Treatment For Patent Ductus Arteriosus Prevents Further Complications of PDA

By Alana Olson

Accordingly, almost all of the newborn babies have openings in the ductus arteriosus. This is normal because the ductus arteriosus closes itself along with the baby's growth. The closing takes a very short period of time, around few weeks or months after the baby was born. This is the reason why the symptoms of this birth defect may only be noticeable after a certain period of time. When after weeks and months and your baby starts to show the symptoms of PDA, it is best that you take your baby to the doctor immediately for the diagnosis of PDA and for treatments for patent ductus arteriosus.

Babies with this condition are not really required to undergo treatments for patent ductus srteriosus because the ductus arteriosus of any person closes by itself. However, to babies and children with relatively larger openings in the ducuts arteriosus, a medical treatment or to some cases surgical operation may be needed.

While there are telltales that treatments for patent ductus arteriosus are not really needed, there are still main reasons to do it. One reason is for patients with large openings in ductus arteriosus, blood is directed to the lungs and this is a major cause of heart enlargement not in the present but at a later time and when this happens, treatments may be more complicated. Another reason why a treatment is necessary is that the spread of infection, a major cause of endocarditis is prevented.

Medically, there are three treatments for PDA. One is the medication which requires the use of indomethacin. It is not really recommended to patients who are very young and are still infants but there are some cases when doctors require this. Taking this drug, the wall muscles are constricted to close the opening of the ductus areriosus. Another treatment is the need for trans-catheter procedure. In this method, a small tube or the catheter is inserted in the groin area of the body and this small tube is used to obstruct the passageway in the ductus arteriosus. This method is always used to treat babies with small openings in the ductus arteriosus. The last treatment which is optional is the medical surgery. This treatment is required to patients whose ductus arteriosus does not close by itself and that these patients show a very long term symptoms of the birth defect. This is the process of repairing the PDA opening.

Although the above treatments for PDA may sound complicated, you have to be open to the possibilities and chances for recovery. The complications PDA bring are even more complicated so start while the symptoms are not yet severe. Consult your baby's pediatrician and ask for the treatment options your baby needs.

Teratogy of Fallot - The Most Common Cyanotic Heart Disease in Children

By Funom Makama

Tetratogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic heart disease in children. The anatomic definition includes four defects:

1. Ventricular septal defect,

2. Pulmonic stenosis

3. an aorta that overrides the ventricular septal defect

4. Right ventricular hypertrophy

The first three defects are congenital, and the fourth is acquired as a result of the increased pressure within the right ventricle.

Embryonic development

The development of the defects in tetralogy of Fallot is the result of abnormal embryologic development of the ventricular septum, which results in infundibular hypertrophy, and in the division of the truncus arteriosus, which results in a smaller pulmonary artery and a larger aorta.

What Is an ECG / EKG?

by Michael A. Morales

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a painless, noninvasive measurement of the heart's electrical activity, and it is a diagnostic tool that is used to determine the condition of the heart (i.e., whether the heart is damaged or poorly functioning). This is helpful either when trying to diagnose an existing complaint or when proactively looking for warning signs. With several electrodes hooked up to standard locations on a patient's body, the electrocardiogram's results are examined for patterns that may be indicators of possible problems.

The heart uses an electrical pulse to initiate and regulate the flow of blood through the heart, and a heartbeat is one full cycle in the process of relaxing and contracting the heart chambers so that blood can enter and then be forced out to the rest of the body. The pulse begins in the right atrium, which contracts and forces blood to the ventricles. The pulse then moves to the ventricle walls, forcing the ventricles to contract, thus pushing the blood out of the heart and to the rest of the body. The pulses also control the direction of the blood flow through a series of valves. The ECG / EKG measures the strength of the pulses in the chambers of the heart, along with the rate at which the pulses are occurring.

When the heart is functioning correctly, oxygenated blood and nutrients are pumped from the heart to the other organs of the body. The blood carries waste (such as carbon dioxide) from the organs to the lungs, where the waste is emitted. If the heart is failing or is injured, the oxygen may not make it to all the organs and the waste may not make it completely out of the body. Those organs and their associated bodily functions are then at risk of failing.

