About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Cardiac Rhythms
Introduction
The human heart beats in a rhythmical and coordinated manner due to the electrical conduction system. Understanding cardiac rhythms is crucial for diagnosing and managing various heart conditions, including arrhythmias.
Normal Cardiac Rhythm
A normal heart rhythm, known as sinus rhythm, originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium. The electrical impulse follows a specific pathway:
- SA Node → Generates the electrical impulse.
- AV Node → Delays the impulse to allow complete atrial contraction.
- Bundle of His → Conducts the impulse down towards the ventricles.
- Purkinje Fibers → Distribute the impulse throughout the ventricles, leading to contraction.
Common Cardiac Arrhythmias
When the normal conduction process is disrupted, arrhythmias occur. Some common types include:
1. Tachyarrhythmias (Fast Heart Rate)
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, rapid atrial contractions, increasing stroke risk.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Episodic rapid heartbeats originating above the ventricles.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A dangerous condition where the ventricles beat too fast.
2. Bradyarrhythmias (Slow Heart Rate)
- Sinus Bradycardia: A slow but regular heart rate, sometimes normal in athletes.
- Heart Block: A condition where electrical signals are delayed or blocked within the conduction system.
Clinical Significance
Arrhythmias can lead to dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases. Diagnosis is confirmed using electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
Management and Treatment
- Medications: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Pacemaker: Used for severe bradycardia.
- Ablation Therapy: For specific arrhythmias like SVT or AFib.
- Lifestyle Changes: Limiting caffeine, reducing stress, and maintaining a heart-friendly diet.
Conclusion
Recognizing and managing cardiac rhythms is essential in cardiology. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve patient outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2023/11/29/18/58/New-ACC-AHA-Guideline-Focuses-on-Diagnosis-Management-of-AFib-gl-af
- https://www.jacc.org/guidelines/atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/11/27/19/46/2023-acc-guideline-for-af-gl-af
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.