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, …
Read More »
How does someone get a widowmaker heart attack? It is difficult to differentiate between a regular heart attack and the widowmaker heart attack because the symptoms are similar. Any heart attack can be grave. A widowmaker is a type of heart attack, which is deadlier than most others. A widowmaker heart attack occurs when the left ascending artery (LAD) that …
Read More »
What is congestive heart failure? Several factors can cause congestive heart failure including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and others. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood to body tissues efficiently. Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that progresses with time if left untreated. Heart failure can occur due …
Read More »
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 replacement is a minimally invasive …
Read More »
What is percutaneous valve replacement procedure? A percutaneous valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a diseased heart valve. A percutaneous valve replacement is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a diseased heart valve. The malfunctioning valve is removed and replaced with a manufactured valve, which may be mechanical. Other valve replacements may be crafted from animal tissue, …
Read More »
What is a transradial heart catheterization procedure? Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the radial artery in the hand and into the heart and its blood vessels. Ultrasound …
Read More »
What is PDA heart surgery? Ductus arteriosus is a normal connection or opening in a fetus between the descending thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery. In normal development, the ductus arteriosus closes after birth. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure surgery is a procedure to close this connection if it persists (remains patent) after birth. The procedure may be performed as …
Read More »
How long does PDA surgery take? The PDA closure procedure may take up to three hours, depending on the type of procedure. It may take longer if the PDA closure is accompanied by other procedures to correct any additional heart defects. PDA stands for “patent ductus arteriosis,” which is a congenital failure of the heart to develop properly, leaving an …
Read More »
How long does a mitral valvuloplasty take to perform? A mitral valuloplasty is a procedure to improve function of the heart's mitral valve. A mitral balloon valvuloplasty — a procedure to improve the function of the heart's mitral valve — takes about an hour. The procedure requires a few hours for preparation before, and recovery after the procedure. The patient will undergo …
Read More »
What is cardiac resynchronization therapy? Cardiac resynchronization therapy involves inserting electrodes into the heart attached to an electrical pacemaker device, which will administer electrical current when the heartbeat falls out of rhythm. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment to help the heart beat with healthy rhythm. CRT is a minor surgical procedure to implant an electronic device under the …
Read More »
