“Heart disease continues to be the number one killer; cancer, the number 2 killer, not far behind. The tragic aspect of these deadly diseases is that they could all be cured, I do believe, if we had sufficient funding.”
Arlen Specter ((February 12, 1930 – October 14, 2012) was a United States Senator from Pennsylvania
“Catheter ablation for SVT utilizing radiofrequency ablation (electrocautery injury) was developed in the 1980’s and has since revolutionized the treatment of SVT.”
UNC Healthcare (Center for vascular and heart care)
TREATMENT APPROACHES
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In some cases, arrhythmias may not require treatment. Other arrhythmias can be controlled by treating the underlying cause. Arrhythmias that cause symptoms may require one or more of the following treatments to reduce the number or duration of arrhythmic events.
Medications. Common medications for suppressing arrhythmias include:
Digitalis should not be used for certain arrhythmias, such as WPW syndrome. People with atrial fibrillation are typically prescribed an anticoagulant to minimize their risk of clotting and stroke.
Cardioversion. This procedure restores a normal heartbeat by transmitting a brief electric shock through the chest to the heart. Usually an outpatient procedure that is performed in a hospital while the patient is under heavy sedation or anesthesia, it is commonly used to treat:
Radiofrequency Catheter ablation.(diagram above is ablation) A catheter with an electrode tip is positioned on the affected area. The catheter delivers energy to destroy tissue that is interfering with the normal transmission of electrical impulses through the heart. It is most commonly used for:
Catheter ablation for SVT utilizing radiofrequency ablation (electrocautery injury) was developed in the 1980’s and has since revolutionized the treatment of SVT. With catheter ablation, a procedure is performed entirely through intravenous catheters inserted into the veins in the leg and sometime the shoulder. It is a minimally invasive procedure. That is, no open heart surgery is needed. Generally, procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. Overall cure rates with catheter ablation is >90% and can be as high as 96-98% depending on the specific type of SVT.
During a catheter ablation procedure, catheters (long wire electrodes) are advanced through the veins in the leg up to the heart.
Various measurements of the electrical system are performed. If a person is in normal rhythm at the time of the procedure, an attempt is made then to reproduce the SVT by pacing the heart through the catheters. Occasionally an intravenous medicine called isoproterenol is required to “rev up” the heart in order to reproduce the SVT. Once the SVT is reproduced, the specific type of SVT can be diagnosed using the catheters in the heart.
Once the SVT is diagnosed, to cure the SVT, an ablation catheter is advanced to the heart. An ablation catheter is capable of delivering small radiofrequency lesions (electrocautery burns) on the order of 4-5 mm in diameter. These radiofrequency lesions have no long-term adverse consequences. Depending on the type of SVT, these radiofrequency lesions are delivered in various locations of the heart.
Occasionally, more complex diagnostic and ablation techniques are required for catheter ablation of SVT. This may be the case particularly in patients with other heart problems or a history of heart surgery. In such situations, sophisticated 3-dimensional mapping techniques using a balloon catheter may be used to identify the location necessary to successful ablate the SVT
Pacemaker. A small electronic device that is surgically implanted under the skin near the collarbone. A pacemaker regulates a slow or erratic heartbeat by sending rhythmic electrical charges to the right atrium and right ventricle. Pacemakers are frequently used to treat Sick Sinus Syndrome.
Maze procedure. A physician makes multiple incisions through the atrium. The resulting scar tissue conducts impulses through the heart’s electrical system in a way that allows normal conduction but does not sustain atrial fibrillation. Since it is a form of cardiac surgery, it is reserved for those patients who have undergone a failed catheter ablation or as an add-on for those having a surgical procedure for another condition.
“Cardiac arrhythmia, also known as cardiac dysrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.”
Susheel K. Kodali, MD is the co-director of the Heart Valve Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Center.
“In the heart we have a natural pacemaker of the heart which is called a Sinus Node.”
American Heart Association
Atrial Fibrillation with RVR (rapid ventricular rate) is a major cause of stroke, especially in the elderly. Although the causes are diverse, hypertension is common.
