Posts Tagged ‘heart’

Heart Transplant Experience

Friday, June 18th, 2010

 

It was slightly more than a year ago when, Lauren Mahoney received a second chance at life.

She was diagnosed in 1999 with heart disease: a cardiomyopathy, heart muscle disease in layman s terms and is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle), bringing about dangerous arrhythmias.

When this happens, the heart beat may be too fast or too slow and it may be regular or irregular.

For ten years she lived with a deteriorating heart struggling with sleeping, walking and even eating.

In May of 2008, Lauren was referred to the Massachusetts Brigham and Women s Hospital where her condition was evaluated and they advised her that she qualified to join the heart transplant list. However, she wasn t immediately ready to add her name to that list.

She spent the summer trying to live a normal life, but found every day was a struggle. Eventually in her own time, she came to the conclusion that this was no way to live her life and she put her name down on the transplant list.

In February 2009, she wasn t feeling at all well and went back to the hospital and so began a stay of 3 months in hospital, waiting for a new heart. May 21, her cardiologist walked into her room and said: How about a new heart? Apparently with no drama; he said just that!. Well, Lauren knew this was it, and by then, was so ready for it.

She received her new heart at 2 a.m. on May 22, 2009.

The operation was a success. Recovering was tough at first, but as each day passed life became easier thanks to the great support she received from all those around her. Two weeks later, Lauren was discharged and able to return home somewhat worried at going back into the outside world saying goodbye to the continual hospital monitoring and constant care.

Now, Lauren is living healthy life of a 27-year-old, walking three miles a day, bike riding, going out with friends; simply living in a way that she previously could only dream about. She had forgotten what it was like to feel healthy and now she has the chance to do so again.

Through the AHA, Lauren participates fund raising in honor of her donor. Whoever the person is, he or she will always be a part of her. Lauren has also been walking to raise money for Brigham and Women s Hospital to thank them for the support that they gave her. The Shapiro Center does wonderful work and it is Lauren s desire to help other people finding themselves in the position of having heart disease.

Other Posts Online: 

Do Hearts Store Memories? Heart Transplant Recipient Develops …

David Waters received the heart from Kaden Delaney (top right). He now craves Burger Rings – one of Kaden’s favorite snacks. A heart transplant patient is….

Beaumont teen dies waiting on heart transplant 

According to the Facebook page maintained by his parents, Austin was placed on the heart transplant waiting list for a second time Jan. 30, 2009. To celebrate the life of the "inspirational" teen and to help his family with medical and …  

Heart Transplant Recipient Meets Donor’s Mother For First Time 

Jack Eigle, recipient of a heart transplant, met his donor’s mother for the first….

Jim McLean: Erik Compton Phenomenon

After his first heart transplant at 12 years old, Erik weighed 240 lbs. at 5′5 and was not in good shape. He was on heavy doses of steroids as part of his recovery and could only make half swings for about 1 year. …  

Fortis performs heart transplant without surgrey in india …

In a milestone surgery, doctors at Fortis Malar Hospital successfully performed a heart transplant – a first for a Fortis Hospital in India. The team….

Heart transplant recipient leads PGA event

White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. — Erik Compton, twice the recipient of a new heart, shot the lowest round of his PGA Tour career Thursday to share …  

Cheney may not opt for heart transplant

Cheney may not be a good candidate for a heart transplant, primarily because of his age. The scarcity of available hearts means that surgeons typically prefer to reserve them for younger patients with longer expected life spans. …  


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    An Exploration Of Your Heart’s Anatomy

    Monday, April 12th, 2010

     

    Each day, your heart pumps nearly 2,000 gallons of blood. Over the span of an average lifetime, it will beat over 3 billion times. It is slightly bigger than a clenched fist, and is located behind the sternum, between the lungs.

    This article will explore your heart’s anatomy. We’ll describe its exterior, including the arteries and veins that supply blood to the muscle. We’ll also describe the organ’s interior, including the chambers, valves, and blood flow. Lastly, you’ll learn how its electrical system helps ensure its proper function.

    Exterior Of The Organ

    A network of coronary arteries and blood vessels supply the surface of the organ with oxygenated blood. If anything obstructs this blood supply, the muscle can become damaged. This is known as a heart attack.

