Heart rhythm problems can be a matter of life or death. In this easy-to-read guide, Dr. Todd Cohen provides comprehensive information to help people with heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Dr. Cohen tells readers what they need to know about palpitations, rapid heart rhythms (tachycardias), slow heart rhythms (bradycardias), cardiac arrest, and other conditions related to irregular heartbeats.With the goal of informing and empowering heart patients, Dr. Cohen describes the heart's basic function, the various conditions associated with arrhythmia, and recommended courses of treatment. He discusses such procedures as tilt table testing, electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, and device implantation (including cardiac monitors, pacemakers, defibrillators, and biventricular devices); explains the essentials of CPR and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs); and presents the latest guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Heart Rhythm Society. A Patient's Guide to Heart Rhythm Problems will help readers understand how the heart works and what can go wrong the tests and other diagnostic procedures they may undergo how their doctor reaches a diagnosis what their diagnosis means how their doctor might treat the problem when medication alone is sufficient treatment when pacemaker, defibrillator, or biventricular therapy is appropriate how to get the best possible medical care -- in and out of the hospitalEndorsed by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, this essential resource features tables highlighting key information, as well as patient narratives that provide personal insight into arrhythmia tests, treatments, and technologies.
Foreword, by Chris Chiames Preface Part One: The Basics 1. Overview 2. Who Is Your Cardiologist? 3. The Pulse: Heartbeat and Rhythm 4. Heart Rhythms 5. The Pump Part Two: Heart Rhythm Abnormalities 6. Slow Rhythms: Bradycardias 7. Fast Rhythms: Tachycardias 8. Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation 9. Supraventricular Tachycardia 10. Atrial Fibrillation 11. Atrial Flutter Part Three: Sudden Cardiac Arrest 12. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Part Four: Syncope 13. Syncope Part Five: The Tests 14. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) 15. Stress Test and Related Procedures 16. Continuous Monitoring Devices 17. Echocardiogram 18. Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) Angiogram and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 19. Cardiac Catheterization, Coronary Angiogram, Left Ventriculogram, Angioplasty, and Stenting 20. T-Wave Alternans (TWA) 21. Electrophysiology Study (EP Study) 22. Tilt Table Test Part Six: Procedures and Medications for Treating Heart Problems 23. Catheter Ablation 24. Electrical Cardioversion and Defibrillation 25. Heart Medications Part Seven: Devices for Treating Heart Problems 26. Pacemakers 27. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) 28. Biventricular Devices 29. Implantable Cardiac Monitors 30. Device Implant Procedures 31. Device Replacement and Lead Extraction 32. Recalls Part Eight: The Diseased Heart 33. Heart Failure 34. Cardiomyopathy 35. Hereditary Conditions Part Nine: Prevention and Resuscitation 36. Preventing Heart Disease 37. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 38. Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Part Ten: Follow-up and Patient Care 39. Patient Follow-up 40. Support Groups 41. Defensive Patienting 101: A Primer on Patient Safety Acknowledgments Appendixes A. When an Electrophysiology Study Is Appropriate B. When an Implantable Permanent Pacemaker Is Appropriate C. When an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Is Appropriate D. When Biventricular Therapy Is Appropriate Glossary Bibliography Index
""A superb book which is neither confusing or condescending for those seeking sound advice on Heart Rhythm Problems.""
