosis. An ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) or ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the ratio of the systolic (upper) blood pressures (BP) of the ankle to the upper arm (brachium). Ankle BP is indicative of arterial disease. Lower ankle BP in the leg suggests …
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What is a fractional flow reserve measurement? A fractional flow reserve (FFR) estimates the degree of blockage in the coronary arteries. A fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a procedure done during cardiac catheterization to estimate the degree of blockage in the coronary arteries. It is a guide wire-based procedure that determines the ratio between the maximum achievable blood flow in …
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What is a pacemaker? The most common use of pacemakers is the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). A pacemaker is a tiny device (not more than the size of a small matchbox), placed in the chest or abdomen, that sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscles for maintaining a suitable heart rate. It may also be used to …
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What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? IABP is performed when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or isn’t pumping out to the rest of the body. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device which helps the heart to pump more blood. The IABP consists of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. Attached to the …
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What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? You need to live with an ICD for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to have regular check-ups and monitoring every three months to ensure the proper functioning of an ICD. An implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that tracks the heart rate and restores a normal rhythm if required. …
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