Are you wondering whether your smartwatch can detect atrial fibrillation (AF) or rythm disorders? Or whether you might actually need an ILR (implantable loop recorder)? This guide gives you a clear, updated overview of what smartwatches can  and cannot  do when it comes to heart rhythm - and when a Holter monitor, patch monitor or ILR is the right choice. The article is written for patients, but is also relevant for GPs and healthcare professionals. Are ILR useful in assessin

Chest pain and ST-segment abnormalities on ECG are among the most alarming findings in the emergency department. However, this case underscores an important principle: neither ST elevation nor widespread ST depression is synonymous with acute coronary occlusion. A thorough assessment of underlying physiology is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Case Presentation A man in his 70s with known peripheral arterial disease presented with chest discomfort

A pacemaker is a small electronic device that keeps the heart beating at a safe and stable rhythm when the body’s own electrical system fails. In this complete, clinically accurate guide, you’ll learn exactly how a pacemaker works , when it is used , and what healthcare professionals should look for during a pacemaker check - including sensing, capture thresholds, and lead impedance. Whether you’re a clinician, student, or simply curious, this article provides a clear and re

Case Presentation An 80-year-old man with hypertension and type 2 diabetes was found confused and somnolent at home. On EMS arrival, his blood pressure was 73/46 mmHg and heart rate fluctuated between 25 and 50 beats per minute. The ECG demonstrated a wide-complex bradycardia (rate 26). Atropine had no effect. He received intravenous adrenaline. On hospital arrival, the patient appeared pale, cold and hypotensive, with clinical signs of pulmonary edema and acute kidney injury

Palpitations are a very common symptom that most people experience at least once in their lifetime.They can feel like your heart is beating fast, irregularly, skipping a beat - or suddenly pounding harder than usual. Most of the time, this is completely harmless. But in some cases, palpitations can be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm disorder that should be evaluated by a doctor. How Are Palpitations Evaluated? When you see a doctor for palpitations, the most important te

Acute Chest Syndrome and Right Ventricular Failure in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease Case Presentation A man in his 40s from West Africa was admitted with diffuse pain throughout his body, including the chest. He had recently completed a long flight from Africa to Norway. On admission, he appeared clammy, in significant pain, and somnolent but easily arousable. Physical examination revealed no specific findings, but the patient appeared acutely ill and required supplement

Heart Failure with Reduced Pump Function (HFrEF) When people hear the word “heart failure,” this is often the type they imagine – when the heart’s pump has become too weak to deliver enough blood to the body. In medical terms, this is called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) . A related condition is HFmrEF , or heart failure with moderately reduced ejection fraction. For most patients, the distinction between these two is less important – the principles of

A 62-year-old man with a history of deep vein thrombosis and known factor V Leiden mutation was admitted with exertional, squeezing chest pain. The chest pain subsided, but the dyspnea persisted. On admission he was hemodynamically stable with a heart rate of 90/min and a blood pressure of 130/90 mmHg. He was asymptomatic at rest but became clearly dyspneic when walking to the bathroom. Sinusrythme. T-inversions in leads V1-V3. T-inversion i lead III. S-wave in lead 1. The EC