    The organ receives oxygen-depleted blood from the rest of your body through the inferior and superior vena cavae. Blood flows into the right side of your heart before moving to your lungs through the pulmonary arteries. It picks up oxygen from your lungs and travels into the left side of the organ. Enriched with oxygen (by your lungs), blood leaves the left ventricle and travels through the aorta; some of it passes into the coronary arteries and supplies blood to the surface of your heart.

     

    Interior Of The Organ

    There are four chambers within your heart: two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. The left and right sides are separated by a wall called the septum. A series of four one-way valves help control the flow of blood as it moves through the organ.

    As noted earlier, blood flows into the right atrium from the vena cavae. It then passes through the tricuspid valve as it moves into the right ventricle. From there, it flows through the pulmonary valve into the lungs before flowing into left atrium. The mitral valve manages the flow of blood between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The left ventricle empties as blood flows through the aortic valve into the aorta. This entire process is possible due to contractions triggered by your heart’s electrical system.

    The Electrical System

    A group of cells within your right atrium form the sinoatrial node. This node produces electrical impulses that travel across the surface of each chamber, causing them to contract. The signals begin by spreading through the atria. As the atria contract, the blood within is forced through the corresponding valves into the ventricles.

    The electrical impulses then arrive at another group of cells called the atrioventricular (AV) node. This node is located near the tricuspid valve (between the right atrium and right ventricle. The signals pause at the AV node while the ventricles fill with blood. Once they have filled, the signals are released in order to spread throughout the lower chambers, causing them to contract and push blood outward.

    Your heart works tirelessly to pump blood between the chambers and your lungs, and out to the rest of your body. Over time, problems such as mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation, and clogged coronary arteries can prevent the heart from performing its job. If such issues emerge, speak with your physician regarding an appropriate form of treatment.

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      The Risks of the Maze Procedure

      Monday, March 8th, 2010

       

      A lot of people misunderstand the causes and potential side effects of atrial fibrillation (commonly known as Afib). Even among those who have coped with the disorder for years, there is a mistaken belief that the condition is harmless. In reality, it is not.

      It can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other consequences.

      To review, Afib is characterized as an erratic discharge of rapid electrical impulses that spread across your heart’s atria (i.e. the two upper chambers). Rather than contracting in sync with your heart’s ventricles (i.e. the two lower chambers), the atria flutter – or fibrillate. In some cases, the disorder causes no noticeable symptoms. In other cases, the patient might be at risk of experiencing medical events that can be life-threatening.

      In this article, we’ll explore some of the dangerous risks involved with not addressing atrial fibrillation. We’ll also detai an operation known as the maze procedure that a growing number of surgeons are using to help solve the problem.

      The Risk Of Stroke

      A stroke is caused by blood clots that clog one of the arteries of the brain. Clots rarely form in these arteries; instead, they form elsewhere, break away, and travel along your bloodstream.

      Atrial fibrillation can result in the pooling of blood with one or both of your atria. As a result, the blood begins to clot. As long as the clots remain inside the atria, they pose little danger. However, they can break away and move through your ventricles on their way to the aorta.

      Blood flows from your heart into the aorta and toward your brain. The clots and then travel through your bloodstream until they reach and clog a major artery. That produces a stroke. Common symptoms of a stroke can include partial paralysis, eye problems, and difficulty remembering things.

      The Risk Of Heart Failure

      Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is overworked to the point of exhaustion. This can happen for a number of reasons, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, and of course, atrial fibrillation. In the latter case, the rapid electrical signals cause the atria to flutter so quickly that they eventually wear themselves out and weaken the heart. That reduces your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout your body. As a result, the heart muscle becomes enlarged and is further weakened.

      Secondary Side Effects

      The reduced ability of your heart muscle to pump oxygen-rich blood to your tissue and organs can produce a number of secondary side effects. For instance, your lower extremites (i.e. ankles and feet) may begin to swell. Moreover, it’s quite common for the abdomen to also begin expanding.

      Depending on the severity of the Afib-induced heart failure, you may experience a level of organ damage. This is due to your organs not receiving a sufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood.

      You might also develop a persistent cough and shortness of breath if the condition produces excess fluid around your lungs. Unless Afib is resolved, these side effects can become permanent.

