Atrial Fibrillation

Practice EssentialsAtrial fibrillation (AF) has strong associations with other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. It is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. The exact mechanisms by which...

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Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity

BackgroundCarotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is an exaggerated response to carotid sinus baroreceptor stimulation. It results in dizziness or syncope from transient diminished cerebral perfusion. Although baroreceptor function usually diminishes with age, some people experience hypersensitive carotid baroreflexes....

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Digitalis Toxicity

Practice EssentialsAcute digitalis toxicity can result from unintentional, suicidal, or homicidal overdose of the digitalis preparation digoxin, or accidental ingestion of plants that contain cardiac glycosides. Chronic toxicity in patients on digoxin therapy may result from deteriorating renal function, dehydration,...

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Brugada Syndrome

Practice EssentialsBrugada syndrome is a disorder characterized by sudden death associated with one of several ECG patterns characterized by incomplete right bundle-branch block and ST-segment elevations in the anterior precordial leads. Essential update: Predicting prognosis in Brugada syndrome with J-wave characteristicsIn...

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