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Showing posts with the label Heart rhythm

What Is AFib? Signs, Risks, and Heart Health Facts You Should Know

  Atrial Fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common heart arrhythmia that affects millions of people around the world. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart send mixed electrical signals, causing the heart to beat in an uneven way. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat and make it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. AFib is a growing health concern, affecting more than 10.5 million adults in the United States. Studies have also shown a 40% increase in diagnoses in similar urban populations over the last decade. AFib is not just about a change in heart rhythm. It can increase the chance of serious problems, including blood clots and stroke. In fact, people with AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke. Understanding this condition can help people recognize warning signs early and take steps to protect their heart health. Understanding How AFib Changes the Heart A healthy heart follows a steady heart rhythm that helps blood move smoothly through...

Understanding What Happens During an EKG Test and How It Measures Heart Activity

  An EKG test is one of the most common ways doctors check how the heart is working. It is quick, painless, and usually takes only a few minutes to complete. During a standard test, 10 small adhesive sensors are placed on the chest, arms, and legs to record the heart’s natural Electrical signals. These signals create a graph that helps doctors understand heart activity and identify possible concerns. In Philadelphia, nearly 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure , which increases the risk of heart-related problems. Heart disease also contributes to almost 40% of the life expectancy gap between Black and white Americans. Because of these ongoing concerns, hospitals and healthcare centers perform thousands of heart screenings every year. Understanding how an Electrocardiogram works can help patients feel more comfortable and informed before their appointment. Why Doctors Use an EKG Test to Understand Your Heart The EKG test helps doctors see how the heart functions from one beat to th...