One Beat At a Time Essay

Most physicians and people who acquired the problem usually know it as A-FIB, a shorter term for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation deals with the cardiovascular system, in particular, the heart in the body. It is defined as, “the electrical signals that control this system are off-kilter. Instead of working together the atria do their own thing, causing fast fluttering heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia” (WEBMD). In a normal pumping blood of the heart the atria would squeeze first, followed by the ventricles of the heart. A-fib can be a serious issue if not treated, due to the inadequate pumping of the blood, causing a higher chance of heart failure. It is also a higher chance in getting a stroke, because improper flow of the blood can cause clots in the

Tachycardia: Tachycardia typically refers to a heart rate that exceeds the normal range for a resting heart rate. When the heart beats rapidly, the heart pumps less efficiently and provides less blood flow to the body and the heart. The rapid heartbeat increases the workload and oxygen demand of the heart. Problems will occur with the heart as tachycardia persists over time. The heart is maintaining less oxygen, which will lead to an MI due to death of the myocardial cells. Patient will start to have angina because of this. Tachycardia is noted in many diseases and disorder like: fever endocarditis, anemia, HTN, pericarditis, abnormal heart impulses, anxiety, older age, sleep apnea, COPD, electrolyte imbalances, and many more.

Cardiovascular disease has reportedly been the number one disease killer for men and women in the United States of America. Every one out of four deaths is caused by heart disease in the United States alone (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention). Heart disease refers to the different types of conditions and symptoms that can affect the one’s heart and its functions to the body (Mayo Clinic). Cardiovascular/Heart disease has many causes and conditions, prevention methods and symptoms, and treatment options.

Paroxysmal atrial flutter. This type starts suddenly. It usually stops on its own soon after it starts.

Alexandrian researchers discovered several new finds pertaining to the heart. The researchers learned that the heart could be used for diagnosis. Similarly, they now deemed the heart as a pump with valves, contrary to earlier beliefs about the heart. This kind of thinking was far more advanced than the previous suppositions surrounding the heart’s function. Furthermore, these findings also allowed the surgical techniques of the Eurasian people to evolve.

Atril fibrillation, also known as Afib, causes problems with the heart's electrical impulse system resulting in an Afib irregular heartbeat. The most common type of heartbeat problem, Afib affects 2.2 million people in the United States.

What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation, also known as afib, is an irregular heartbeat that produces disorganized electrical signals within the heart. This results in quivering of the atria, or top chambers of the heart which allows blood to pool. Stagnant blood in the atria increases the risk of developing a blood clot.1 The blood clot can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain resulting in a stroke. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a 5 times increased risk for stroke, and approximately 15-20 percent of people who experience a stroke have atrial fibrillation.2 Symptoms of atrial fibrillation are heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.1(p6) The incidence of afib increases

Susan Arvin is a woman the suffers from tachycardia. Tachycardia is a heartbeat that's too fast, a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute (BPM). Susan states that her heart will race for hours at a time. Disrupting cells cause her to have a rapid heartbeat. Having her heart beat faster than usual, it became a problem at home and at work.

of atria and ventricle. Impulses not being transmitted from atria to the ventricle; no whole number relationship between atrial and ventricular contractions was demonstrated.

Atrioventricular echo beats (Figure 5) occur secondary to: anterograde conduction of the atrial stimulus over the AVN-HPS & retrograde conduction over an AV BT (concealed or

An arrhythmia is a problem associated with the electrical activity of the heart resulting in a heartrate that can be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). Arrhythmias are generally categorized as ventricular or supraventricular.1 Ventricular arrhythmias are a condition in which extra heartbeats originate from the lower chambers of the heart and can be classified as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or premature ventricular contractions. Supraventricular arrhythmias originate in the upper chambers of the heart and can be less serious than ventricular arrhythmias. Both types of arrhythmia can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or syncope. The National Institute

Tachycardia may be defined as the increased heart rate than normal. Fast or abnormal heart rate may be caused due to several reasons. For example increased blood pressure, heart disease (like atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, valve disease) and some drugs (i.e. caffeine, alcohol) can increase blood pressure. Tachycardia may cause no symptoms or complications for some cases but it can disrupt cardiac function, increase the risk of stroke or heart attack1.

If the perkinje fibers or the AV node becomes irritated, they can begin contraction of the ventricles at speeds well above normal. Other causes of ventricular tachycardia include heart disease and medications.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that the heart beat irregularly and often rapidly. Normally, a sinoatrial node (SA node) in the right atrium of the heart acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker and generates electrical signals to start the heart beating in an organized way. It allows atria to contract and squeeze regularly traveling the electrical signals through the atrioventricular node (AV node) which is situated in the centre of the heart between the atria and ventricles, the electrical signals then steadily pass through to the ventricles keeping the heart beating constantly and blood flowing to the lungs and body. This impulse allows the atria and ventricles work together to maintain a normal sinus rhythm of the heartbeat. In AF, the

Ventricular tachycardia is a life threatening arrhythmia that is mostly seen along with other heart diseases. Ventricular tachycardia can lead to ventricular fibrillation. Common causes for ventricular tachycardia include: heart disease, and after heart surgery. Rare causes are inherited heart rhythm problems such as long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome and antiarrhythmic medicines. Less common causes include: blood imbalances (low potassium levels, other electrolyte imbalances), nonprescription decongestants, herbal remedies, diet pills, and Illegal drugs (such as stimulants, like cocaine) also may cause ventricular