What does “fibrillation” mean? Picture of a cross section of the heart, including the atria and ventricles Atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are heart conditions that include the term “fibrillation.” When defined as related to the heart, "fibrillation" refers to a very rapid irregular contractions of the heart’s muscle fibers. What are the main differences...
What are the warning signs of a heart attack in a woman? Many women think that the typical signs of a heart attack like crushing chest pain and shortness of breath can be easily recognized and cannot be missed. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women in the United States, with...
Chest X-ray definition and facts Chest X-rays can detect some lung and heart abnormalities like tumors, as well as rib fractures. A chest X-ray is most commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs, but can also detect abnormalities in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. Extra metallic objects, such as...
Heart valve disease may be seen at birth or it may develop later in life This depends on the type of valve involved and the severity of its involvement. The recent advances in heart surgery and the consideration of surgery in the elderly have increased the chances of survival in these patients. After the successful...
What are palpitations? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath may accompany palpitations. Palpations are sensations by a person that they are having hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeats or a combination of these sensations. A brief description of the heart's function that should help readers to better understand palpitations. The...
Heart attack facts One cannot overemphasize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention in the presence of new symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives, and delays in reaching medical assistance can be fatal. A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to...
Coronary balloon angioplasty and stents facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Coronary Balloon Angioplasty Illustration Coronary angioplasty is accomplished using a balloon-tipped catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist to enlarge a narrowing in a coronary artery. Coronary artery disease occurs when cholesterol plaque builds up (arteriosclerosis) in the walls of...
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) facts When a coronary artery becomes blocked (usually by a blood clot), an area of heart tissue loses its blood supply. Coronary artery disease develops because of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) that supply blood to the heart muscle. In the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, helpful tests include EKG,...
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Keeping the heart healthy no matter how old you are may limit heart diseases and complications. Below are a few common ways to keep the heart healthy: Maintaining a healthy...
What is the structure of the human heart? The heart is a muscular organ situated in the chest just behind and slightly toward the left of the breastbone. It roughly measures the size of a closed fist. The heart works all the time, pumping blood through the network of blood vessels called the arteries and...