What is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is characterised by attacks of rapid heart rate (tachycardia), which is shown in an electrocardiogram (ECG). In some people the ECG abnormality may be present without any symptoms such as tachycardia. The heartbeat is regulated by electrical impulses that travel through the atria (upper …
Read More »Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) – Causes and Treatment
Definition Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) develops from obstruction of venous drainage from the upper body, resulting in increased venous pressure, which leads to dilation of the collateral circulation. The superior vena cava is a large vein located in the upper chest, which collects blood from the head and arms …
Read More »Long QT Syndrome – Overview, Types, Causes and Risk Factors
Overview of Long QT Syndrome Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disease that can cause a dangerous rapid heart rate and irregular rhythm involving the bottom pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles). The heart has both muscular and electrical components. Electricity flowing through the heart muscle triggers the muscle to …
Read More »Commotio Cordis – Pathophysiology, Causes and Prevention
What is Commotio Cordis? Commotio cordis can happen to a person with a normal heart and occurs when a blunt trauma to a person’s chest often while playing sports leads to cardiac arrest where their heart stops pumping blood. Commotio cordis typically occurs in children and adolescents. The impact needs …
Read More »Cyanosis – Types, Pathophysiology, Symptoms and Causes
Definition Cyanosis is the medical term for a bluish color of the skin and the mucous membranes due to an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood. For example, the lips and fingernails may show cyanosis. Cyanosis can be evident at birth due to the presence of a heart malformation …
Read More »Heart Murmur – Prevalence, Complications, and Treatment
Definition Heart murmur is an extra or abnormal sound that is heard during cardiac auscultation (when your healthcare provider listens to your heart with a stethoscope). A murmur doesn’t cause noticeable effects on its own. Certain heart murmurs are completely harmless and are not associated with any health problems at …
Read More »Cyanotic heart disease (CHD) – Types, Causes, and Treatment
What is Cyanotic heart disease? Cyanotic heart disease (CHD) involves heart defects that reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the rest of your body. It’s sometimes called critical congenital heart disease. When a baby is born with CCHD, their skin has a bluish tint, called cyanosis. CHD is often …
Read More »Tetralogy of Fallot – Overview, Risk Factors and Treatment
Definition Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects that can result in a baby turning blue or cyanotic because of a lack of oxygen in the blood. It usually is diagnosed in infancy. The heart consists of four chambers: the two upper chambers, called atria, where blood …
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