Category: Heart

Cardiac arrest refers to the cessation of heart function, breathing, and consciousness due to an abnormal electrical activity in the heart. This occurrence is frequently confused with a heart attack, but it actually disrupts the heart’s pumping action, leading to a decrease or complete halt of blood circulation throughout the body. The absence of oxygenated...

A pacemaker is a medical device that is used to regulate heart rhythms and treat symptoms of arrhythmia, which refers to irregular heartbeats. Implanted under the skin, pacemakers are designed to prevent or eliminate problems caused by bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. However, individuals with pacemakers have a responsibility to ensure the proper...

Contrary to common misconceptions, sinus arrhythmias do not involve the nose. Instead, this term pertains to the sinoatrial or sinus node located within the heart. Similar to a clock, the heart beats at consistent intervals, much like the movement of a second-hand. Any deviation from this regular rhythm is considered an arrhythmia. Serving as the...

Sick sinus syndrome refers to a collection of arrhythmias that stem from complications with the heart’s inherent pacemaker, known as the sinoatrial (SA) node. This medical condition is alternatively referred to as sinus node dysfunction or sinus node disease. The resulting arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. Although sick...

Cor pulmonale, also known as right-sided heart failure, occurs when the right ventricle of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood into the lungs. To comprehend cor pulmonale, it is essential to understand the normal blood flow within the heart. The journey begins as blood returns to the heart from the body, entering the...

Arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat pattern, can be characterized by various symptoms. These symptoms may include missed heartbeats or an abnormal number of heartbeats. It is important to note that experiencing arrhythmia does not necessarily indicate a heart problem. In fact, even individuals with healthy hearts may encounter these irregularities on occasion, often...

Calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed by physicians to patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension, particularly those who are over 55 years old, individuals of African or Caribbean descent, or people with diabetes. Additionally, these medications are also effective in treating circulatory conditions like Raynaud’s disease. They are often the preferred choice in managing...

Bundle branch block refers to a disruption in the heart’s conduction system. The normal functioning of the human heart relies on the sinoatrial node, which acts as a natural pacemaker by generating an electrical impulse that spreads throughout the heart. This impulse passes through the upper chambers and then the atrioventricular node. It then continues...

Angina, a telltale sign of underlying health concerns, arises when the heart muscles do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen. This deficiency is primarily caused by the narrowing of arteries responsible for carrying blood to the heart. However, it is important to note that angina itself is not a standalone condition; rather, it serves...

Cardiac catheterization, an essential diagnostic procedure, is used to evaluate the functioning of a patient’s heart. This procedure is commonly ordered by doctors when they suspect potential heart issues or wish to monitor the progression of an existing problem. During cardiac catheterization, a tube is carefully inserted into one of the major blood vessels near...