The ECG / EKG can uncover heart attacks; arrhythmia (irregular rhythm of the heart); heart valve problems, congenital heart defects (problem with the heart from birth); heart failure (i.e., the heart is incapable of pumping hard enough to get blood to some organs); and pericarditis, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Electrocardiograms are performed by nurses, doctors, and lab technicians, but typically the results are examined by doctors and cardiologists. If a general physician identifies abnormalities in the ECG / EKG results, he most likely will contact a cardiologist to seek his expertise.

Your Heart Rate: Is It Too Fast Or Too Slow?

by Ombladom Freacka

Beside cancer, cardiovascular disease kills a lot more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease.

I. Causes of Heart Diseases

There are many reasons for heart diseases. Most of heart diseases are caused by hypertension contributes to hardening of the arteries. High amounts of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up within the arteries due to uncontrolled diet rich in amounts of saturated fat and trans fat. All these add to the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage or anything that serves to damage the interior lining of arteries and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition towards the heart can be explained as a risk of heart disease.

II Symptoms of Heart diseases

Here are a few early indication of cardiovascular disease symptoms:

1. Leg cramps during walking

Leg cramps during exercise may be brought on by dehydration. You should drink lots of fluid during exercise. Leg cramps occur once the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. Leg cramps during walking may be an indication of heart disease brought on by arteries in your leg being clogged up by cholesterol in consequence of not enough oxygen being sent to the cells in your leg.

2. Heart problems

Chest pain is brought on by arteries within the heart temporarily being blocked up. Its also caused by inadequate oxygen supply towards the heart muscle or coronary . The persistence of chest pain would be an earlier indication of heart diseases.

3. Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) may be the major symptom of the left ventricular insufficiency. Individuals with shortness of breath are 4 times more prone to die from a heart disease related cause than individuals with no symptoms.

4. Headaches

People see sparkling zigzag lines or loss of vision before a migraine attack may be at particular risk of future cardiovascular problems. Generally headaches dont cause heart diseases but an abrupt, explosive start of great pain may be.

5. Dizziness

Dizziness can have many causes including low blood count, low iron within the bloodstream along with other blood disorders, dehydration, and viral illnesses. Since there are a variety of problems that can produce these symptoms, anybody experiencing instances of problems or dizziness ought to be checked because of your doctor.

6. Palpitations

Palpitations is an extremely common characteristic of cardiovascular disease. Palpitations are skips in the heart beats and irregular heart beats.

7. Loss of awareness

Its a common symptom, most people distribute at least one time in their lives. However, sometimes loss of consciousness indicates an unsafe or even life-threatening condition for example cardiovascular disease so when loss of consciousness occurs it is important to figure out the cause.

There are lots of more symptoms such as fatigue, memory defects, and alterations in skin tone and temperature.

III. Kinds of Heart Diseases

The heart is really a four chambered, hollow muscle and double acting pump that is found in the chest between the lungs. Heart diseases caused by high blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries. High amounts of bad cholesterol (LDL) develop in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fats and trans fat. Each one of these add to the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage.

There are some major types of heart diseases:

1. Kind of cardiovascular disease affecting heart chambers

Once we mention in the previous article, the heart is a four chambered hollow muscle and double acting pump that is located in the chest between your lungs. Heart diseases brought on by high blood pressure contributes to hardening from the arteries. High amounts of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet rich in levels of saturated fats and trans fat. Each one of these increase the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss heart disease affecting ones heart chambers.

Heart failure is caused by the heart not pumping as much blood as it should so the body doesnt get as much blood and oxygen it needs. The malfunctioning from the heart chambers are due to damage brought on by narrowed or blocked arteries leading to muscle of your heart.

There are 4 heart chambers as follow:

* The right atrium

* The left atrium

* The right ventricle

* The left ventricle.

Heart diseases modify the heart chambers include:

A. Congestive heart failure

Heart failure is caused by the heart not pumping just as much blood as it should so the body doesnt get just as much blood and oxygen it needs. The malfunctioning of the heart chambers are due to damage brought on by narrowed or blocked arteries resulting in muscle of your heart.

a) Diastolic dysfunction:

The contraction function is common but theres impaired relaxation from the heart, impairing its ability to fill with blood resulting in the blood going back to the heart to amass in the lungs or veins.

b) Systolic dysfunction:

The relaxing function is normal but theres impaired contraction of the heart causing the heart to not pump out as much blood thats returned to it because it normally does as a result of more blood remaining in the lower chambers of the heart.

