Atrial Fibrillation also referred to as (AFib) is a common type of heart condition characterized by erratic & sporadic heartbeat (arrhythmia). Atrial Fibrillation affects the heart's upper chamber, referred to as the atria. The electrical impulses in the atria become jumbled in atrial fibrillation, causing them to quiver or fibrillate instead of contracting correctly. This might result in an irregular and frequently fast pulse.
During atrial fibrillation, the heart's top chambers, the atria, beat wildly and erratically. They are unable to pump in sync with the lower heart chambers, known as the ventricles. Most people with AFib often don't experience noticeable symptoms. However, AFib might induce a rapid, pounding pulse, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Atrial fibrillation episodes can be intermittent or continuous. AFib by itself is typically not fatal. However, it is a significant medical issue that requires prompt treatment to avoid a stroke.
Medicines, shock treatment to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, and surgeries to block incorrect cardiac impulses may all be used to treat atrial fibrillation.
A person with atrial fibrillation may also have a cardiac rhythm disorder known as atrial flutter. AFib and atrial flutter therapy are similar.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. The aorta runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen, supplying blood to the rest of your body.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta in the abdominal region. The aorta is the body's main blood vessel responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various parts of the body. When the aorta weakens or balloons in size, it becomes susceptible to rupture, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a unique form of epilepsy that primarily affects children but can continue into adulthood. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the various aspects of absence seizures, including their definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies.
What are Absence Seizures?
Absence seizures are a type of generalized onset seizure, characterized by a sudden, brief lapse in consciousness. These seizures often appear as if the affected individual is briefly staring into space or daydreaming. While they may seem harmless, absence seizures can disrupt daily activities and, if left untreated, impact a person's quality of life.
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, thickened patches of skin that often appear in folds and creases. This article provides a comprehensive overview of acanthosis nigricans, including its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans is a dermatological condition that results in the thickening and darkening of the skin, typically in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. These dark, velvety patches of skin can be a cosmetic concern and may sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.
Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that affects the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax and allow food to pass into the stomach. This comprehensive article provides an in-depth look at achalasia, including its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis and evaluation, treatment and management options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that can affect anyone, from athletes to individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle. In this detailed article, we will explore Achilles tendinitis, including its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in athletes and active individuals. In this detailed article, we will delve into ACL injuries, including their causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. Characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes painful cysts, acne can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore acne in-depth, covering its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical help.
Achilles tendon rupture is a painful and often debilitating injury that can affect individuals of all ages. Achilles tendon rupture is a relatively common injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus), tears or partially ruptures. This injury is often associated with sudden and forceful movements, such as jumping or pushing off with the foot, and is more common in athletes and active individuals.
In this detailed article, we will delve into Achilles tendon ruptures, including their causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous (benign) tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for transmitting balance and hearing information from the inner ear to the brain. Although it's called an "acoustic" neuroma, it doesn't originate from the acoustic or hearing nerve itself but rather from the Schwann cells that surround and insulate this nerve. These tumors typically grow slowly and are usually located near the inner ear, close to the brainstem.
While noncancerous, it can impact hearing and balance. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into acoustic neuroma, covering its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical help.
Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces excessive amounts of growth hormone (GH). This excess GH stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce higher levels of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The elevated IGF-1 levels lead to abnormal growth of various tissues and organs throughout the body, resulting in a range of physical and health issues.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of acromegaly, exploring its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical help.
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of rough, scaly patches or lesions on the skin. These lesions are considered precancerous, which means they have the potential to develop into skin cancer, typically squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated. Actinic keratosis is primarily caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
While it is usually benign, untreated actinic keratosis lesions can progress to a more aggressive form of skin cancer. In this comprehensive article, we will explore actinic keratosis in detail, covering its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a term used in medicine to describe a group of conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle due to the partial or complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries. ACS is a medical emergency and encompasses a spectrum of conditions, ranging from unstable angina to myocardial infarction (heart attack).
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of ACS, exploring its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the spinal cord, leading to the sudden onset of muscle weakness or paralysis, particularly in the arms and legs. It is characterized by a specific pattern of muscle weakness and flaccidity (limpness) and can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, especially in children.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore AFM in detail, covering its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Acute kidney failure, also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden and rapid loss of kidney function that occurs over a relatively short period of time, typically within a few hours to a few days. This condition can result from various causes, such as severe infections, dehydration, medications, kidney trauma, or underlying medical conditions. When the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, harmful substances can accumulate in the body, leading to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, swelling, nausea, and changes in urine output.
Early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are crucial in managing acute kidney failure, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, restore kidney function, and manage complications while supporting the patient's overall health and well-being.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of AKF, covering its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, treatment options, and guidance on when to seek medical help.