Atrial Contractions

Katie Kelley asked:


Digoxin, also known as Digitalis, Lanoxin, Digitek, and Lanoxicaps, is a refined plant extract, a purified cardiac glycoside (drugs used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and arrythmia). Digoxin is commonly marketed under the names Lanoxin, Digitek, and Lanoxicaps.

Digoxin has been used in the treatment of various heart conditions, namely atrial fibrilation and atrial flutter, both abnormal heart rhythms It is sometimes prescribed for heart failure that cannot be controlled by other medication. Antiarrhythmic agents are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

While the use of anti-arrhythmic agents to suppress atrial arrhythmia is still in practice, it is unclear whether suppression of atrial arrhythmia will prolong life. It was believed that following a heart attack, suppression of arrhythmia would prolong life, however large clinical trials found that suppression of these arrhythmia would paradoxically increase mortality. This may happen due to the pro-arrhythmic effect these drugs could potentially create in the patient.

The use of digoxin in heart problems during sinus rhythm(normal heart beat)was once standard, but is now controversial. While it appears that the increased force of contraction should lead to improved pumping function of the heart, its effect on prognosis is questionable; additionally, other effective treatments are available, making the use of the medication during sinus rhythm an unnecessary risk.

Nor is Digoxin the first choice for congestive heart failure, although it can still be useful in patients who remain symptomatic despite proper diuretic and ACE inhibitor(another pharmaceutical regimen) treatment. It has fallen out of favor because it was proven to be ineffective at decreasing the duration of heart disease, as well as in the reduction of numbers of deaths with regard to congestive heart failure. It has been shown to increase quality of life in some cases.

Digoxin is usually given by mouth, but can also be given by IV injection in urgent situations. The half life is about 36 hours; it is given once daily, usually in 125 g or 250 g dosing. In patients with decreased kidney function the half life is considerably longer, calling for a reduction in dosing or a switch to a different medication, such as digitoxin, a similar medication.

Common digoxin side effects can include: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, visual disturbances (yellow-green halos), confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nightmares, agitation, and/or depression. Less frequent adverse effects include: acute psychosis, delirium, amnesia, and the possibility of life-threatening heart complications, including additional arrythmia episodes and heart failure. Additionally, Digoxin has been shown to be deadly in overdose situations.

Any patient who believes they may have been negatively affected by digoxin, whether it was marketed as Digitek or some other brand, should immediately contact a health professional to evaluate their condition.



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peterhutch asked:


 

Atrial fibrillation describes an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. The irregularity can be continuous, or it can come and go. Normal heart contractions begin as an electrical impulse in the right atrium. This impulse comes from an area of the atrium called the sinoatrial (SA) or sinus node, the “natural pacemaker.”

Atrial fibrillation is increasingly common with advancing age. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. The result is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow to the body and symptoms of heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. Most people with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of developing blood clots that may lead to stroke.

Causes

The heart has four chambers. The upper two chambers are the atria, and the lower two chambers are the ventricles. Blood returning to the heart from the body in the superior and inferior vena cava contains low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide. This blood flows into the right atrium and then into the adjacent right ventricle. After the ventricle fills, contraction of the right atrium pumps additional blood into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then contracts and pumps the blood to the lungs where the blood takes up oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide. The blood then flows from the lungs to the left atrium and into the adjacent left ventricle.

Symptoms

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, in which the two upper chambers of the heart called the atria, quiver instead of beat effectively. This may result in rapid and irregular impulses in the atrium — as fast as 300 per minute — which typically causes a faster than normal and irregular ventricular rhythm.

You may have atrial fibrillation without having any symptoms at all. If you have symptoms, they may include:

* Heart palpitations (a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing feeling in the chest).

* Lack of energy; feeling over-tired.

* Dizziness (feeling faint or light-headed).

Treatment

Medications are used to slow down rapid heart rate associated with AF. These treatments may include drugs such as digoxin, beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), amiodarone, disopyramide, calcium antagonists (verapamil, diltiazam), sotalol, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, propafenone, etc. Electrical cardioversion may be used to restore normal heart rhythm with an electric shock, when medication doesn’t improve symptoms.

