Coronary artery spasm, silent ischemia, and cardiac arrest
Article Abstract:
Patients who survive cardiac arrest are often evaluated for factors that may have contributed to its cause. A research study found that cardiac arrest may have been caused by myocardial ischemia induced by coronary artery spasm in five out-of-hospital survivors. None of these patients had coronary artery disease. Myocardial ischemia is a condition characterized by decreased circulation of blood to the heart muscle. Other research studies have found an association between coronary spasm and life-threatening arrhythmias of the ventricle chambers of the heart. Myocardial ischemia may be the sole cause of life-threatening arrhythmia in some patients. Arrhythmia induced by coronary artery spasm should be considered as a cause of cardiac arrest in patients who do not have heart disease. If this was the cause of cardiac arrest, survivors can receive specific treatment to prevent future episodes.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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The evaluation and management of bradycardia
Article Abstract:
Bradycardia is relatively common and many people do not need treatment unless they have symptoms. Bradycardia means the heart is beating slower than normal. However, the normal heart rate varies considerably, between 50 to 90 beats per minute. During sleep, even healthy people have a slower heart rate, which can drop as low as 30. The heart may compensate for the slower rate by pumping more blood with each beat. Bradycardia can be confirmed by an electrocardiogram, or ECG. A pacemaker can be used in patients with symptomatic bradycardia.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
Article Abstract:
The use and effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is reviewed. These small devices are surgically inserted in the chest, where they detect abnormal heart rhythms and produce an electric shock to restore the heart to its normal rhythm. They are very effective but are also expensive and invasive.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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