Arrhythmias
MedlinePlus Topics
Arrhythmia
Images
Heart, section through the middle
Heart, front view
Atrioventricular block, EKG tracing
Normal heart rhythm
Bradycardia
Ventricular tachycardia
Conduction system of the heart
Read More
Angina
Atrial myxoma
Cardiac ablation procedures
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart pacemaker
Pulse
Stroke
Patient Instructions
Atrial fibrillation - discharge
Heart pacemaker - discharge
Taking warfarin (Coumadin) - what to ask your doctor
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
Causes
Normally, the four chambers of the heart (two atria and two ventricles) contract in a very specific, coordinated way.
The electrical impulse that signals your heart to contract in a synchronized manner begins in the sinoatrial node (SA node). This is your heart's natural pacemaker.
The signal leaves the SA node and travels through the two upper chambers (atria). Then the signal passes through another node (the AV node). Finally, it passes through the lower chambers (ventricles). This path enables the chambers to contract in a coordinated fashion.
Problems can occur anywhere along this conduction system, causing various arrhythmias. Examples include:
Bradycardia - a slow heart rate due to problems with the SA node's pacemaker ability, or an interruption in energy movement (conduction) through the natural electrical pathways of the heart.
Supraventricular tachycardia - a fast heart rate that originates in the upper chambers (atria). The most common are atrial fibrillation or flutter and atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT).
Ventricular tachycardia - a fast heart rate that originates in the lower chambers (ventricles).
The risk of getting a tachycardia or bradycardia varies greatly, depending on:
Condition of your heart
Blood chemistry imbalances
Endocrine abnormalities
Past heart attack
Arrhythmias may also be caused by some substances or drugs, including:
Amphetamines
Caffeine
Cocaine
Beta blockers
Psychotropics
Sympathomimetics
Sometimes anti-arrhythmic medications -- prescribed to treat one type of arrhythmia -- can actually cause another type of arrhythmia.
Symptoms
Chest pain
Fainting
Fast or slow heartbeat (palpitations)
Light-headedness, dizziness
Paleness
Shortness of breath
Skipping beats - changes in the pattern of the pulse
Sweating
You may not have symptoms.
Exams and Tests
The doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope and feel your pulse. Your blood pressure may be low or normal.
The following tests may be performed to identify arrhythmias:
Ambulatory cardiac monitoring with a Holter monitor (used for 24 hours), event monitor, or loop recorder (worn for 2 weeks or longer)
Coronary angiography
ECG
Echocardiogram
Electrophysiology study (EPS)
If an arrhythmia is detected, various tests may be done to confirm or rule out suspected causes. EPS testing may be done to find the arrhythmia and determine the best treatment, especially if a pacemaker or catheter ablation procedure is being considered.
Treatment
When an arrhythmia is serious, urgent treatment may be required to restore a normal rhythm. This may include:
Electrical "shock" therapy (defibrillation or cardioversion)
Implanting a temporary pacemaker to interrupt the arrhythmia
Medications given through a vein (intravenous)
Supraventricular arrhythmias may be treated with:
Medications that slow the pulse (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers)
Medications that cause the heart rhythm to return to normal (anti-arrhythmic drugs)
Many supraventricular arrhythmias can be treated and cured with radiofrequency ablation. This avoids the need for lifelong drug therapy.
Increasingly, most ventricular tachycardias are treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). As soon as arrhythmia begins, the ICD sends a shock to stop it, or a burst of pacing activity to override it.
Bradycardias that cause symptoms can be treated by implanting a permanent pacemaker.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on several factors:
The kind of arrhythmia -- whether it is supraventricular tachycardia, or a more dangerous arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation
The overall pumping ability of the heart (ejection fraction)
Whether you have heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease) and how well it can be treated
Some types of arrhythmias may be life-threatening if not promptly and properly treated.
With bradycardias treated with a permanent pacemaker, the outlook is usually good.
Possible Complications
Angina
Heart attack
Heart failure
Stroke
Sudden death
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
You develop any of the symptoms of a possible arrhythmia
You have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
Prevention
Taking steps to prevent coronary artery disease may reduce your chance of developing an arrhythmia. These steps include:
Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet
Exercising regularly
Not smoking
Alternative Names
Dysrhythmias; Abnormal heart rhythms; Bradycardia; Tachycardia
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Heart Diseases
If you're like most people, you think that heart disease is a problem for other folks. But heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. There are many different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It's the major reason people have heart attacks.
Other kinds of heart problems may happen to the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure. Some people are born with heart disease.