There are three classes of heart-function drugs that can be used alone, or in combination to reduce the heart rate. They are digitalis drugs, beta blockers drugs and calcium channel blocker drugs. Digitalis drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin) are used to increase the force of heart muscles contractions, making the heart work more efficiently. They also slow down abnormally rapid nerve impulses as they pass through the atria to the ventricles. This action allows the ventricles time to fill up with blood and empty normally with each contraction. Beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), or propranolol (Inderal) are used to slow heart rate and reduce the force of contraction of the heart muscle.



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Chazz asked:


a.0.4 sec
b. 0.3 sec
c.0.1 sec
d 0.8 sec

_1 The length of the normal cardiac cycle
_2 The quiescent period, or pause
__3Time interval of atrial sysyole
___4Ventricular Contraction Period

Thanks!!

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Katt Mollar asked:


-September of 2008, Google founder Sergey Brin launched a personal blog, Too. The first post in that blog was a stunner and received huge media attention! The blog post unveiled that Brin who underwent a gene test at 23andMe, a California-based gene testing company co-founded by his wife Anne Wojcicki, is carrying a mutant gene linked to Parkinson’s disease. According to the results of 23andMe’s gene test, Brin’s genetic profile includes mutation of a gene, called LRRK2. And previous research has shown that this particular mutation of LRRK2, known as G2019S, may increase a person’s risk for a type of Parkinson’s disease that runs in families. Brin’s mother suffers Parkinson’s disease and 23andMe’s gene test showed that she also has the G2019S mutation in her genetic make-up.

“When my wife asked me to look up G2019S in my raw data (23andMe scientists had had the forethought to include it on their chip), I viewed it mostly as entertainment,” writes Brin in his blog. “But, of course, I learned something very important to me, I carry the G2019S mutation and when my mother checked her account, she saw she carries it too.”

Brin points out in the blog that he has “a markedly higher chance of developing Parkinson’s in my lifetime than the average person.” “In fact, it is somewhere between 20% to 80% depending on the study and how you measure,” he writes.

Like Brin, people are now interested in checking their disease risk through gene or DNA tests. And thus, genetic testing is emerging as a new trend in personal healthcare, where people prefer to order the test online, know about their propensity for various diseases, and prepare for disease prevention.

Regarding his test, Brin writes, in his blog: “This leaves me in a rather unique position. I know early in my life something I am substantially predisposed to. I now have the opportunity to adjust my life to reduce those odds (e.g. there is evidence that exercise may be protective against Parkinson’s). I also have the opportunity to perform and support research into this disease long before it may affect me. And, regardless of my own health it can help my family members as well as others.”

For a gene test, an individual has to register and make the payment online. Then a test kit is sent for collection of the sample (that is the saliva of the customer). The kit includes a test tube, where the customer has to spit, and then mail the tube to the company. The results are obtained in about a month through a web account. The information unveils a genetic make-up of the customer, propensities for certain diseases, and some other genetic features including how one would probably respond to a group of drugs.

However, the results unveiled by a gene test are only considered informational and not diagnostic. There are several companies where the tests can be carried out including (amid others) California-based 23andMe and Navigenics and Iceland-based DeCode Genetics. In 2008 the California public health department granted 23andMe and Navigenics a license to offer gene services to their customers, with the condition that physicians have to be involved in ordering the genetic tests.

According to a web document by Navigenics, the company scans its customers’ DNA for “genetic risk markers associated with both common and uncommon health conditions.” “We use rigorous standards for deciding which conditions to include in your report,” the document adds.

The test done by Navigenics unveils risks for several conditions, such as obesity, psoriasis, prostate cancer, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, celiac disease, lupus, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, Grave’s disease, type-2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. However, the test doesn’t cover certain conditions, Navigenics points out, and these include brain cancer, schizophrenia, height and eye color, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and HIV susceptibility or resistance.

