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Mental health problems are common in patients with atrial fibrillation. Around 30 to 40 percent experience anxiety, psychological distress, or depression. Unpredictable symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath, combined with stress and sleep problems, are key contributors. Mental health symptoms can worsen atrial fibrillation symptoms but can be effectively treated. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults. While much attention is given

One of the very first questions people ask after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is simple and understandable: Is this dangerous? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. Atrial fibrillation is usually not immediately life-threatening , but it can become dangerous over time  if it is not properly diagnosed and treated. The condition increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and premature death. The good news is that with modern treatment, most people with at

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

This article explains life after a heart attack  and provides a clear, evidence based overview of what patients should know after experiencing a myocardial infarction. You will find practical guidance on lifestyle changes after a heart attack , including physical activity, exercise, heart healthy diet, smoking cessation, mental health, and follow up with your primary care physician . The goal is to reduce the risk of another heart attack, support heart recovery, and improve l

After a myocardial infarction, appropriate medical therapy is essential to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke, heart failure and premature death. For most patients, medications are just as important as the acute hospital treatment. They protect the heart and blood vessels and improve long term prognosis. This article explains which medications are commonly used after a myocardial infarction, why they are prescribed, how long they are usually continued, and what

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

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

What Is Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)? This is Part 2  in the series “What Is Heart Failure?” In Part 1 , we explained what heart failure actually means - that the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. But did you know that about half of all the people with heart failure have a preserved  pumping function? So, what does that really mean? Echcardiography of a heart with HFpEF When the heart pumps normally - but still fails When

Heart failure is a common but often misunderstood condition. Many people think it means the heart has “stopped,” but that’s not the case. Heart failure means the heart is pumping less efficiently than before, and it can affect anyone, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Heart failure sounds dramatic — but it doesn’t mean that the heart has “stopped.”It means that the heart is not able to pump enough blood  to meet the body’s needs, either because the pumping f

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasing public health challenge — but prevention is absolutely possible. Good control of blood pressure, body weight, blood sugar, and alcohol intake , along with appropriate management of heart failure and diabetes , can significantly reduce the risk of developing AF and its serious complications. Much has been written about what  atrial fibrillation is and how  it is treated. But far too little attention is given to how it can actually be p

Many people take Aspirin (Albyl-E)  “just to be safe” , but research shows it can do more harm than good. Here’s a clear overview of the different types of blood thinners, how they work, and who actually  benefits from them. Blood Thinners - Two Types, One Important Difference Not all “blood thinners” actually thin the blood Many people think blood thinners make the blood thinner . That’s not quite true. These medications affect how the blood clots , not how thick it is. Th

When the heart beats in atrial fibrillation , the upper chambers (atria) lose their normal, coordinated contraction. As a result, blood doesn’t flow efficiently through the atria but tends to swirl and stagnate . When blood stands still, the risk of forming a blood clot  increases. If such a clot breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and cause a stroke  – one of the most serious complications of atrial fibrillation.A clot can also travel to the legs

“Why does my heart rate graph look so messy when I work out?” That’s what Kari , who lives with permanent atrial fibrillation , asked me recently. She often trains with her friend Lise , whose heart rhythm is normal — sinus rhythm . They do the same workout, yet their heart rate graphs look completely different: Kari’s curve is irregular and jagged, while Lise’s is smooth and predictable. 💡 Read more about permanent atrial fibrillation 📊 The Heart Rate Graphs: Kari vs. Lise

🫀 What Is Atrial Fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a chaotic rhythm that starts in the heart’s upper chambers; the atria. Instead of beating in a steady rhythm, the heart fires off many small, irregular electrical signals that make it “fibrillate.” Typical symptoms include: 💢 Palpitations (a fast or fluttering heartbeat) 😮‍💨 Shortness of breath 🪫 Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance The pulse can vary greatly, often around 150 beats per minute, but it’s differen

Irregular Pulse – What Was Wrong With the Heart? A 68-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because his heartbeat had been irregular...