      Maze Procedure To Resolve Afib

      The most common method for addressing atrial fibrillation is the maze procedure. This is an operation during which your surgeon will create incisions or use catheter ablation to produce a maze of scar tissue across the surface of your atria. Scar tissue cannot conduct electricity. By creating this path, your surgeon can disrupt the erratic patterns of the electrical impulses. In effect, the surgeon is able to guide the signals along a defined path, thereby eliminating the fluttering and restoring a uniform rhythm for your heartbeat.

      Atrial fibrillation can remain undetected for years. This has been attributed to many patients never seeking treatment. The problem is, the conditin can be very risky, depending on the severity of the case. If you suspect you have Afib, consult your doctor regarding whether the maze procedure is an appropriate solution for your circumstances.

      Other Related Posts: 

      Treating Atrial Fibrillation With the Maze Procedure

      While it has traditionally been treated with medications such as anti-arrhythmics and shock therapy, the Maze procedure is far more effective. In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of atrial fibrillation and describe how Maze …

      Treating Atrial Fibrillation With The Maze Procedure

      Over 2 million people in the US suffer from atrial fibrillation (also referred to as AF or AFib). The likelihood of developing the condition increases as you grow older. It is estimated that nearly 5% of those who are over the age of 65 …  

      How to Prepare for the Atrial Maze Procedure

      The atrial maze procedure is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, because it is often performed through open surgery, you may require up to six months for a full recovery. Finding the right doctor for Atrial Fibrillation …  

      Introduction to Different Types of Maze Surgery

      The maze procedure is the primary form of treatment for resolving atrial fibrillation (Afib). If the condition is not severe, doctors may suggest alternative solutions, such as anticoagulants, electrical cardioversion, and medications. …  

      Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Its Effects

      If you suffer from AF, ask your doctor whether a maze procedure is a viable solution. Finding the right doctor for Atrial Fibrillation or cardiac surgery is crucial. Visit a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment … .


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      Atrial Maze Procedure

      Monday, March 8th, 2010

      A surgical method called the maze procedure is used  for treating patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (Afib). This is a type of arrhythmia. Usually, electrical signals are created by a group of cells known as the sinoatrial node. These signals are distributed throughout the upper and lower chambers of heart (i.e. atria and ventricles, respectively) and cause them to contract.

      They work in unison, which makes it possible for your heart to pump blood effectively.

      With Afib, the impulses are generated elsewhere and spread throughout the upper chambers in a disorganized pattern. This causes the upper chambers to fibrillate out of sync with the ventricles. As a result, the heart becomes less capable of pumping blood.

      If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, maze surgery may be a viable option. This article will describe what you can expect before and after the operation.

      Preparation

      Your doctor will want you to make an appointment one or two weeks prior to the surgery. This is the time during which he or she will inform you about the procedure, recovery, and returning to your regular routine afterward. You will likely have an opportunity to meet the surgical team, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

      The night prior to surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking. You can then check yourself into the hospital the following day. Your chest will be shaved and cleaned while your heart will be monitored. Then, you’ll receive a general anesthesia to put you to sleep before the maze procedure begins.

      Maze surgery usually takes a couple of hours and possibly less if the surgeon is performing the operation with a minimally invasive approach.

      Hospital Recovery

      One the operation is completed, you’ll be moved to the ICU, where you’ll may stay for up to a week and a half. During your stay there, your physician will want to monitor your heart and other vital signs. Breathing tubes and related equipment will be connected and a catheter will be inserted to preclude the need to use the restroom.

      The breathing tubes are typically removed after several hours. You’ll be transferred from the ICU into a general recovery ward where your doctor and nurses can continue to observe your progress. After about a week, if you experience no complications, you will be released to go home.

      Recovering at Home

      The length of your at-home recovery period depends upon a few factors. Your health prior to undergoing maze surgery plays a role. So too, does the surgeon’s approach (i.e. minimally invasive versus open heart surgery). Most patients can recover within six to eight weeks, and return to their normal routine a few weeks later.

      While recovering at home, you’ll need to be diligent about taking any medications prescribed by your surgeon. You should also make sure the incision and the skin surrounding the area is cleaned on a regular basis. You will likely feel some degree of soreness as the area heals. That’s normal and will subside with time.

