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 Fibrillation
Introduction
Fibrillation is a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused by uncoordinated electrical activity in the heart. It can affect either the upper chambers (atria) or the lower chambers (ventricles).
Types of Fibrillation
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This is the most common type and occurs when the atria beat chaotically instead of in a regular rhythm. It increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): A life-threatening condition where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood. This requires immediate medical intervention, often with defibrillation.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart valve problems)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Thyroid disorders
- Lung diseases
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Aging
Symptoms
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeats)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting (especially in ventricular fibrillation)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The primary test to detect fibrillation.
- Holter monitoring: A portable ECG for continuous monitoring.
- Echocardiogram: Imaging to assess the heart's structure and function.
Treatment:
- Medications: Beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics.
- Cardioversion: Electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.
- Ablation therapy: Targeting problem areas with radiofrequency energy.
- Implantable devices: Pacemakers or defibrillators for severe cases.
Prevention:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet.
By understanding fibrillation, patients can manage their condition effectively and reduce complications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation/treatment-options-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20802247/
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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.