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Nov 7, 2024 · The heart works as a double pump, sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs and oxygenated blood to the body. Here is the step-by-step procedure by which blood circulates through the heart: Deoxygenated Blood Returns to the Heart: Blood low in oxygen enters the right atrium from the body through the superior and inferior vena cava.
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- Outlook / Prognosis
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An atrial arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. There are many types of atrial arrhythmias. They result from problems with electrical signals that tell the heart when to contract (pump). The problems start in the atria (the heart’s top two chambers). Lifestyle changes and treatments can help people with atrial arrhythmias, including Afib.
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What causes atrial arrhythmia?
Atrial arrhythmias result from abnormal electrical signals. These signals, or impulses, start in the atria. The abnormal impulses can be inherited (passed down through families) or result from several health problems or heart conditions, including: Anemia (low red blood cell count). Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. Diabetes. Heart attack or damage from a previous heart attack. Heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. High blood pressure (hypertension). Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Structural heart problems, including valve disease. Thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism.
What are the symptoms of atrial arrhythmia?
Symptoms of atrial arrhythmia include: A heartbeat that’s fast and regular. It may feel like your heart is racing. An irregular heartbeat. You may feel like it skipped a beat, stopped for a minute, sped up or slowed down. Chest pain, discomfort or tightness in the chest. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Dizziness or confusion. Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness. Fatigue or feeling sluggish. Fluttering or pounding in your chest, throat or neck (heart palpitations). Swelling (edema) in your limbs, especially your legs, ankles and feet. Advertisement
How are atrial arrhythmias diagnosed?
After asking about your symptoms and listening to your heart, your provider will recommend a blood test (complete blood count or CBC). A blood test looks for anemia, vitamin deficiencies or a problem with your thyroid. Your provider will do a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This test monitors your heart rate using sensors that attach to your skin. You get this test in your provider’s office. It takes about 15 minutes. If the EKG doesn’t detect an irregular heartbeat, your provider may recommend an ambulatory monitor such as a Holter monitor. This device is portable and you wear it for about a week. It records your heart rate and any irregular heartbeats.
How do providers treat atrial arrhythmias?
If you have an arrhythmia, you’ll see a heart specialist called a cardiologist. Your cardiologist will recommend treatment based on your overall health and the type of arrhythmia. Many arrhythmias get better with lifestyle and dietary changes, such as: Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and some types of medications, such as cold medications and nasal decongestants that include pseudoephedrine. Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Getting help for anxiety and doing relaxation exercises and deep breathing to lower stress levels. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight if you are obese. Quitting smoking and using tobacco products. Some arrhythmias require treatments in addition to lifestyle changes. If you have more than one type of arrhythmia, you may need several treatments. Atrial arrhythmia treatments include: Catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys a bit of the tissue on the inside of the heart that is sending irregular electrical signals and causing arrhythmia. Devices, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), subcutaneous ICD or pacemaker. Electrical cardioversion, a procedure that delivers safe jolts of energy to your heart and disrupts the abnormal rhythm back to a normal rhythm. Medications, including arrhythmia medications to make your heart rhythm regular or prevent heartbeat irregularities. Other drugs, such as blood thinners, reduce your risk of stroke from Afib. Care at Cleveland Clinic Get Arrhythmia Treatment for Adults Find a Doctor and Specialists Get Arrhythmia Treatment for Children Find a Pediatric Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment Advertisement
How can I reduce my risk of atrial arrhythmia?
You may not be able to prevent atrial arrhythmia, but you can lower your risk by staying healthy and making smart choices. These include: Following a diet that’s good for your heart. Getting plenty of exercise and staying active. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight if you have obesity. Lowering your blood pressure if you have hypertension. Managing cholesterol Talking to your provider about a plan to quit smoking and using tobacco. If you have a heart condition or health problem that puts you at an increased risk, talk to your provider. They will give you specific information about other steps you can take to lower your chance of developing arrhythmia.
What can I expect if I have atrial arrhythmia?
The outlook for people with atrial arrhythmias depends on several factors, including the type of arrhythmia and your overall health. Many people relieve symptoms with lifestyle and dietary changes. Treatments for atrial arrhythmias can help you live a healthier life overall. See your provider regularly so they can monitor your heart health and work with you to feel your best.
When should I see my healthcare provider about atrial arrhythmia?
If you have any concerns about your heartbeat or you have symptoms of arrhythmia, talk to your provider. If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial arrhythmia, see your cardiologist on a regular basis. Seek medical help right away if you have: Chest pain. Fainting spells. Sudden or unexplained fatigue or exhaustion. Swelling in your legs, feet or ankles. Trouble breathing. A note from Cleveland Clinic Atrial arrhythmias can cause serious health problems, including stroke. But treatments and lifestyle changes can help. See your provider if you experience symptoms of arrhythmia, especially if you have a history of heart disease or you have a health condition, such as high blood pressure. By making heart-healthy dietary choices and staying active, you can reduce your risk of developing arrhythmia and feel better overall. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/27/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Nov 2, 2023 · It starts when blood enters the right atrium and is pumped into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. From the lungs, it returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. Blood then moves to the left ventricle and then out of the heart via the aorta to the body.
Aug 17, 2023 · The right atrium and ventricle make up most of the sternocostal surface of the heart, while the diaphragmatic surface is made up by the right and left ventricles. The left atrium contributes to the anatomical base. Endocardium. 1/3. Synonyms: none. The heart contains three main layers of tissue.
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Blood flows through your heart in a series of steps. These steps take place in the space of one heartbeat — just a second or two. On the right side. Oxygen-poor blood from all over your body enters your right atrium through two large veins, your superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. These veins drain blood from your upper body and lower ...
The right ventricle pumps blood through the pulmonary artery to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. In the same beat, the left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pushes it to the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps it through a large artery, called the aorta, to the rest of the body. Heart Rhythms Depend on Electricity
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Sep 14, 2021 · Figure 16.2.1 16.2. 1: Dual System of the Human Blood Circulation Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle, where it is pumped into the pulmonary circuit. The blood in the pulmonary artery branches is low in oxygen but relatively high in carbon dioxide. Gas exchange occurs in the pulmonary capillaries (oxygen into the blood ...
