Atrial Fibrillation Center - Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs * Iowa Heart Center  Iowa Heart Center  Heart Lung & Vascular Surgery  Iowa Heart Center  Cardiovascular Associates  Cardiovascular Associates  Cardiovascular Associates  Mercy Medical Center  Cardiovascular Associates  Cardiovascular Associates  Cardiovascular Associates  Cardiovascular Associates Council Bluffs, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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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 Council Bluffs
Nearby Council Bluffs Hospitals *Alegent Health Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs Jennie Edmundson Hospital Boys Town National Research Hospital Creighton University Medical Center Douglas County Healthcare Center The Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Tower The Nebraska Medical Center University Tower VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha Division Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center Children's Hospital Nebraska Methodist Hospital Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center  Alegent Health Midlands Community Hospital  Select Specialty Hospital Omaha South  Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital  Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital  Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital  Memorial Community 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. |
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