B. Pulmonary cardiovascular disease

Pulmonary heart disease is brought on by an enlarged right ventricle. Its called heart disease resulting from a lung disorder in which the blood flowing into the lungs is slowed or blocked causing increased lung pressure. The right side from the heart needs to pump harder to push against the increased pressure and this can lead to enlargement from the right ventricle.

2. Heart Disease affecting heart muscles

When it comes to heart diseases affecting heart muscles, the heart muscles are stiff, increasing the amount of pressure required to expand for blood to flow into the heart or even the narrowing of the passage as a result of obstructing blood flow from the heart.

Heart diseases affecting heart muscles include:

A. Cardiomyopathy

Heart muscle becomes inflamed and work as well as it should. There might be multiple causes such as hypertension, heart valve disease, artery diseases or congenital heart defects.

a) Dilated cardiomyopathy

The heart cavity is enlarged and stretched. Blood flows more slowly with an enlarged heart, causing formation of thrombus due to clots sticking to the inner lining of the heart, breaking from the right ventricle into the pulmonary circulation in the lung or just being dislodged and carried into the bodys circulation to form emboli .

b) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The wall between your two ventricles becomes enlarged, obstructing the blood flow in the left ventricle. Sometimes the thickened wall distorts one leaflet from the mitral valve, causing it to leak. The the signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting and angina pectoris.

c) Restrictive cardiomyopathy

The ventricles becomes excessively rigid, so its harder for the ventricles to fill with blood between heartbeats. The symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath, swollen hands and feet.

B. Myocarditis Myocarditis is an inflammation from the heart muscles or even the weaken from the heart muscles. The the signs of myocarditis include fever, chest pains, congestive heart failure and palpitation.

3. Heart disease affecting heart valves

Heart diseases affecting heart valves occur when the mitral valve in the heart narrows, resulting in the heart to operate harder to function blood in the left atrium in to the ventricle.

Here are a few kinds of heart disease affecting heart valves:

a. Mitral Stenosis

Mitral Stenosis is a heart valve disorder which involves a narrowing or blockage of the opening of the mitral valve resulting in the volume and pressure of blood in the left atrium increases.

b. Mitral valves regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation is the cardiovascular disease in which your hearts mitral valve doesnt close tightly resulting in the blood to be unable to undertake the heart efficiently. The signs of mitral valve regurgitation are fatigue and difficulty breathing.

c. Mitral valves prolapse

In mitral valve prolapse, either leaflets from the valve are too large leading to uneven closure of the valve during each heartbeat. Symptoms of mitral valves prolapse are palpitation, difficulty breathing, dizzy, fatigue and chest pains.

d. Aortic Stenosis

With aging, protein collagen of the valve leaflets are destroyed and calcium is deposited around the leaflets causing scarring, thickening, and stenosis from the valve therefore increasing the deterioration of the valve leaflets resulting in the symptoms and heart disease of aortic stenosis.

e. Aortic regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation may be the leaking of the aortic valve of the heart that triggers blood to flow in the reverse direction during ventricular diastole, from the aorta into the left ventricle. The signs of aortic regurgitation include fatigue or weakness, difficulty breathing, heart problems, palpitation and irregular heart beats.

f. Tricuspid stenosis

Tricuspid stenosis may be the narrowing of the orifice from the tricuspid valve from the heart causing increased potential to deal with blood flow with the valve. The signs of tricuspid stenosis include fatigue, enlarged liver, abdominal swelling, neck discomfort and leg and ankle swelling.

g. Tricuspid regurgitation.

Tricuspid regurgitation may be the failure from the right ventricular causing blood to leak back through the tricuspid valve in the right ventricle into the right atrium from the heart. The signs of tricuspid regurgitation include leg and ankle swelling and swelling in the abdomen.

Heart Problems in Children - Wockhardt Foundation

by Wockhardt Foudation

Heart disease is not a significant cause of loss of life among children and youngsters, but it is the major cause of death among adults.

Congenital heart problems are the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in every 100 infants. Most of the threats are usually passed down through family members (they are hereditary) or they are the result of another illness or disease. These risks usually can be controlled. Congenital heart disease (heart problems you are born with) cannot be changed, but better tests and treatments are now available for children with these types of heart problems.

What causes a heart defect?

Usually a heart defect develops when the baby is still growing in the womb. Usually doctors cannot tell why this has occurred and it is not caused by anything the mother did during her pregnancy.

Sometimes heart problems are due to genetics (ie: family history).

Sometimes certain diseases in childhood cause harm to the heart.

