- Home
- Health Topics
- Articles
- Video
Featured Tests and Procedures
In an aortic valve replacement, the aortic valve is replaced with a man-made valve or a tissue valve from an animal heart. This eMedTV article takes a detailed look at what aortic valve replacement entails and discusses possible complications.
As this eMedTV article explains, one of the tests used to identify irregular heart rhythms is an echocardiogram. For atrial fibrillation cases, an echocardiogram provides a live picture of the heart that can help doctors diagnose and treat the problem.
As explained in the eMedTV article, an EKG for atrial fibrillation may be done to confirm the diagnosis of the heart condition. In the event that an EKG for atrial fibrillation is inconclusive, event monitor tests may be conducted.
This eMedTV Web page explains how a test known as an electrophysiology study, or EPS, is used for atrial fibrillation diagnosis. An EPS for atrial fibrillation diagnosis helps determine the exact pattern of electrical activity in the heart.
Mitral valve replacement surgery involves replacing a defective or diseased mitral valve with a new valve. This eMedTV article discusses medical conditions that may be treated with a mitral valve replacement, such as mitral valve stenosis.
As explained in this eMedTV resource, thyroid tests for atrial fibrillation diagnosis measure hormones known as TSH and T4. If the thyroid tests show that TSH or T4 levels are too high, they may be the cause of atrial fibrillation.
Featured Conditions and Diseases
In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backwards. This eMedTV article points out that most cases of aortic valve regurgitation are mild. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Aortic stenosis is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This eMedTV segment explores possible causes and symptoms of aortic stenosis; it also outlines several treatment options for this condition.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly -- it is not a heart attack. This eMedTV article explains atrial fibrillation in detail and provides links to additional information.
Normally the heart's aortic valve has three cusps, but a bicuspid aortic valve has only two cusps. As this eMedTV article explains, a bicuspid aortic valve is not usually a problem. People with a bicuspid aortic valve should have regular checkups.
Causes of coronary heart disease (CHD) involve a narrowing of the coronary arteries. As explained in this eMedTV article, there are also certain risk factors (such as smoking or being overweight) that increase a person's chances of developing CHD.
Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) refers to the hardening and thickening of blood vessels. This eMedTV article examines the conditions that cause hardening of the arteries, such as atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque on the artery walls).
Coronary artery disease is often referred to as "heart disease," but many different heart diseases exist. This eMedTV article discusses these heart diseases based on the area of the heart or blood vessel system they affect.
Mitral stenosis is the narrowing of the heart's mitral valve. The information contained in this eMedTV resource explains how the mitral valve works, as well as the health risks that may develop with mitral stenosis.
This eMedTV article discusses mitral valve prolapse, which occurs when the mitral valve bulges back into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts. This page describes the anatomy behind mitral valve prolapse and explains how it is diagnosed.
When mitral valve regurgitation occurs, the heart's mitral valve does not close properly. This eMedTV article explains how mitral valve regurgitation allows blood to leak backwards into the left atrium.
A myocardial infarction is more commonly known as a heart attack. This portion of the eMedTV archives describes what happens during a myocardial infarction and provides information about recognizing symptoms of this life-threatening event.
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that occurs only occasionally. As this eMedTV segment explains, an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may last a few minutes, hours, or days.
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve of the heart is narrowed. This eMedTV article explains how pulmonary stenosis is diagnosed and treated. People with mild pulmonary stenosis require no treatment.
As this eMedTV article explains, tricuspid regurgitation is a heart condition in which the heart's tricuspid valve does not close properly. It is most commonly caused by rheumatic fever. Usually, this condition requires little or no treatment.
Tricuspid stenosis is a rare condition in which the heart's tricuspid valve is narrowed. This portion of the eMedTV archive discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of tricuspid stenosis.
Featured Symptoms
As this eMedTV article explains, a heart murmur is an unexpected sound that is heard while listening to a person's heartbeat. While most heart murmurs are harmless, some can signal heart problems.
Featured Anatomy
This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at the human heart, a hollow, muscular, fist-sized organ that pumps blood through a network of blood vessels. As part of the circulatory system, the human heart supplies oxygen to all the body's cells.
