Atrial Fibrillation Center - Boston, MA
Boston Cardiologist Doctors for Atrial FibrillationType of Physician: Cardiologist What is a Cardiologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat). Specialty: Cardiology Common Name: Heart Doctor Cardiologist Doctors in Boston * Richard Karas MD Tufts NEMC MCRI  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  New England Medical Center Cardiology Electrophysiology  Tufts Medical Center  New England Medical Center Cardiology Electrophysiology  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Center  New England Medical Center Cardiology Electrophysiology  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  New England Medical Center Cardiology  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  New England Medical Center Cardiology Electrophysiology  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  Tufts Medical Center  Tufts Medical Center  New England Medical Center Cardiology Electrophysiology  Tufts Medical Ctr Cardiology  Charles A Boucher MD  Gerald Doyle MD  J Warren Harthorne MD  Richard R Liberthson MD  MGH Gillette Center for Women's Cancer  Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Dept  Tufts Medical Center  Mass General Hospital Cardiac Arrhythmia Center  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Kenneth Rosenfield MD  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Cardiac Unit Associates  Mass General Cardiac Unit Associates  Ronen Durst MD  MGH Cardiac Unit  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Timothy Guiney MD  Linda C Hemphill MD  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Adolph M Hutter Jr. MD  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Mass General Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  James L Januzzi MD  MGH Cardiothoracic Surgery  Massachusetts General Hospital Electrophysiology Lab  James McFarland MD  MGH Cardiac Arrhythmia Service  Massachusetts General Hospital Electrophysiology Lab  MGH Heart Failure Center  MGH Interventional Cardiology Igor Palacios MD  MGH Cardiac Arrhythmia Service  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  MGH Heart Failure Center  MGH Cardiac Ultrasound  Malissa J Wood MD  MGH Cardiology Associates  MGH Cardiac Unit Associates  Levinson Harris Medical Group  Levinson Harris Medical Group  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  John Gabriel Carr MD  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiovascular Center  Boston Medical Center Cardiovascular Center  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Mahdu P Thakur MD  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Boston Medical Center Cardiology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Cardiology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Cardiology Boston, MassachusettsWith many colleges and universities within the city and surrounding area, Boston is a center of higher education and a center for medicine. The city's economy is also based on research, electronics, engineering, finance, and high technology - principally biotechnology. Boston ranks first in the country in jobs per square mile ahead of New York City and Washington, D.C. The city has been experiencing gentrification and has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, and it remains high on world livability rankings. Upcoming Local Events2012-05-26
2012-05-28
2012-06-10
2012-06-10
2012-06-16
2012-07-03
2012-07-28
2012-08-19
2012-09-22
2012-09-30
Atrial FibrillationRead the Atrial Fibrillation article » What is atrial fibrillation?Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart. The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example,
at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may
beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at
any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs
as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the
heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical
discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly
and, usually, rapidly.
What causes atrial fibrillation?Normal function of the heart The heart has four chambers. The upper two chambers are the atria, and the lower two chambers are the ventricles. Blood returning to the heart from the body in the superior and inferior vena cava contains low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide. This blood flows into the right atrium and then into the adjacent right ventricle. After the ventricle fills, contraction of the right atrium pumps additional blood into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then contracts and pumps the blood to the lungs where the blood takes up oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide. The blood then flows from the lungs to the left atrium and into the adjacent left ventricle. Contraction of the left atrium pumps additional blood into the left ventricle. The left ventricle then contracts and pumps the blood to the rest of the body. The heartbeat (pulse) that we feel is caused by the contraction of the ventricles. The ventricles must deliver enough blood to the ... Recommended Reading Related to Atrial FibrillationHeart Attack Prevention Overview » IntroductionCoronary atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Coronary atherosclerosis is the major cause of heart attacks. Heart attacks are the major cause of sudden unexpected death among otherwise healthy adults in the prime of their lives. Heart attacks are also a significant cause of heart failure (due to weakened heart muscle) in this country. Heart failure considerably decreases a person's longevity and quality of life. In dollar terms, coronary heart disease is costly. The total cost of coronary artery bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty and stenting, medications, and hospitalizations exceeds 50 billion dollars annually. Coronary atherosclerosis, and hence heart attacks, are preventable. A person can significantly lower his or her risk of heart attack by lowering high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, stopping cigarett... Other Related Atrial Fibrillation ArticlesEmergency Contact for Boston