Sometimes children get problems with their heart after a viral infection. This is incredibly unusual.

Signs and symptoms of heart defects

Many children appear healthy and their parents do not know they have a heart defects. If children do have symptoms, they often develop in the first few weeks after they are born.

Common symptoms include:

'Blue baby' - blue skin and blue around the lips.

Difficulty feeding.

Shortness of breath.

These symptoms result from a decreased oxygen supply to the body, which happens because:

Blood does not have as much oxygen as usual, or

The heart does not pump as well as it should.

Again, some of these risk factors can be changed, treated, or modified, and some cannot. But it is important to realize that prevention is the best way to avoid a heart defect later in life. Controlling as many risk factors as possible, developing in childhood, will help decrease your child's risk of developing heart disease as an adult.

Treatment for heart defects

If signs develop very quickly, or if your baby is a newborn, your physician will arrange tests and therapy much more quickly. Most heart defects can be fixed with medication. Sometimes surgery or other techniques may be needed. In some cases there is no need for any treatment.

Medicine

For some heart problems children can take medicine which can be ceased once the problem has enhanced. Sometimes medicines need to be taken for many years or even for all their life.

Surgery

Heart surgery can provide a life-long cure for some heart conditions. A heart surgeon will discuss the threats and benefits in detail with you. In very rare cases where surgery, techniques, or medicine does not help, a child may need a heart transplant.

Other Procedures

Some techniques include putting a thin tube, known as a catheter, through the veins to the heart to treat the heart defect. Your child is given a general anaesthetic for this.

Key points to remember

Heart defects are quite common in kids (about 1 in 100).

Treatment for heart defects relies on the cause of the problem. In some cases treatment may not be necessary. In others, your child may need medicines, medical procedures or surgery treatment (and sometimes a combination of all).

Kids with minimal heart related problems often live long and normal lives without therapy.

Children who need treatment often have generally regular life with little or no restrictions to what they can do.

Antidepressants May Lead to Ventricular Septal Defects

by Josephine Osborn

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned both health care service providers and their patients about the side effects of paroxetine antidepressant Paxil. Studies suggested that Paxil increases the risk of birth defects on infants of mothers who used it during the first three months of gestation. These birth defects may come in the form of physical deformities such as irregular head sizes, cardiovascular complications or mental disorders such as autism.

The FDA likewise issued a "black box" warning for contraindications of Paxil which included suicidal behavior among adolescent users and cardiovascular complications. Birth defects, however, are the most complained about side effect of Paxil intake which has been the subject of various lawsuits against is manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. Most of the heart defects reported among infants in these studies were atrial and ventricular septal defects, which prompted the FDA to change Paxil's pregnancy warning category from C to D.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects, which is often present upon birth. The infant may show no symptoms, and the hole may eventually close as the wall continues to grow after birth. However, if the hole is large, too much blood will be pumped to the lungs, leading to heart failure, says the UMMC.

The American Heart Association also says that if the opening is large, the child may breathe faster and harder than normal. Infants may have trouble feeding and growing at a normal rate. Over time, this may cause permanent damage to the lung blood vessels of the infant because more blood than normal is being pumped there. According to the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, heart failure may be regulated through heart stimulating drugs which will eventually help the child grow naturally. However, Cedars-Sinai adds that if the baby does not respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair the defect.

The FDA has already verified some complaints that associated Paxil to ventricular septal defect. Other cardiovascular complications that constitute Paxil birth defects are persistent pulmonary hypertension on newborns, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and hypoplasia. Although, more studies are required to substantiate these claims, the link between Paxil and the aforementioned birth defects are increasingly becoming clear, warranting more interest and concern.

Heart Rhythm is Slowing Down?

 by Bruce S Parsons

Feeling fatigued? Dizzy sometimes for no apparent reason? Finding it difficult to stay awake or focus without getting lightheaded?

Check your pulse! If it is less than sixty beats per minute, you may be suffering from a slow heart rate, or bradycardia. This can be due to many different factors, some related to heart function, others due to dietary or lifestyle habits. It is important, however, that if you feel faint, or are experiencing lasting chest pains or difficulty in drawing breathe, that you get emergency care at the earliest opportunity.