You can help reduce your risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that put you at greater risk:
Control your blood pressure
Lower your cholesterol
Don't smoke
Get enough exercise
Other kinds of heart problems may happen to the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure. Some people are born with heart disease.
You can help reduce your risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that put you at greater risk:
Control your blood pressure
Lower your cholesterol
Don't smoke
Get enough exercise
The Menstrual Cycle
Most girls get their first period between the ages of 10 and 16. This is known as menarche (pronounced: meh-nar-kee).
Doctors often talk about a girl's monthly cycle — the number of days from the start of her period to the start of the next one — in terms of a 28-day cycle. But 28 is just an average figure that doctors use. Women's cycle lengths vary — some have a 24-day cycle, some have a 34-day cycle. And a girl may notice that her cycles are different lengths each month — especially for the few years after she first starts getting her period.
The first day a girl's period comes is Day 1 of her cycle. Around Day 5, her pituitary gland tells her ovaries to start preparing one of the eggs they contain for release. One egg will mature completely. At the same time, the lining of the uterus becomes thick to prepare a nesting place for a fertilized egg in the event that the girl becomes pregnant.
On or about Day 14 of a 28-day cycle, the egg breaks loose (this is called ovulation). The egg makes its way through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg hasn't been fertilized by sperm, it starts to fall apart. About 2 weeks later, the lining and egg leave a girl's body as her period and the whole thing starts all over again — that's why we use the word "cycle."
All this sounds very neat and orderly. But a girl's body may not follow this schedule exactly. It's not unusual, especially in the first 2 years after menarche, to skip periods or to have an irregular menstrual cycle. Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable because the part of the brain that regulates periods is influenced by events like these.
Doctors often talk about a girl's monthly cycle — the number of days from the start of her period to the start of the next one — in terms of a 28-day cycle. But 28 is just an average figure that doctors use. Women's cycle lengths vary — some have a 24-day cycle, some have a 34-day cycle. And a girl may notice that her cycles are different lengths each month — especially for the few years after she first starts getting her period.
The first day a girl's period comes is Day 1 of her cycle. Around Day 5, her pituitary gland tells her ovaries to start preparing one of the eggs they contain for release. One egg will mature completely. At the same time, the lining of the uterus becomes thick to prepare a nesting place for a fertilized egg in the event that the girl becomes pregnant.
On or about Day 14 of a 28-day cycle, the egg breaks loose (this is called ovulation). The egg makes its way through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg hasn't been fertilized by sperm, it starts to fall apart. About 2 weeks later, the lining and egg leave a girl's body as her period and the whole thing starts all over again — that's why we use the word "cycle."
All this sounds very neat and orderly. But a girl's body may not follow this schedule exactly. It's not unusual, especially in the first 2 years after menarche, to skip periods or to have an irregular menstrual cycle. Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable because the part of the brain that regulates periods is influenced by events like these.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Beauty Tips
Listed below are some of the tips for beauty care which could be done at your home. Why spend on cosmetics when you could try it cheaper!
Apply some fresh milk on your face (unboiled) with a help of cotton. Clean it after few minutes. This would clear the dirt from your face. Your face should look sheen.
Mix 2 tbspn of orange juice along with 2 tbpsn of curd and then apply it on your face. Leave it for few minutes and then wash your face.
Take 2 carrots and boil it. Squeeze the carrot and mix 1/2 spoon of honey and then apply it on your face which would make your face glossy.
To get rid of the wrinkles on your skin take some pomegranate’s seed and mix it with 2 tbspn of butter. Apply the paste on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. If you follow this process daily. You should see an improvement in few weeks.
Mix 1 tbspn of pomegranate juice along with 1 tbspn of sandal powder. Apply this paste on your face and leave it for few minutes which would help to bring the glow to your face.
Mix some Red Sandalwood powder along with rose water. Mix it thoroughly and then apply it on your face. Wash your face after 15 minutes. This will help you get rid of acne, blackheads and prickly heat.
Mix 2 tbspn each of olive oil, castor oil and almond oil. Apply it in your hair (from root to tip of your hair). Leave it for half an hour and the wash it with a shampoo. This would strengthen your hair and prevent hair fall.
To eliminate dark circles around your eyes use cucumber or potato cut in round piece and place it on your eyes.
Apply tomato juice on your face. Leave it to dry for fifteen minutes and then wash your face. It should bring a glitter to your face.
It is common to see our skin turn to dry during winter season. To avoid this you can use an apple. Grind the apple into a thick paste (not juice). Apply it in your hand, face and other parts of body.
Apply coconut water in your face with the help of cotton. This will eliminate the dirt on your face and make you feel free from oily face.
Apply some fresh milk on your face (unboiled) with a help of cotton. Clean it after few minutes. This would clear the dirt from your face. Your face should look sheen.