Nearby Boston Hospitals *Shriners Hospitals for Children Boston Burn Hospital Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Massachusetts General Hospital Tufts New England Medical Center Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital M I T Medical Boston Medical Center Cambridge Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Children's Hospital Boston Brigham & Women's Hospital Dana Farber Cancer Institute New England Baptist Hospital Arbour HRI Hospital Lawrence F Quigley Memorial Hospital Radius Specialty Hospital Boston Somerville Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus Whidden Memorial Hospital Arbour Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Kindred Hospital Boston Franciscan Hospital for Children Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Massachusetts Mental Health Center Faulkner Hospital Lawrence Memorial Hospital Caritas Carney Hospital Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Bournewood Hospital Melrose Wakefield Hospital McLean Hospital Milton Hospital Quincy Medical Center Winchester Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital North Shore Medical Center Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital Lahey Clinic Medical Center Massachusetts Hospital School Salem Hospital & the Birthplace North Shore Children's Hospital Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital Kindred Hospital Boston North Shore Kindred Specialty Hospital Braintree Westwood Lodge Hospital South Shore Hospital Caritas Norwood Hospital Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Emerson Hospital Beverly Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Tewksbury Hospital Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton Isham Health Center Pembroke Hospital Saints Medical Center Baldpate Hospital Lowell General Hospital HC Solomon Mental Health Center Lawrence General Hospital UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center Addison Gilbert Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Atrial Fibrillation by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
16 articles-
Low Blood Pressure
- Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
-
Congestive Heart Failure
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
-
High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
-
Blood Clots
- Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins, bladder, urinary tract and uterus. Risk factors for blood clots include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on the location of the clot. Some blood clots are a medical emergency. Blood clots are treated depending upon the cause of the clot. Blood clots can be prevented by lowering the risk factors for developing blood clots.
-
Arrhythmia
- An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. With an arrhythmia, the heartbeats may be irregular or too slow (bradycardia), to rapid (tachycardia), or too early. When a single heartbeat occurs earlier than normal, it is called a prmature contraction.
-
Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment is by medication, the use of radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.
-
Heart Attack
- Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical instability of the heart.
-
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves three related conditions, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, morning headaches, and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment of COPD is focused on the related condition(s).
-
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is also also known as "click murmur syndrome" and "Barlow's syndrome." Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve abnormality. Signs and symptoms of mitral valve prolapse include: fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Echocardiography is the most useful test for mitral valve prolapse. Most patients do not need any treatment, however, patients with severe prolapse may need treatment.
-
Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
- Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-White-Parkinson syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependant upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
-
Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary edema (swelling or fluid in the lungs) can either be caused by cardiogenic causes (congestive heart failure, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves) or noncardiogenic causes such as ARDS, kidney failure, high altitude, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, aspirin overdose, pulmonary embolism, and infections. The treatment of pulmonary edema depends on the cause of the condition.
-
Pericarditis
- Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart. The causes of pericarditis include injury from heart attack, heart surgery, trauma; viral or fungal infection, HIV, tumors, mixed connective tissue disease, metabolic disease, medication reactions, or idiopathic. Treatment for pericarditis is generally medication, however, sometimes surgery is necessary.
-
Rheumatic Fever
- Rheumatic fever is a disease that sometimes occurs after a group A streptococcal infection of the throat. Symptoms and signs include carditis, polyarthritis, Aschoff bodies, rash, Sydenham's chorea, and fever. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves eliminating the bacteria with penicillin, erythromycin, or azithromycin. Further treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms brought on by the body's immunologic response to the bacteria.
-
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke)
- When a portion of the brain loses blood supply, through a blood clot or embolus, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke) may occur. If the symptoms do not resolve, a stroke most likely has occurred. Symptoms of TIA include: confusion, weakness, lethargy, and loss of function to one side of the body. Risk factors for TIA include vascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Treatment depends upon the severity of the TIA, and whether it resolves.
-
Heart Attack Prevention Overview
- Heart attacks are the major causes of unexpected, sudden death among men and women. A heart attack is also a significant cause of heart failure. Learn the risk factors for heart attack such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Lowering your risk factor, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication are the most effective way of preventing a heart attack.
-
Stroke Prevention
- Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States. Some of the warning signs of stroke include sudden confusion, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance, and more. Stroke prevention and reatable risk factors for stroke include lowering high blood pressure, quit smoking, heart disease, diabetes control and prevention.
-
Low Blood Pressure
-
Medications
14 articles -
Procedures & Tests
8 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
7 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
5 articles -
Health News
53 articles -
Health Features
0 articles