For some people, a resting heart rate less than sixty beats per minute can be considered normal. Trained athletes and others in peak physical condition frequently have slower resting heart rates than average individuals. It is important to note, though, that they do not exhibit any of the negative side effects normally associated with bradycardia, as their bodies are functioning properly, and sufficient oxygen-rich blood is flowing to necessary organs. Through extensive training, they have shaped their bodies to be stronger, and function properly when resting, even though clinically speaking they have bradycardia.

A heart rate of less than one hundred beats per minute is considered bradycardia in infants. Normally, infants should have a heart rate of between 120 to 160 beats per minute. Researchers are still working to determine the causes; though it is theorized that bradycardia in infants could potentially be caused by yet-underdeveloped centers in the brain that regulate breathing. Also, premature babies are more likely to exhibit bradycardia than those born full-term. In minor cases, rocking the incubator or touching the child lightly is known to remedy the matter. In severe or potentially life-threatening cases, medications containing caffeine or theophylline are used. Premature babies are monitored extensively, and their hearts are no exception.

As we all know, the heart is regulated by electrical impulses. Many factors can modify this, the most common being aging. High blood pressure can also be a reason, or an underactive thyroid gland. Certain congenital defects could be the reason, or an infection of the heart tissue later in life. People who have heart disease or suffered a heart attack could later exhibit bradycardia also. Certain drugs can influence heart rate to a great degree, and if they are abused, severe bradycardia can manifest, resulting in hospitalization in fortunate cases, or death if left untreated.

Summarily, if you have a pain in your chest lasting over a minute, or if you faint or can't seem to catch your breath, call an ambulance immediately. Exercise regularly, eat well, and live life to its fullest!

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

by jeanne abayie

Ventricular fibrillation is called V-fib for short. This life threatening condition is the most serious cardiac rhythm disturbance. It is a severe form of arrhythmia. The lower chambers of the heart ( ventricles ) quiver with no useful contractions. Therefore the heart can't pump any blood and this causes cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation needs immediate medical attention.

CAUSES

The heart pumps blood to the lungs, brain and other parts of the body. Interruption of heart beat for a few seconds can lead to fainting or cardiac arrest. Fibrillation is uncontrolled quivering of the heart muscles ( fibrils). When this occurs in the lower chamber of the heart, it is called ventricular fibrillation.

During ventricular fibrillation, the heart's lower chambers contract in a rapid, unsynchronized way. The ventricles flatter and the heart pumps little to no blood. Sudden cardiac death follows.

The cause of this condition is not always known. However the most common cause is a heart attack. VF may occur when the heart muscles don't get enough oxygen. Other conditions that can lead to VF include the following:

• heart injury
• congenital heart defect
• heart surgery
• narrowed coronary arteries
• heart muscle disease
• electrocution accidents

Most people who get ventricular fibrillation have no heart disease history but often have risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. If you've had VF before, you are more likely to get it again.

SYMPTOMS

Lost of consciousness or collapse are usually the most common signs of ventricular fibrillation. Other symptoms that may be experienced earlier include

• chest pain
• rapid heart beat
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• dizziness

TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

Ventricular fibrillation is usually diagnosed after it happens. It is not likely to be diagnosed during a routine medical exam.

The doctor will monitor your heart beat and check your pulse. The doctor will do additional tests to find out the cause of your V - fib. These include

• Blood test
• Electrocardiogram
• Imaging tests such as chest x-ray, cardiac MRI, CT scan and echocardiogram
• Coronary catheterization (angiogram)
• TREATMENT

Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is needed to save the person's life. If a person has v fib episode at home, call an emergency number such as 911. While waiting for help, you needs to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help restore blood flow to the rest of the body. Continue to do CPR until help arrives or person becomes alert.

Defibrillation may also be done to restore the heartbeat to a normal rhythm. This should be done immediately. It delivers quick electric shock to the chest using a defibrillator. This can be done by an emergency personnel or by stander using a public defibrillator. Most public places now have this machine.

Treatment may also be given to prevent future episodes. These include

• medications to control heart beat and function
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be implanted in the chest for people at risk for VF. It quickly sends an electrical shock when ventricular fibrillation occurs and prevents sudden cardiac death
• coronary angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow
• ventricular tachycardia ablation to destroy tissue that blocks the electrical signal that travels through your heart to make it beat
• coronary bypass surgery to improve blood supply to the heart

PREVENTION

Adapting healthy lifestyle change can reduce your risk for v fib.