      Your doctor will encourage you to adopt a healthy diet and mild exercise routine in order to rehabilitate your heart. Follow-up appointments will include a physical test to monitor your heart’s strength and identify any risks that might present a problem down the road.

      Back To Normal

      Within three months, you should be able to return to work and participate in your normal activities. It’s worth noting that one in three patients will experience a recurrence of atrial fibrillation after undergoing the maze procedure. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms. Gradually (within a year), your heart will adopt a normal rhythm.

      Atrial fibrillation is not always dangerous. It can often be managed by medications. That said, if you feel the condition is impacting your quality of life, consult your doctor regarding whether the maze procedure is an appropriate treatment path.


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      Mitral Valve Heart Problems

      Saturday, March 6th, 2010

      Blood returns to your heart from every part of your body. It flows into the organ’s right side through the vena cavae. It leaves the right side and moves to your lungs, where it is replenished with oxygen.

      Newly enriched with oxygen, blood flows into your heart’s left side before leaving the organ in order to be circulated throughout your body.

      Your mitral valve (MV) is one of four valves that help regulate the flow of your blood as it moves through your heart. It is located between your left atrium (one of two upper chambers) and left ventricle (one of two lower chambers). This particular valve can experience problems that affect the flow of blood between these two chambers. One such problem is called mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

      In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview regarding the causes and potential complications of MVP. We’ll also explain how mitral valve repair addresses the disorder.

       Causes

      If the MV is working as it should, its two leaflets (or, flaps) close after blood flows through it into your left ventricle. When the leaflets close, the entrance becomes sealed, thereby preventing the flow of blood back into your left atrium. With prolapse, one of the two leaflets is too large and bulges back into the atrium whenever your heart beats. As a result, the opening between your atrium and ventricle does not seal off properly. Blood is allowed to flow back into the upper chamber.

      The causes of MVP are unknown, though experts have speculated the disorder is related to Marfan syndrome (a condition in which your body’s connective tissue is irregular). Other possible culprits include a specific type of kidney disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Often, patients are born with a “floppy” mitral valve.

       Complications 

      Prolapse may be severe or minor. Most patients who have the disorder suffer few if any symptoms. That said, when the condition is severe, it can cause a number of complications, especially in those who are older.

      The most common byproduct of prolapse is regurgitation. This is a condition, as already described, in which blood flows from your left ventricle into your left atrium because the opening is not properly sealed. In severe cases of regurgitation, you may be exposed to potential heart failure.

      Another side effect of prolapse is an arrhythmia. There is far less risk inherent with arrhytmias than a severly regurgitant mitral valve, though your physician will most likely want to monitor it over time.

      Prolapse can also lead to endocarditis. This is an infection of your endocardium, a membrane that forms a lining between your heart’s chambers and valves. MVP can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to an infection of this lining.

      Treatment

      Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat the symptoms. For example, beta blockers can help reduce an arrhythmia while aspirin and anticoagulants can help prevent the formation of blood clots.

      For patients who are suffering from severe MVP, surgery may be necessary to correct the disorder. A physician may choose either to repair the malfunctioning mitral valve or replace it. The latter approach is usually reserved for circumstances in which mitral valve repair is not feasible. If surgery is possible, the surgeon may perform a triangular resection or chordal transfer, depending on which of the two leaflets is abnormal.

      Open heart surgery was once necessary to perform mitral valve repair. Today, a minimally invasive approach is commonly taken. There is less postoperative pain and a faster recovery period. If you suffer from a malfunctioning mitral valve that is causing severe problems, ask your physician whether a triangular resection or chordal transfer is an option.


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      New Stem Cell Tests Show Promise For Heart Patients

      Thursday, January 7th, 2010

       

      A promising new heart therapy involving injecting stem cells from persons with severe heart disease back into their diseased hearts is being tested and has shown promising results.

      When the stem cells are injected into the damaged hearts,the heart patients have shown marked improvement.

      The trial tests, being conducted by Baxter Laboratories and researchers from Northwestern University, is creating quite a stir in the stem cell research and heart disease communities. Preliminary results from their tests were presented to the American Heart Association at their scientific conference in Ft. Lauderdale last fall. 