AHA (American Heart Association)
“Get plenty of aerobic exercise, at least 20 minutes every other day,”
Professor Klemm who is the author the book Memory Power 101.
Ways to keep your brain sharp as a tack despite the brain shrinking as we grow older
– Get plenty of aerobic exercise, at least 20 minutes every other day,” said Professor Klemm who is the author the book Memory Power 101.
People who stay physically fit tend to stay mentally sharp and hold their cognitive abilities well into their seventies and eighties. A 2012 study of 691 seniors in the journal Neurology found that seniors who reported high levels of physical activity at age 70 had less brain shrinkage at age 73 than seniors who reported less physical activity. Exercise may decrease memory loss by improving blood flow to the brain.
– Brain Exercise
Train your attentiveness and focus. The most common mental problem with aging is distractibility, which inevitably interferes with memory. An example is when you open the refrigerator door and suddenly realize you forgot what you went to the fridge for,” said Klemm. He recommends challenging your brain with games like chess or Sudoku. Dr. Gandy recommends
– Learn a New Skill
Some research shows that learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument may help prevent memory loss and improve cognitive abilities. A 2011 study published in the journal Neuropsychology found that people who had instrumental musical training retained their memory and had
The study included 70 seniors between age 60 and 83. The study found that the more years of musical training a person had, the better their cognitive performance was with age.
– Be More Sociable
Klemm and Gandy agree that social engagement is important in preventing memory loss. “Social engagement, along with physical and mental stimulation, all release substances in the brain that strengthen nerve connections called synapses,” said Gandy. A 2012 study published in the journal Neuropsychology followed 952 seniors for 12 years to see if
Social engagement protected seniors from memory loss and decline in communication skills. They concluded that being socially active reduced these declines and that seniors who showed declines tended to become less socially engaged.
– Get Your Antioxidants
Composition of human brain model and world map
Antioxidant vitamins may benefit memory byblocking free radicals that contribute to cell aging. Over the years, some large studies have found that antioxidant vitamins C and E may protect against cognitive decline. Gandy said that vitamins could help but cautions that they only help in cases of vitamin deficiency. You can also get plenty of antioxidants naturally in your diet. “They’re in any dark-colored fruit, berry, or vegetable. Also, take vitamin D3 and resveratrol pills,” advised Klemm.
– Learn to Meditate
Stress and anxiety may decrease memory and cognitive ability, so take steps to reduce these negatives. “Take up meditation, yoga, or another type of mind-body exercise that reduces stress,” said Klemm. A 2010 study in the journal Consciousness and Cognition found that just four days of meditation training could significantly
To reduce anxiety and improve memory and cognition. In the study, 24 volunteers took meditation training and 25 listened to a recorded book. Both groups had improved mood, but the meditation group also had better memory, less stress, and clearer thinking.
The gradual mental decline that typically begins in middle age — what some refer to as “getting rusty” — is largely due to altered connections between brain cells. Putting your brain to work on new and different challenges can help build up those neural connections. It’s frequently referred to as the “use it or lose it” principle.
“There is data that suggests keeping your mind active is important,” said Dr. Burns. Scientific evidence linking low levels of education to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s later in life further supports the idea that mental stimulation keeps the mind sharper longer. “We need to develop tools or exercises that will keep the brain from deteriorating,” said Dr. Burns.
Research has suggested that certain activities such as reading, puzzles and crafts may reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment, which could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa:
Medical Complications of Bulimia Nervosa:
For Treatment:
First know the red flags. Red flags that may indicate an eating disorder include:
When to see a doctor
Because of its powerful pull, an eating disorder can be difficult to manage or overcome by yourself. Eating disorders can virtually take over your life. You may think about food all the time, spend hours agonizing over what to eat and exercise to exhaustion. You may feel ashamed, sad, hopeless, drained, irritable and anxious. You may also have a host of physical problems because of your eating disorder, such as irregular heartbeats, fatigue, and bowel or menstrual troubles. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, seek medical help.
Urging a loved one to seek treatment