Posted on February 28, 2012
How do I get rid of Atrial Fibrillation ?
If you are suffering from Atrial fibrillation (also known as arrhythmia), you may be at risk of stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat caused by a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system. The treatment can involve medication or the use of electricity. It has a number of causes including heart disease and thyroid disorders.
How do I get rid of Atrial Fibrillation ?
Medication or electricity may be used to as therapy for atrial fibrillation. The treatment to reset the heart
Posted on February 27, 2012
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation :
Atrial fibrillation is the rapid and irregular beating of the two upper chambers of the heart. It is due to the heart’s electrical system malfunctioning and may or may not be asymptomatic, meaning that you may never know that you have the condition. In some instances, the symptoms may be intermittent, coming and going, in others it may be a chronic condition. In any case, you may want to see a doctor to make sure that your atrial fibrillation is not a sign of a more serious condition.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
It may present with any one of a number of symptoms including dizziness, fainting, angina, and a rapid, irregular heartbeat. Because the irregular heartbeat means that the heart is unable to pump all the blood that the rest of the body needs, the symptoms will largely be that of poor blood flow. The dizziness and fainting comes as a result of the brain not getting enough oxygen, and the angina is due to the heart muscles not getting a sufficient blood supply. Such problems as general fatigue and muscle weakness (similar to that which is felt after extreme physical exertion) may also be felt. The rapid heartbeat, where the upper and lower chambers of the heart are failing to coordinate with each other, may be uncomfortable and alarming.
Other conditions associated with atrial fibrillation
If it is undiagnosed and untreated, atrial fibrillation may cause strokes and other problems because of pooled blood in the heart clotting and breaking up. The fragments of blood clots may then travel to the brain and block blood vessels there. If you have atrial fibrillation over a long enough period of time, it may weaken your heart muscles and cause heart failure.
Posted on February 22, 2012
Can I Die From Atrial Fibrillation :
While atrial fibrillation may be associated with several potentially fatal conditions, it does not normally cause death. It is usually possible for a person with atrial fibrillation to adapt to living with it.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
In a person suffering from atrial fibrillation, the two upper chambers of the heart beat out of rhythm due to problems in the heart’s electrical system. They quiver and this results in a rapid and irregular heartbeat. In someone suffering from this condition, the heart rate may be as high as 175 beats per minute, whereas in someone without the condition the heart rate is only between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Potentially Fatal Conditions Arising From Atrial Fibrillation
One potential problem with atrial fibrillation is the possibility of blood pooling in the upper chambers of the heart. When blood is not flowing it can clot, and with blood clots there is the possibility of pieces breaking off and traveling to the brain, causing a stroke. Sufferers of atrial fibrillation face a a risk of stroke that is considerably higher than that of people who do not have the condition. Taking blood thinning medication can substantially reduce the risk of strokes from blood clots.
In some cases atrial fibrillation can weaken the heart, reducing its ability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In this situation the body may retain fluid in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary edema. If this happens, the person with atrial fibrillation is at risk of heart or respiratory failure.
Studies have shown that sufferers of atrial fibrillation are more likely to develop various forms of dementia (including Alzheimer’s Disease) than people who do not have the condition. Other studies have shown that having dementia doubles the patient’s risk of death within six years of diagnosis.
Posted on February 18, 2012
What is a Heart aneurysm?
A heart aneurysm, also known as an aortic aneurysm, is a ballooning or bulge in the main artery of the body. This bulge is a weakened area in the aorta that can pose a serious risk of heart failure if ruptured.
Is a Heart aneurysm serious?
Some aneurysms can be small, with a low risk to rupture. If the weakened area is larger, causing a heart aneurysm to rupture, the patient risks suffering heart failure.
How is a Heart Aneurysm diagnosed and treated?
Aortic aneurysm is often difficult to diagnosis, as symptoms are not always apparent. To prevent heart failure from a rupturing aneurysm, doctors perform tests on the heart, including an MRI, CT Scan, or Ultrasound.
The size and exact location of the heart aneurysm are the two deciding factors for treatment. If there is a small aneurysm detected, doctors will monitor for growth and potential risks. If there is a large aneurysm that is likely to rupture, doctors may perform surgery to remove the bulge from the aorta and repair the area with a graft of artificial material to support the aortic wall. Depending upon the location of the aneurysm, surgery may be required to replace a valve in the aorta.
Is a Heart Aneurysm preventable?
While certain hereditary issues do factor into the overall health of the aortic artery and the health of your heart, doctors will suggest measures to prevent a heart aneurysm. Having a heart-healthy diet that decreases the risk for hypertension is always suggested. Cardiologists will also tell you that smokers have an increased risk for heart attacks, blood clots and heart aneurysms. While certain congenital abnormalities are not preventable, doctors will tell you to make the best of your lifestyle choices to reduce health risks later in life.
Could I already have a Heart Aneurysm?
If you feel that you are at risk for heart failure from an aortic aneurysm, it is best to consult a cardiologist. The doctor will discuss your medical history, hereditary factors and your specific lifestyle to best determine your risk of heart failure.
Posted on February 5, 2012
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, can happen to both men and women. It is important to know and recognize the symptoms of a heart attack in order to receive prompt medical attention. The sooner treatment is received, the more likely your are to survive. Although not everyone has the same symptoms, the following are some of the most common pre-cursors to a heart attack.
Heart Palpitations
You may feel your heart beat rapidly, or feel that your heart skipping beats. Some experience a heavy pounding sensation known as palpitations. Also, blood abnormalities due to irregular heart beat cause the body to release chemicals called catecholamines.
Chest Pain
Chest discomfort is perpetrated by decreased blood flow to your heart. Many people who have experienced a heart attack, state they had a heavy, tight feeling in their chest. Others say it felt numb. It is important to discern whether this feeling is due to simple heart burn because of food, or an actual heart attack.Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath that is not associated with exercise or extreme physical work is a very common heart attack symptom. This happens when heart damage decreases output in the left ventricle. The end result is pulmonary edema which is the primary symptom of shortness of breath.
Fainting
Weakness and light-headedness , may be symptoms of a heart attack. Since blood transports oxygen, a lack therof causes less blood to reach the brain and other vital organs.
Nausea
Lastly, nausea or a sick feeling in the stomach can signal a heart attack. Many victims feel like vomiting due to the release of catecholamines from the damaged heart.