The cost for online gene testing varies and usually ranges from $1000 to $2500. However, on September 9, 2008, 23andMe came up with a substantial price cut for its gene testing service. According to the company, the price was reduced to democratize personal genetics and expand people’s opportunity to benefit from the genetic revolution. “Effective immediately, 23andMe is offering its service for $399,” declared a press release by the company. “23andMe is able to offer the reduced price thanks to technological advancements made by the company that provides its DNA scanning technology, Illumina, Inc,” the release says.

23andMe’s co-founder Wojcicki comments, in the release, “By taking advantage of continuing innovation we are able to introduce a new chip that will give people more relevant data at a lower price.” “We are excited that we are opening doors for more people to learn about their health and ancestry and for more people to be able to participate in advancing research. It is important to democratize personal genetics and make it more accessible.”

Despite this enthusiasm for genetic testing in America, there are issues that have evoked strong negative vibes against the trend. Critics say, a DNA test speaks only of the preponderance of an individual for a disease or more than one disease-it can’t say anything conclusive. For example, a large number of people with G2019S mutation (the mutation that Brin has) never contracts Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, according to critics, stamping an individual predisposed to certain conditions on the basis of genetic testing may cause substantial psychological trauma to him or her. That apart, there is also possibility that insurance companies or employers would discriminate against a person on the basis of a gene test, which is why in May 2008, President Bush signed legislation into law that would bar insurance companies and employers from discriminating against anyone on the basis of genetic information.

However, Brin considers himself “fortunate” for the genetic test he underwent. “Until the fountain of youth is discovered, all of us will have some conditions in our old age, only we don’t know what they will be,” he writes in his blog. “I have a better guess than almost anyone else for what ills may be mine and I have decided to prepare for it.”

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Couture asked:


and WHY?

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Lyndee asked:


I’ve always had tooth decay since I was old enough to have teeth. Now that I am 41 yrs. old my heart specialist told me that I have PAC (premature atrial contraction) and mitral valve leakage. Upon examining my teeth, which I’ve had a few pulled and the others are rotting he said this is why you have heart problems. What does bad teeth and heart problems have in common?

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Juliet Cohen asked:


Atrial septal defect is an abnormality of the upper chambers of the heart (atria) where the wall between the right and left atria does not close completely. In general the defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the top two chambers of the heart (atria). Arial septal defects occur in 4 percent to 10 percent of all children born with congenital heart disease. As a group, atrial septal defects are detected in 1 child per 1500 live births. Smaller atrial septal defects may close on their own during infancy or early childhood. The health effects of holes that remain open often don’t show up until last age — usually by age 40. Many people don’t realize they have an atrial septal defect until then. Sometimes a doctor detects an atrial septal defect during a newborn exam, or during a routine exam later in life. Large and long-standing atrial septal defects can damage the heart and lungs. An who has had an undetected atrial septal defect for decades may have a shortened life span from heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs. For children with very small ASDs, the ASD closes on its own about 90% of the time. However, most other ASDs must be closed. People with some types of heart defects, including certain rarer forms of ASD, are at greater risk of developing bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner surface of the heart.

The term “atrial septal defect” usually refers to holes in the atria resulting from a lack of atrial septal tissue, rather than those related to a condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO). Symptoms usually have manifested by age 30. Infants with larger atrial septal defects may have poor appetite and not grow as they should. Infants may have signs of heart failure or arrhythmias. Congenital heart defects appear to run in families and sometimes occur with other genetic problems, such as Down syndrome. A genetic counselor can predict the approximate odds that any future children will have one. An atrial septal defect allows oxygen-rich (red) blood to pass from the left atrium, through the opening in the septum, and then mix with oxygen-poor (blue) blood in the right atrium. Complete closure occurs in most individuals. In 25-30% of normal hearts, however, a probe can be passed from the right atrium to the left atrium via the foramen ovale and ostium secundum.