Quit smoking

Stay active

Eat heart healthy diet

Control high blood pressure

Maintain a healthy weight

Manage cholesterol

Atrial septal defect

by Wayne Strickland

An atrial septal defect (ASD) - oftentimes known as hole within the heart - is a kind of congenital heart defect where there's an unnatural opening up within the separating wall between the higher filling chambers in the coronary heart (the atria).

Generally ASDs are identified and dealt with properly with few or absolutely no troubles.

To comprehend this particular defect, it very first really helps to evaluate some fundamentals about the way a proper heart commonly operates.ital

The heart has 4 chambers: The 2 lower pumping chambers are known as the ventricles, and the two upper filling chambers are the atria.

In the healthy heart, bloodstream which returns from your body to the right-sided filling chamber (right atrium) is short of fresh air. This blood moves towards the right-sided pumping chamber (right ventricle), and subsequently to the lungs to get oxygen. The blood that is enriched with much needed oxygen comes back to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle. It is then moved out to the body with the aorta, a big blood vessel which carries the blood to the smaller blood vessels in your body. The right and left filling chambers are usually divided by a thin shared wall, called the atrial septum.

Children with an atrial septal defect come with an opening in the wall (septum) between the atria. Because of this, some oxygen rich blood from the left atrium runs through the hole in the septum into the right atrium, where it combines with oxygen-poor blood and boosts the entire quantity of blood that moves toward the lungs. The elevated blood circulation to your lungs creates a swishing sound, termed as a heart murmur. This heart murmur, together with other specific heart sounds which might be detected by a cardiologist, could be indications that a child has an ASD.

ASDs might be found in various places on the atrial septum, and so they might be various sizes. The signs or symptoms and medical care of the defect is dependent upon those factors. In certain rare cases, ASDs are part of more complicated forms of congenital heart disease. It is not clear why, but ASDs are usually more common in girls than in boys.

Treatment options assuming closure is required:

1) Least invasive 30 minute catheterization procedure is done percutaneously (through the skin). The device is attached to a catheter, which is inserted into a vein in the groin and advanced to the heart and through the defect, guided by X-ray and intracardiac echo. As the device is slowly pushed out of the catheter, it opens up to cover each edge of the defect, sealing it closed. Over time, tissue grows over the implant and it becomes part of the heart. This procedure requires patients to be on blood thinners for approximately six months.

What You Should Know About The Symptoms of Heart Problems

by Larry Johnson

The symptoms of heart diseases can be very varied. However, it is important to be aware of what those symptoms are so that you can get medical help right away. Heart problems, when left untreated, can lead to death. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are some of the leading killers in the world today.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are very common today. These start out not as problems in the heart itself but on the blood vessels. When some materials block the blood vessels and makes it hard for the blood to pass through then that can cause the more serious problems. The most usual symptoms of these are chest pain, shortness of breath and numbness of weakness in the parts of the body where the affected blood vessels are located. If you feel any of these symptoms then you should seek medical attention right away. People might not get diagnosed that they have cardiovascular problems until it is too late.

Symptoms of Abnormal Heartbeats

Another common heart ailment is having an abnormal heartbeat. This can be signify a congenital disease, which means that a person has had it since birth. Sometimes this kind of condition is not detected right away and a person can reach adulthood without knowing that he has this kind of disease. Symptoms of this condition would include a fluttering feeling in the chest, very fast heartbeat, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting spells. A person who feels these symptoms should see a doctor right away because this condition can be very serious.

Heart Defects

Another type of condition that a person can be born with is having a defective heart. Normally, this condition becomes evident right after the birth of a child because of its physical symptoms. Symptoms include a grayish or bluish color of the skin, swelling on some parts of the body, shortness of breath especially during feeding time. Sometimes, if the heart defect is not too serious, it might not get diagnosed right away until later in life.

Cardiomyopathy

This is the condition where the muscle tissues of the heart thicken. Initially this condition would have no serious symptoms, but as the condition progresses, the person will start to feel the signs. Symptoms would include getting tired easily, shortness of breath, bloating of the abdomen because of fluid, irregular breathing and dizziness.

Heart Infections

Like other parts of the body, the heart is also prone to infections. When it becomes infected, the person will start to feel a whole range of symptoms. Those symptoms could include, fever, shortness of breath, getting tired easily and dry cough that is very persistent.

Like most other diseases, heart problems are a lot easier to treat during the early stages. This is the reason why early detection is very important. The moment you start feeling any of the symptoms, seek medical help right away.