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Heart Rhythm Institute Blog

Read about the advanced therapies performed for heart rhythm disorders at Oklahoma Heart Hospital and stay connected with the Heart Rhythm Institute.

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Posted on December 1st, 2017
A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal resulted in news headlines that stents may not be effective for treating patients with chest pain. But as with any medical study, it’s important to examine the size of the study, the way that it was conducted, and the statistical significance of the data before changing any guidelines about patient treatment. Stents are small wire devices... Read More
Posted on November 15th, 2017
Tachycardia is the general term to describe a common heart rhythm issue where the heart beats too quickly. For diagnostic purposes, it’s typically defined as an elevated heart rate of 100 beats per minute or more at rest in adults. Resting heart rates vary by person, but a resting heart rate between 50 and 100 beats per minute is considered normal for most adults. There are three basic types of... Read More
Posted on November 2nd, 2017
Blood pressure and heart rate are two different measurements. While they are frequently measured at the same time in the doctor’s office, they are distinctly different factors in heart health. Blood pressure is the force exerted against the artery walls when blood pumps through the body, usually measured with two numbers. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure as the heart... Read More
Posted on October 23rd, 2017
The vagus nerve is the longest of 12 cranial nerves and extends from the brainstem through the chest to the abdomen on each side of the body. It functions as part of the involuntary nervous system that controls unconscious processes in the body, such as regulating heart rhythm, regulating breathing, and digesting food.  Vasovagal syncope is one of the most common causes of fainting, which... Read More
Posted on October 10th, 2017
Heart block is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too slowly, which results in the electrical signals being partially or totally blocked between the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles). Heart block is also called atrioventricular (AV) block.  Each heartbeat originates in the upper right chamber (atrium) of the heart in the sinus node, a bundle of specialized... Read More
Posted on September 16th, 2017
The pericardium consists of two thin layers of tissue surrounding the heart that help hold the heart in place and help it function. There is a small amount of fluid between the two layers of tissue to prevent friction.  Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, which can be either acute or chronic. The most common symptom for acute pericarditis is sharp, stabbing pain in the chest,... Read More
Posted on September 11th, 2017
Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and defibrillators can be life-saving devices for many patients with irregular heart rhythms. But as with any device or implant, there is also a small risk of complications associated with the device. The most common issues are infection or mechanical failure of the device or the leads that attach to the heart.  The risk of... Read More
Posted on August 20th, 2017
There are times when a patient experiences some degree of cardiac symptoms in their daily life but an in-office exam and electrocardiogram (ECG) don’t show any problems.  In situations like these, your heart specialist may recommend one of several types of stress test, which helps measure how your heart and blood vessels respond to physical exertion, whether true physical exertion or... Read More
Posted on August 10th, 2017
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which it becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid. As it progresses, the heart weakens and cannot adequately pump blood through the body, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms and heart failure.  This disease can develop over time as a result of other factors or can be genetic. The cause of cardiomyopathy is often unknown, and it can affect all... Read More
Posted on August 2nd, 2017
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is frequently used to diagnose a range of health issues. An MRI is the best possible diagnostic test for soft tissue disorders. This includes brain disorders, such as stroke or tumors, along with back and spine disorders. MRI is frequently used by orthopedic surgeons to examine joints. Ear, nose, and throat specialists prefer MRI to examine sinuses and... Read More

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