Tag Archives: heart

BiDil (isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hcl): Heart Failure Treatment

What is BiDil, and how does it work? BiDil (isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hcl) is a combination of a nitrate and a vasodilator used to treat heart failure. What are the side effects of BiDil? Common side effects of BiDil include: headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, swollen ankles, and flushing (redness of …

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How Long Does an Electrophysiology Study Take?

How long does an electrophysiology study take? An electrophysiology study takes between one and four hours to complete. An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test performed to determine the cause of abnormal heart rhythm and it usually takes about one to four hours to complete. However, it may take longer if additional treatments such as catheter ablation are performed at …

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How Serious Is a Heart Ablation Surgery?

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 heart attack Worsening of the …

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What Is a Catheter Ablation Procedure?

Catheter ablation or cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure Catheter ablation or cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat abnormal heart rhythms. During this procedure, the doctor may destroy tiny areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses and causing abnormal heart rhythms. The patient may be given local or general anesthesia …

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How Is a Carotid Endarterectomy Performed?

Carotid endarterectomy may be performed under general or local anesthesia Carotid endarterectomy may be performed under general or local anesthesia, and the procedure may take about 1-2 hours. If both the arteries are to be operated, the time doubles. Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure in which the plaque affected parts of the arteries supplying to the face and brain are opened up to …

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What Is the Most Common Cause of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib, AF)?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) may be caused due to various reasons. Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) may be caused due to various reasons. The commonest cause includes any damage or abnormalities in the structure of the heart. The risk of AFib may increase with age. Some of the medical conditions that may cause AFib to include: After a heart …

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Heartburn vs. Heart Attack: Similarities & Differences

Facts you should know about heart attacks and heartburn Share Your Story This comparison of differences between heartburn and heart attack are not 100% specific, and only serve to help you differentiate the two conditions to some extent. If there is any confusion or doubt about if you or someone you are with is having heartburn or a heart attack, …

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Target Heart Rate Zone and Chart

The target heart rate zone is a term used to define a heart rate at which cardio exercises are to be done. The target heart rate zone is a term used to define a heart rate at which cardio exercises are to be done. Exercising regularly at a target heart rate ensures that there is minimum undue stress on the …

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What Does a Leaky Heart Valve Feel Like?

A leaky heart valve may go unnoticed because frequently, a leaky heart valve causes no symptoms. A leaky heart valve may go unnoticed because frequently, a leaky heart valve causes no symptoms.  If a heart valve leak is severe, it can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness and cause the heart to fail. The symptoms of congestive heart failure mainly include: …

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At What Age Does Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Develop?

HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals aged less than 30 years Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may develop and manifest at any age. Some may be born with the condition while others may develop it during childhood. The heart may, however, show no signs at this age. In some cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may lead to a stillborn …

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