Pacemaker

Sep 04, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Information
• References

Illustrations Pacemaker HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps the heart beat regularly and at an appropriate rate. Alternative Names Artificial pacemaker; Permanent pacemaker; Internal pacemaker; Cardiac resynchronization therapy; CRT; Biventricular pacemaker Information A pacemaker generally has two parts:

• Generator -- contains the battery and the information to control the heartbeat
• Leads -- wires used to connect the heart to the generator and send the electrical impulses to the heart to tell it to beat

Two kinds of pacemakers -- transcutaneous and transvenous pacemakers -- are only used in emergency situations. They are not considered permanent pacemakers. - 0 Comments

Pacemaker

Sep 04, 2008 - Back HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated electronic device which is inserted under the skin to help the heart beat regularly and at an appropriate rate. The pacemaker has leads that travel through a large vein to the heart, where the wires are anchored. The leads send the electrical impulses to the heart to tell it to beat. - 0 Comments

Heart failure

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery and Devices
• Lifestyle Changes
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Permanent Implantable Heart Approved In 2006, the FDA approved the first permanent artificial heart. The AbiCor is intended for patients who are not eligible for heart transplants and who are only expected to survive about a month without medical treatment. Patients who received the AbiCor have survived, on average, about 5 months. - 0 Comments

Arrhythmias

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Illustrations Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Atrioventricular block, EKG tracing Normal heart rhythm Bradycardia Ventricular tachycardia Conduction system of the heart HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Alternative Names Dysrhythmias; Abnormal heart rhythms; Bradycardia; Tachycardia  Causes, incidence, and risk factors 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). - 0 Comments

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Sep 04, 2008 - Overview

• Alternative Names
• Information
• References

Illustrations Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Normal heart rhythm Conduction system of the heart HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Alternative Names ICD; Defibrillation Information An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to quickly detect a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat coming from the bottom chamber of the heart. It tries to convert an abnormal rhythm back to normal by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. This action is called defibrillation. - 0 Comments

Heart attack and acute coronary syndrome

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Prognosis
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Approval In 2006, the FDA approved the use of clopidogrel (Plavix) for patients who have had a STEMI heart attack and who will not be having angioplasty. A STEMI is a very severe type of heart attack caused by sudden and total artery blockage. Angioplasty and Stents Surgery with angioplasty and stents that is performed more than 3 days after a heart attack offers no advantage over standard drug therapy for clinically stable patients, indicates an important 2006 New England Journal of Medicine study. - 3 Comments

Sick sinus syndrome

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Sick sinus syndrome is a collection of heart rhythm disorders that include:

• Sinus bradycardia -- slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart
• Tachycardias -- fast heart rates
• Bradycardia-tachycardia -- alternating slow and fast heart rhythms

Alternative Names Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome; Sinus node dysfunction Causes, incidence, and risk factors Sick sinus syndrome is relatively uncommon. Sinus bradycardia occurs more often than the other types. Tachycardias that start in the upper chambers of the heart are also common forms. - 0 Comments

Headaches - cluster

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Cluster Headaches
• Causes
• Prognosis
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Managing Cluster Headaches...
• Treatment for Acute Attacks...
• Preventive Medications
• Surgery
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Verapamil May Cause Heart Problems Verapamil (Calan) is a blood pressure medication that is used "off-label" as a first-line preventive treatment for cluster headaches. However, when used for cluster headache, this drug may sometimes cause dangerous disturbances in heart rhythms (arrhythmia), according to a 2007 study in Neurology. The researchers recommend that patients who take verapamil should receive regular electrocardiograms to monitor for any signs of potential heart problems. - 0 Comments