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History: In 1901 a man by the name of Einthoven constructed the string galvanometer, allowing "high fidelity recording of the body surface electrocardiogram"(NCBI.gov). Paper written from 1887-1914 by McWilliam, Garrey and Mines "provided crucial insights into re-entry as a mechanism for atrial and ventricular fibrillation"(NCBI.gov). In 1949, Coraboeuf and Weidmann recorded the first intracellular potentials with microelectrodes. Multiplexing systems became available in the 1970s and optical mapping in the 1980s, leading to a more precise analysis. Clinical surgeries became successful in the 1980s along with the internal defibrillators in the 1960s and 80s.
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Symptoms:
Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops") Pounding in your chest Dizziness or feeling light-headed Fainting Shortness of breath Chest pain or tightness Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired) Treatments:
Treatments differ based upon the seriousness of the arrhythmia. Some types don’t need treatment at all, while some are treated using medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Antiarrhythmic drugs: These drugs control heart rhythm and include beta-blockers Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy: These drugs lower the risk of blood clots and stroke. These are composed of blood thinners. Electrical Cardioversion: Doctors give you anesthesia and deliver an electrical shock to your chest wall to allow for normal rhythm. Pacemaker: a small device place on the heart to send small electrical impulses to the heart to keep a safe heart rate. |
Types:
Premature atrial contractions: extra beats that start in the heart's upper chambers, called the atria. Premature Ventricular Contractions: skipped heartbeats. Atrial Fibrillation: irregular heart rhythm causes the upper chambers of the heart to contract abnormally. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: rapid heart rate with regular rhythm. Ventricular Fibrillation: heart's lower chambers quiver and can't contract or pump blood to the body. Must be treated with CPR and defibrillation. Bradyarrhythmias: slow heart rhythms. |
Diagnosis:
Electrocardiogram: Also called an EKG or ECG, this machine tests and records the electrical activity of your heart. Small electrode patches are placed around your body to perform this test. Stress Tests: This test is performed by testing how much stress your body can handle before have a heart rhythm problem or not getting enough blood flow to the heart. This test is performed by having the patient walk on a treadmill or stationary bike, with increasing difficulty, while they are having their heart rate and blood pressure monitored by an EKG. Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound to evaluate heart muscles and heart valves. Cardiac Catheterization: The doctor will insert a catheter into a blood vessel in your arm or leg and will guide it to your heart. Then the doctor will inject dye into the catheter and use an X-ray to monitor your heart’s valves, arteries, and chambers. Life Expectancy:
Most arrhythmias are harmless and don’t need any treatment and the people with these minor arrhythmias can lead normal lives and not need any sort of medical treatment. Some arrhythmias are more serious and need medical attention or cause for lifestyle changes or surgically implanted devices. Once treated these people can lead completely normal lives, with these implications:
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