An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart. This hole is located in the septum, which is the thin tissue that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (right atrium and left atrium). The hole is present at birth (congenital). However, an ASD may not be diagnosed until symptoms are noted in adulthood. […]
Category Archives: Medical knowledge
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). The heart has an electrical system that tells it how to beat. In atrial flutter, the signals move rapidly in the top chambers of the heart (the atria). This makes your heart beat very fast. Atrial flutter can come and go, or it can be permanent. […]
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular or rapid heartbeat (arrhythmia). In atrial fibrillation, the top part of the heart (atria) beats in an irregular pattern. This makes the heart unable to pump blood normally and effectively. The goal of treatment is to prevent blood clots from forming, control your heart rate, or restore your […]
Overview What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis (say: “ath-er-o-skler-o-sis”) is a disease that causes your arteries to become hard and narrowed. It’s even possible for an artery to become completely blocked. Your arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This content was developed with general underwriting support from […]
An atherectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) from the inside of an artery. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of plaque in the arteries can block blood flow. In this procedure, plaque […]
Aspirin is a medicine that prevents the platelets in your blood from sticking together. Platelets are the cells that your blood uses for clotting. Aspirin can be used to help reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and other heart-related problems. What are the risks? Daily use of aspirin can cause side effects. Some […]
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition that happens when the subclavian artery is squeezed or compressed. The subclavian artery is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the arm and hand. To reach the arm, this artery must pass through the thoracic outlet, which is a tight space under the collarbone […]
Arterial plethysmography is a test that measures the blood flow in the arteries of the arms and legs. You may have this test to: Check for a blockage in an artery (arterial occlusive disease). Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Monitor treatment of arterial occlusive disease. Help diagnose a blood […]
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is a heart problem in which muscle tissue in the lower right chamber (ventricle) of the heart is replaced with fat and scar tissue. Over time, this condition can cause the right ventricle to weaken and to not pump blood well. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can also develop. Arrhythmias can be […]
Overview What is an arrhythmia? An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. When the heart beats too fast, it’s called tachycardia. When it beats too slow, it’s called bradycardia. An arrhythmia can also mean that your heart beats irregularly (skips a beat or has an extra beat). Symptoms What are the […]