      Dr. Douglas Losordo, a Northwestern University researcher working on the tests, is using technology developed by Baxter to extract and purify stem cells from heart patients with severe angina or who have had prior open-heart surgery or balloon angioplasty procedures to treat their heart disease. The purified stem cells in the test procedures was injected back into the hearts of the patients.

      There was a test and a control group totalling 167 patients, most of whom were men,and the test group  showed significant improvement in their conditions. Many have been able to resume moderate physical activity since receiving the treatments. Some of them were home bound and were unable to do normal daily activities like walking up stairs or going out of the house to shop but could do these after they completed the tests.

      These trials are the second phase of the three phases required for FDA approval. No date has been announced yet for the start of the third phase.

      Adult stem cell treatments such as these are showing similarly encouraging results in other medical areas such as cancer and even spinal injury rehabilitation.  

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       Stem Cell Therapy 

      We treat patients with their own stem cells for a variety of diseases and disorders such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and more. The XCell-Center is the first private institute in the world …  

      Healthcare News

      Heart failure is a debilitating condition. When heart failure is in an advanced state, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body to allow a person to enjoy a normal, productive life. This disease affects over 5 million people … The Company’s pipeline includes multiple product candidates for the treatment of heart damage, including the TGI 1200, an autologous, adipose tissue-derived stem cell treatment for acute heart damage…  

      Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: The Potential Benefits

      Among the potential applications of stem cell therapy are treatment of heart failure, type-1-dyabetes, brain injuries and neuronal disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP). Some of these uses are already in clinical trials using umbilical-cord … In practice, the World Marrow Donor Association has stated in 2006 that the use of self stem cells to treat childhood leukemia is contra-indicated since the genetic defects that caused the disease are present in the s…  

      Stem Cell Ttherapy For Heart Patients

      “We’re looking on the time frame here of five years, in the best-case scenario, to have approved cardiac stem cell therapies,” Hare said. Coronary heart disease, which causes heart attacks and angina — chest pain resulting from the … 

      Stem Cells Might Reverse Heart Damage From Chemo 

      His lab has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat 30 patients who have heart failure from cardiovascular disease, not chemotherapy. In the trial, participants’ cardiac tissue will be harvested, the stem cells isolated and then expanded in vitro from … Wilate is a von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) indicated for the treatment of spontaneous and trauma-induced bleeding episodes in patients with severe von Willebrand dise…

      HealthNewsReview.org 

      The report adds responsible context. The reader ultimately gets a mostly fair-minded report on promising early research into a new kind of stem cell research for heart disease. No reader would expect that the treatment is available or …  

      Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Receives $8 Million …

      The new award will support development of new therapies for heart, cancer and neurological disorders, with funds targeted for early patient clinical trials. This builds on current strengths as cancer and cardiovascular disease are …   


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      How An AED Can Save Yor Life

      Thursday, November 12th, 2009

      Defibrillators are those devices you’ve probably seen in TV dramas, where someone  has suffered a heart attack and is in cardiac arrest, but is brought back to life from the brink by an electric shock from two metal plates applied to the victims chest.

      One or two jolts of electricity and the victim regains consciousness and his heart is beating again. A life is saved.

      This life-saving devices are called external defibrillators and used to be found only in medical facilities. Now, however, portable defibrillators, called automated extrenal defibrillators,orAED’sfor short, are required by Federal law to be standard eqiopment on airliners and are increasingly becoming part of many public service facilities.The reason? They save lives.

      There’s been an uproar here in Chicago where I live because AED’s are not required by local authorities to be on commuter trains and public transit vehicles. And there have been a half-dozen cases on trains in the past two years where someone suffered a heart attack or another type of cardiac disruption and died on the train or on the platform or in the ambulance. Sadly, most of them would have survived if an AED had been present and used to revive them. CPR without a defribillator is unlikely to save the cardiac victim.

       

      Cardiac arrest strikes nearly 350,000 persons each year in the U.S. alone and fewer than 10% of them ssurvive.But those who did survive had the benefit of being revived with an AED by someone who was present and administered the shock treatment.

      The Chicago Tribune reports that the use of AED’s by police in Rochester, Minnesota,and by security guards at O’Hare and Midway Airports and at Las Vegas casinos have achieved a 50% to 75% survival rate for adults who suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

      So why is the use of AED’s not more pervasive? Well, to begin with, cost is $1,000 to $1,500.So if Chicago, for example, has 700 buses, another 300 subway trains, it becomes a cost factor. Others say you need a medical professional to administer the device. But AED’s are really quite simple to operate. Just about anyone could do it.

