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 Heart Rhythm
Introduction
Heart rhythm refers to the pattern of electrical impulses that control the heartbeat. A normal heart rhythm ensures that the heart pumps blood efficiently to the body.
Normal vs. Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR): This is the regular rhythm of a healthy heart, typically between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest.
- Arrhythmias: These are irregular heart rhythms, which can be too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or erratic.
Types of Arrhythmias
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Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) – Below 60 bpm.
- Causes: Aging, certain medications, hypothyroidism.
- Symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue, fainting.
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Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate) – Above 100 bpm.
- Causes: Stress, fever, high blood pressure, heart conditions.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath.
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – An irregular, often rapid heartbeat.
- Risk factors: Hypertension, diabetes, obesity.
- Complications: Stroke, heart failure.
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Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A dangerous rapid rhythm from the ventricles.
- Can lead to cardiac arrest if untreated.
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter Monitor: A 24-hour portable ECG.
- Electrophysiology Study: Tests abnormal electrical activity.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Changes: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and stress.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, or anticoagulants (for AFib).
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Medical Procedures:
- Pacemaker (for bradycardia)
- Ablation Therapy (destroys abnormal heart tissue)
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) (for life-threatening arrhythmias)
- Surgical Interventions: Maze surgery for severe AFib.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain heart-healthy habits: regular exercise, balanced diet, managing stress.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Regular check-ups with a cardiologist.
Understanding and managing heart rhythm disorders is crucial for cardiovascular health. If you experience irregular heartbeats, consult a doctor promptly.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
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/
3. American College of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.acc.org/Clinical-Topics/Arrhythmias-and-Clinical-EP
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18483207/
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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.