ArrhythmiasAn arrhythmia is an irregularity in heartbeat, a condition experienced with varying degrees of frequency by over 4 million Americans. It may be suspected, for instance, when a person complains of a racing heart in the absence of exercise or anxiety; tachycardia is the medical term for this abnormally fast heartbeat. On the other end of the continuum is bradycardia, or abnormally slow heartbeat. When a heart goes into fibrillation, it exhibits a totally sporadic, quivering pattern of beating resulting in extreme inefficiency in moving blood through the cardiovascular system. If untreated, this condition may be fatal. Not all arrhythmias are life threatening. In many instances, excessive caffeine or nicotine consumption can trigger an arrhythmia episode. However, severe cases may require drug therapy or external electrical stimulus to prevent serious complications.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)When the heart muscle is damaged or overworked and lacks the strength to keep blood circulating normally through the body, its chambers are often taxed to the limit. CHF affects over 5 million Americans and dramatically increases risk of premature death. Patients who have been afflicted with rheumatic fever, pneumonia, or other cardiovascular problems (particularly after heart surgery) in the past often have weakened heart muscles. In addition, the walls of the heart and the blood vessels may be damaged from previous radiation or chemotherapy treatments for cancer. These weakened muscles respond poorly when stressed, blood flow out of the heart through the arteries is diminished, and the return flow of blood through the veins begins to back up, causing congestion in the tissues. This pooling of blood causes enlargement of the heart and decreases the amount of blood that can be circulated. Fluid begins to accumulate in other body areas, such as in the vessels in the legs and ankles or the lungs, causing swelling or difficulty in breathing. Today, CHF is the single most frequent cause of hospitalization in the United States. If untreated, congestive heart failure will result in death. Most cases respond well to treatment that includes diuretics (water pills) for relief of fluid accumulation; drugs, such as digitalis, that increase the pumping action of the heart; and drugs called vasodilators that expand blood vessels and decrease resistance, allowing blood to flow more easily and making the heart’s work easier.*8/277/5*
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: ARRHYTHMIAS AND CHF
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