Mix 2 tbspn of orange juice along with 2 tbpsn of curd and then apply it on your face. Leave it for few minutes and then wash your face.
Take 2 carrots and boil it. Squeeze the carrot and mix 1/2 spoon of honey and then apply it on your face which would make your face glossy.
To get rid of the wrinkles on your skin take some pomegranate’s seed and mix it with 2 tbspn of butter. Apply the paste on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. If you follow this process daily. You should see an improvement in few weeks.
Mix 1 tbspn of pomegranate juice along with 1 tbspn of sandal powder. Apply this paste on your face and leave it for few minutes which would help to bring the glow to your face.
Mix some Red Sandalwood powder along with rose water. Mix it thoroughly and then apply it on your face. Wash your face after 15 minutes. This will help you get rid of acne, blackheads and prickly heat.
Mix 2 tbspn each of olive oil, castor oil and almond oil. Apply it in your hair (from root to tip of your hair). Leave it for half an hour and the wash it with a shampoo. This would strengthen your hair and prevent hair fall.
To eliminate dark circles around your eyes use cucumber or potato cut in round piece and place it on your eyes.
Apply tomato juice on your face. Leave it to dry for fifteen minutes and then wash your face. It should bring a glitter to your face.
It is common to see our skin turn to dry during winter season. To avoid this you can use an apple. Grind the apple into a thick paste (not juice). Apply it in your hand, face and other parts of body.
Apply coconut water in your face with the help of cotton. This will eliminate the dirt on your face and make you feel free from oily face.
Hair Loss Prevention Tips
It is common to see your hair falling while combing. This is very natural and it gets replaced by new hair. It is like cyclic process but as we get older the growth of new hair in the follicles slows down which results in baldness. Losing 50 to 100 hairs in a day is normal. If you lose excessive hair instead of the normal hair falling then it is a matter of concern.
Causes of Hair Loss
Baldness is more common in men rather than in women. Hair Loss is caused due to hereditary or genetic factors. It may also be a result of malnutrition or health related issued like thyroid diseases, stress, hormonal changes, stress etc. Sometimes high fever may lead to temporary Hair Loss.
How to prevent Hair Loss
One can prevent Hair Loss by the following:
Eat a healthy diet and nutritious food which would keep your hairs stronger and healthy.
Avoid using hair gels or creams deeper into your head.
Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo when coming out of a pool which would help to remove the chlorine accumulated in your hairs.
When using a Hair Dryer make sure you don’t apply it deeper.
Avoid usage of harsh chemicals (like hair coloring).
When going out in hot sun use a cap to prevent the heat.
Treatment for Hair Loss
Medications like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Cyproterone acetate etc. are useful in treating Hair Loss. “Hair Transplantation” is also useful for new hair growth. Natural treatments include Herbal medicines, ayurveda, acupuncture etc.
Causes of Hair Loss
Baldness is more common in men rather than in women. Hair Loss is caused due to hereditary or genetic factors. It may also be a result of malnutrition or health related issued like thyroid diseases, stress, hormonal changes, stress etc. Sometimes high fever may lead to temporary Hair Loss.
How to prevent Hair Loss
One can prevent Hair Loss by the following:
Eat a healthy diet and nutritious food which would keep your hairs stronger and healthy.
Avoid using hair gels or creams deeper into your head.
Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo when coming out of a pool which would help to remove the chlorine accumulated in your hairs.
When using a Hair Dryer make sure you don’t apply it deeper.
Avoid usage of harsh chemicals (like hair coloring).
When going out in hot sun use a cap to prevent the heat.
Treatment for Hair Loss
Medications like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Cyproterone acetate etc. are useful in treating Hair Loss. “Hair Transplantation” is also useful for new hair growth. Natural treatments include Herbal medicines, ayurveda, acupuncture etc.
Weight Loss Tips
Many suffer from being overweight and obese. Overweight is caused due to intake of calories more than required by a person. Individuals who do less work or work that requires less physical strains and consume lot of junk foods (especially those rich in fats) are prone to become obese and overweight.
Overweight leads to lot of complications. It may cause hyper tension, diabetes, respiratory problems, cancer etc. Hence one as to follow a strict procedure for losing weight to lead a healthy life.
Motivation & Goal
Before one starts to adopt to any of the weight loss methods one needs to have a motivation to lose weight. If you have the strong motivation you could achieve it. One should also frame a goal like how much weight to reduce.
Dieting
Dieting plays an important role in losing weight. Consume healthy and nutritious foods which include green vegetables and fruits. Avoid foods rich in fats, oily foods, ice cream and junk foods. Dieting does not mean you should starve without eating any food.
