Other heart-related topics

An ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)  is a life-saving heart device used to treat dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.Many people have heard the term ICD , but find it difficult to understand what it actually does , how it works , and what it’s like to live with an ICD . This article explains what an ICD is and is not , how it works in everyday life, and why some patients need one. ICD What Does ICD Mean? ICD  stands for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator . In

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heart examination. In adults, a new heart murmur may be an early sign of heart valve disease, even in the absence of clear symptoms. This article explains what a heart murmur means, when it should be taken seriously, how it is evaluated with echocardiography, and which treatment options may be considered. What Is a Heart Murmur? When a doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope, they hear the familiar heart sounds often des

What Is a Pacemaker? A pacemaker is a small electronic medical device implanted under the skin, usually just below the collarbone. Its primary purpose is to help the heart maintain an adequate and regular heart rate when the heart’s own electrical system is too slow or unreliable. Pacemakers are used in patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate) or impaired electrical conduction between the atria (upper chambers) and the ventricles (lower chambers). They are among the most c

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

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