      AED’s can save a significant number of lives. And if you or a loved one has high risk factors for heart disease, you might to consider purchasing one for your home. Despite these tough economic times, how much is your or a family member’s life worth?

      Other Posts on AED’s:

      Metra rider dies, and lack of defibrillators debated – Chicago Tribune

      The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co., which operates 13 commuter rail lines carrying 140000 passengers a day, became the first major commuter rail line to install AEDs on all its trains earlier this year, said Richard Davey, …   Read more…

      Surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest, by Dr. Holly Andersen | wowOwow

      Specializing in providing AED’s to communities, businesses, schools and churches, LifeGuard Medical Solutions was formed as a champion of heart safety in response to the sudden cardiac arrest death of the founder’s father in 1999. …   Read more…

      Automated External Defibrillator – AED

      AEDs are made to be used by layman who should have received AED training. It is a challenge to more complicated manual and semi-automatic defibrillators used by medical experts, which acts as a pacemaker if the heart rate is becomes too …   Read more…

      Could an AED Have Saved Tim Russert?

      Many public spaces, including airports, casinos, office buildings and even golf courses, are now equipped with A.E.D.’s, which are the only real hope for surviving a cardiac arrest. An A.E.D., which is about the size of a laptop …   Read more…

      Should You Have an A.E.D. at Home? – Consults Blog – NYTimes.com

      Strategically placed in public places like sports arenas and airports, A.E.D.’s have saved many lives. And for a few thousand dollars, you can purchase one for your home. So here’s the question for heart patients: If A.E.D.’s have been …   Read more…

      Affordable AED online | Ideal Choice

      Now, www.americanaed.com has come out with a wonderful range of AEDs, which can provide you with handy but effective solution to every cardiac patient, in those few minutes of distress. They have AEDs across a wide price range starting …   Read more…


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      Atrial Fibrillation–What It Is And How To Deal With It

      Friday, October 16th, 2009

      To understand what atrial fibrillation is we first have to understand what is happening with a healthy heart. Though the heart is a complicated organ with a very serious job to do, we can picture the heart quite simply picture two sets of paired chambers, one larger pair sits on top of the lower, smaller pair. The larger chambers are known as atria (or atrium if singular) and the lower chambers are known as ventricles.

      The atrium’s job is to collect the blood as it enters the heart and then to push this blood into the ventricle sitting below it which will in turn, expel the blood from the heart under pressure as it starts its journey around the body again. This results in the double-beat of the normal, healthy heart as first the atrium contracts and then the ventricle this is known as the Sinus Rhythm by doctors. How this is all coordinated is the responsibility of a part of the heart located at the top of the right atrium this is known as the Sinus Node or he Sinoatrial Node (the SA Node) this is the heart’s natural pacemaker.The electrical signal travels across the right to the left atrium and ends at the Atrioventricular Node (the AV Node), then the atrium contracts just before the beat of the ventricles.

       

      Now atrial fibrillation occurs where the electrical signal bypasses the atrium (hence the atrial term) the atrium doesn t contract properly and instead, it fibrillates and to imagine this, think of a jelly on a plate when it is shook. What causes the electrical signal to bypass the atrium or to deteriorate which also can cause the condition may be damage to the SA Node or some other condition.Regardless of the cause, symptoms can go unnoticed until something serious like a heart attack or stroke occurs. This is why it is important to have regular cardiac screenings which can identify the condition early.

      Those with a history of heart problems, rheumatic fever, diabetes or strokes are all in a higher risk category for contracting atrial fibrillation. Symptoms that present themselves may include shortness of breath, intolerance to exercise, palpitations and sometimes even angina. The condition lends itself to treatment with mild instances not requiring any treatment where the patient is not in a high risk group or the symptoms are not creating issues for the patient. First stage treatment includes medication to control the heart rhythm and the use of catheters though open-heart surgery may be required using an operation known as the Maze Procedure.