Weight Loss Program
There are various weight loss programs that help to lose weight. Individuals could consult a weight loss expert and follow a proven weight loss program that would be suitable for their health condition.
Regular Exercise
Regular Exercise (Aerobics) is a must for losing weight. It helps to burn the excess fat in our body. Involving in physical activities or sports will prove to be effective in losing weight.
Weight Loss Products
Weight Loss Supplements or Drugs should be taken only after consulting a Doctor. It may not be applicable to everyone. It is intended for individuals who are not able to lose weight by dieting and exercise. For some the Doctor may prescribe weight loss pills along with regular exercise and dieting.
Overweight leads to lot of complications. It may cause hyper tension, diabetes, respiratory problems, cancer etc. Hence one as to follow a strict procedure for losing weight to lead a healthy life.
Motivation & Goal
Before one starts to adopt to any of the weight loss methods one needs to have a motivation to lose weight. If you have the strong motivation you could achieve it. One should also frame a goal like how much weight to reduce.
Dieting
Dieting plays an important role in losing weight. Consume healthy and nutritious foods which include green vegetables and fruits. Avoid foods rich in fats, oily foods, ice cream and junk foods. Dieting does not mean you should starve without eating any food.
Weight Loss Program
There are various weight loss programs that help to lose weight. Individuals could consult a weight loss expert and follow a proven weight loss program that would be suitable for their health condition.
Regular Exercise
Regular Exercise (Aerobics) is a must for losing weight. It helps to burn the excess fat in our body. Involving in physical activities or sports will prove to be effective in losing weight.
Weight Loss Products
Weight Loss Supplements or Drugs should be taken only after consulting a Doctor. It may not be applicable to everyone. It is intended for individuals who are not able to lose weight by dieting and exercise. For some the Doctor may prescribe weight loss pills along with regular exercise and dieting.
Stop Smoking Tips
Smoking is one of the leading causes for preventable deaths and premature death in the world. Many of them start smoking due to a desire and in due course they get addicted to it. Once you develop the habit of Smoking you would find it hard to quit.
Nicotine is a poisonous alkaloid that is present in cigarettes which induces addictiveness to cigarettes among smokers. Smoking regularly and excessively causes many health related problems like lung cancer, stroke, cardiac disease and respiratory problems.
How to Stop or Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking may not be an easy task but its definitely not impossible! It is possible to quit smoking if you have a strong mind to give up that habit. As Smoking habit is largely related to psychological factor rather than a physical factor it requires one to be mentally strong to stop smoking habit.
Many people believe that Smoking provides them relief from stress. Although it may appear such, in fact it has no effect on stress-relief rather it contributes for stress in one’s mind. While in stress you could think the ways of overcoming it in a positive attitude. Instead of Smoking when stressed - try to concentrate on some busy activity, talk with friends or family, go for an outing or a movie, listen to music or meditate.
If you are a chain smoker try to reduce the number of cigars you smoke everyday. In few days or weeks you could completely get rid of cigars. You could save the money for your family which was spent on cigars.
One can consult his family Doctor or a Counselor on how to quit Smoking. There are many anti-smoking or smoking cessation products available to quit the habit of Smoking. Medications like Nortriptyline, Bupropion etc. are helpful in quitting Smoking. Nicotine nasal sprays, nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalers, gums etc. will also help in quitting.
Nicotine is a poisonous alkaloid that is present in cigarettes which induces addictiveness to cigarettes among smokers. Smoking regularly and excessively causes many health related problems like lung cancer, stroke, cardiac disease and respiratory problems.
How to Stop or Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking may not be an easy task but its definitely not impossible! It is possible to quit smoking if you have a strong mind to give up that habit. As Smoking habit is largely related to psychological factor rather than a physical factor it requires one to be mentally strong to stop smoking habit.
Many people believe that Smoking provides them relief from stress. Although it may appear such, in fact it has no effect on stress-relief rather it contributes for stress in one’s mind. While in stress you could think the ways of overcoming it in a positive attitude. Instead of Smoking when stressed - try to concentrate on some busy activity, talk with friends or family, go for an outing or a movie, listen to music or meditate.
If you are a chain smoker try to reduce the number of cigars you smoke everyday. In few days or weeks you could completely get rid of cigars. You could save the money for your family which was spent on cigars.
One can consult his family Doctor or a Counselor on how to quit Smoking. There are many anti-smoking or smoking cessation products available to quit the habit of Smoking. Medications like Nortriptyline, Bupropion etc. are helpful in quitting Smoking. Nicotine nasal sprays, nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalers, gums etc. will also help in quitting.
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