The person also could develop heart or blood vessel damage and be at increased risk of having a stroke or getting a heart infection. Congenital heart defects of significance occur in approximately 8 in 1000 live births. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the atrial septal defect is large or if symptoms occur. Anticoagulants, often called blood thinners, can help reduce the chances of developing a blood clot and having a stroke. Anti-coagulants include warfarin (Coumadin) and anti-platelet agents such as aspirin. Keep the heartbeat regular. Examples include beta-blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin). Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis. Embolization (dislodgement of thrombi) normally go to the lung and cause pulmonary emboli. In an individual with ASD, these emboli can potentially enter the arterial system. In most cases, atrial septal defects can’t be prevented. Consider talking with a genetic counselor before getting pregnant.

Treatment for Atrial Septal Defect Tips

1. Surgical closure of an ASD involves opening up at least one atrium and closing the defect with a patch under direct visualization.

2. Embolization (dislodgement of thrombi) normally go to the lung and cause pulmonary emboli.

3. Keep the heartbeat regular. Examples include beta-blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin).

4. Increase the strength of the heart’s contractions. Examples include digoxin (Lanoxin).

5. Decrease the amount of fluid in circulation. Doing so reduces the volume of blood that must be pumped. These medications, called diuretics, include furosemide (Lasix).

6.Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis.



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Jeannette C asked:


My baby was born 4 weeks premature with a heart disorder called PAC (Premature Atrial Contractions) and was put on .50 Propranonol SOL, so his heart won’t beat to 200 bpm. He’s been on it for since he was born ( 7 weeks old) and his hands gets very cold. Does anyone know about this condition or medication?

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Barb Hicks - Clivir Team asked:


The biggest cause of stroke is hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is characterized by readings of 140/90 and above.  Hypertension causes damage to the major organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and eyes.  It can also cause weakened areas in the blood vessels to burst, leading to the leakage of blood into the brain.  This results in hemorrhagic stroke.

When vessels narrow and shut off blood supply, this is an Ischemic stroke.  It is caused by plaque build up in the arteries or a blood clot that grows to eventually block the artery preventing blood flow to the rest of the brain. These blood clots can come from another part of the body or form in the artery itself.

A clot that breaks off and travels to another part of the body is called an embolism.  Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for these types of clots, due to the rapid contractions, or fluttering of the atria, resulting in formation of blood clots.

Blood clots that form in the artery (thrombus) are usually found on plaque deposits.  Cracks develop in the plaque causing cells to adhere to it forming a blood clot.  The clot then grows in size as more cells accumulate, leading to blocking off the artery to blood flow.  This causes tissue on the other side of the blockage to be deprived of oxygen rich blood and nutrients, leading to cell death and ischemia.  The result is a stroke.  This is the same mechanism that exists in heart attack, only it involves the heart.

Types of Stroke:

Hemorrhagic:  Bleeding into the brain caused by a Ruptured blood vessel.

Ischemic: Caused by narrowed or occluded arteries due plaque deposits.

Causes:

Hypertension

Diabetes

Heart disease

Atrial fibrillation

Some risks for stroke include:

Family history

Hypertension

Heart disease

Diabetes

High serum cholesterol levels

Ethnicity

Age

Prior stroke

Fractures can put people at risk as well, and is of concern especially with the elderly.  Fractures are common in elderly due to falls.  Tissue from a fractured bone can enter the blood stream and cause a fat embolism to occur, which can travel to the lungs causing respiratory failure, to the brain to cause a stroke, or to the heart resulting in a heart attack.

Reducing risk factors and prevention work in unision to avoid what can be a life altering disability.

Prevention:

Maintain blood pressure in the normal range

Lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Manage blood sugar levels

Eating a healthy diet: Consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, nuts, and pastas. Serve lean meats and fish, as well as foods that are high in fiber and low in fats and cholesterol.  Reduce red meat consumption to once per month.  Knowing the causes of stroke will help you to reduce your risk, and possibly prevent its occurrence.



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Amanda asked:


My docter told me i have an irregular heart beat. He said i have “premature atrial contractions”. What exactly does this mean? A friend told me to avoid stimulants, is she right?

info would be much appreciated!

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