      The Maze procedure consists of making incisions in the atrium and sewing them up again; this allows the atrium to hold blood and contract normally but the electrical signal cannot traverse the incisions that have been made the signal must follow the route which is delineated by the incisions and cannot, therefore, bypass the atrium.Sometimes an artificial pacemaker will need to take the place of the SA Node that is damaged by the disease. The success rate is high with 80% to 100% success rate being reported.

      Other Relevant Posts:

       Penn Researchers Describe Cellular Source of …

      While studying how the heart is formed, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine serendipitously found a novel cellular source of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of abnormal heart beat. … Professor of Medicine, have identified a population of cells in the atria of the heart and pulmonary veins of humans and mice that appear to be the seat of AF. The finding may lead to a more precise way to treat AF, with reduced side effects.   

      Medical Devices Today

      More evidence is needed to determine the benefits of using catheter ablation for treating atrial fibrillation, especially in the frail elderly population, according to the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee.   

      Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center 

      Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. Davids Medical Center Selected to Conduct Clinical Trial for Device to Treat Atrial Fibrillation 5. Texas Back Institute Leads Way in New Facet Joint Clinical Trial … 

       Atrial fibrillation: Treat …

      Atrial fibrillation results in a faster and irregular heart rate. It may also result in palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath… there may be a rapid and irregular pulse and irregular blood pressure…. 

      System helps doctors treat atrial fibrillation

      Doctors develop a trained eye to interpret two-dimensional X-rays or ultrasound images. But when cardiologists need to scar the inside of the heart to treat atrial fibrillation, a flat picture may…   

       New Catheter Ablation …

      Until recently, this technique was not suitable for treating atrial fibrillation, as there are multiple sources of electrical signal disruption associated with this condition, whereas with Tachycardia there is usually only a single …   

      Atrial fibrillation: Treat it or pay the price

      The most common abnormal heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation and involves the atria, or the heart’s two upper chambers.  


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      Cholesterol In Shrimp Is Good for You

      Sunday, September 27th, 2009

       

      People are concerned about the cholesterol levels of foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products. In the case of shrimp, however, the cholesterol anecdote is special.

      Studies show the high percentage of good fats in shrimp lowers the part that cholesterol plays in the body. Most people can eat shrimp as part of a balanced diet. Good Cholesterol, Bad Cholesterol travels in the blood stream inside lipoproteins, which have been referred to as plump little fat protein packages.

      Four ounce servings of shrimp, give you 28.2% of the daily requirements of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is one of the nutrients that lower the levels of homocysteine, this is good, because homocystine is a particle that can damage blood vessel walls, and it is also a decidedly major factor in heart disease. On the other hand shrimp are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are known for to have anti-inflammatory properties and they also have the ability to stop blood clots from forming. Four ounces of shrimp contains 14.8% of your daily need of Omega 3.

      Cholesterol taken into the body as food has a negative effect only if it gets absorbed into the bloodstream; saturated fat assists in this absorption. Eating foods high in saturated fat increases LDL cholesterol which is a bad thing. Most high cholesterol foods are high in saturated fat, and increase LDL.

      One serving 4 ounce serving of a dozen large shrimp has 130 mg of cholesterol. This is really not a problem, because shrimp is low fat, and is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, which produce high density lipids, known as good cholesterol. High good cholesterol levels are important in fighting heart disease. Eating shrimp has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, and increase good cholesterol levels.

      Shrimp was thought of as a bad food for those with high cholesterol, when in actuality the opposite is likely true. Just like with eggs you should limit your intake of shrimp to a few times a week, but unlike eggs the cholesterol is offset by the other nutrients of the shrimp, though there are new studies that are changing minds about eggs as well. 

      Other Relevant Posts On Cholesterol:

      Cholesterol in Shrimps Is No Longer Bad for You

      It is now known that the amount of cholesterol in shrimp is about 130 mg per 3 oz of raw shrimp, which is about 12 large shrimp, there is only two grams of fat in the shrimp. The amount of cholesterol in an equivalent portion of regular …  

      Shrimp and High Cholesterol 

      Although shrimp is a bit high in cholesterol, it is important to realize that shrimp is especially low in saturated fat.   

      Cholesterol in Shrimps Is No Longer Bad

      People are concerned about the cholesterol levels of foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products. In the case of shrimp, however, the cholesterol anecdote is special. Studies show the high percentage of good fats in shrimp lowers the part …  

      Low-Cholesterol Recipes: Crab and Shrimp Pasta Salad

      Imitation crab meat and mini shrimp make for a wonderful pasta salad that everyone loves! Read more information.   

      Cholesterol: Is It Good or Bad?

      Animal foods that supply saturated fat (such as red meat) are worse than eating a food that is high in cholesterol but virtually free of saturated fat (boiled shrimp and crab legs are good examples of foods that are high in cholesterol …  


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      Preventing Heart Disease

      Monday, July 20th, 2009

        

              Regis Philbin Talks About His Heart Battle

      Close To 25% of all deaths are caused by heart disease caused by clogged or ‘furred up’ coronary (heart) arteries, an illness also known as atherosclerosis which results from elevated blood cholesterol levels. A essential component of heart disease is your lifestyle and what you eat.

      Easy steps like following a 7 day detox diet, making sure you get some exercise, shedding a few pounds and laying off smoking can have a beneficial effect in reducing your dangers of heart disease – you may also be interested to try using detox bath to help mop up all those toxins flooding round your blood stream.

      Symptoms of heart disease

      If you develop heart disease, you will be at increased risk of developing angina (intense chest pain due to the heart not receiving sufficient oxygen), a heart attack; an arrhythmia (which is an abnormal heart rate, which will cause shortness of breath, lightheadedness or even death); or heart failure (when the heart is unable to pump efficiently, leading to shortness of breath, tiredness, swelled ankles, and which eventually might reduce your life expectancy).

      Atherosclerosis can also occur in arteries in other areas of your body, such as the brain, kidneys, or legs. This can lead to strokes, kidney failure, or bad blood flow in the legs and in extreme cases amputation. Other conditions of the heart and circulatory system include high blood pressure, heart attacks and varicose veins.

      Most heart problems can be fended off, or improved substantially by making some simple changes to your life. To lessen your risk of heart disease, you are advised to eat a healthy diet, cut down on the quantity of salt in your food, learn how to quit smoking, only drink the recommended amount of alcohol, try an exercise every day, lose any excess weight you may be carrying (there’s plenty of fast ways to lose weight to help you), and try to eliminate your stress levels.

      Green tea is is very good for detoxing your body, and is believed to help protect against heart and circulatory disease, and is a refreshing addition to a detox diet. While the evidence for its powers are inconclusive, drinking green tea looks to be safe, so it may well be valuable trying partnered with other preventative activities.

      Other Posts On Preventing Heart Disease:

      Are Grains Necessary To a Healthy Diet? 

      More to the point, many argue (ferociously) that the saturated-fat/heart-disease theory has been completely discredited and that carbohydrates–especially the refined, processed type) are the true culprits–in heart disease, obesity, …   

      Dark Chocolate Prevents Heart Attacks 

      Antioxidants act as “free radical scavengers” and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage.  And remember that a balanced diet , plenty of exercise is still the key to heart health. The study was conducted in Sweden by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. 

      How To Maintain a Healthy Weight 

      Ways to maintain healthy weight and importance of maintaining healthy weight There are no magic pills, potion or low calorie diets that will help you to get your weight into a healthy range. … Being overweight or obese are also risk factors for heart disease. They increase your chance for developing high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Weight loss is most likely to be successful when people change their habits, replacing old, unhealthy ones with new, healt… 

      Natural Anti-inflammatory Foods and Diet

      Many scientists now believe the inflammatory response is at the root of all disease. This is why anti-inflammatory foods and a natural anti-inflammatory diet are so important. For example, what do heart disease, sports injury, … Foods rich in plant nutrients can prevent and even reverse inflammation. Brightly colored and green leafy vegetables and fresh colorful whole fruits are packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, healthy fiber and nutritious antiox…  

      Good Habits for a Healthy Life

      Exercise, diet, adequate water, enough sleep, and ridding yourself of bad habits such as smoking and overeating will greatly increase your chances of fighting off disease and living a long and full life. Good Habits for a Healthy Life … 

      Soy — Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet 

      "As a high-quality source of protein that is relatively low in saturated fat, soy can be an important part of a heart-healthy diet and may contribute to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease," says reproductive endocrinologist …  


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