Atrial flutter Health Dictionary

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Atrial Flutter: From 1 Different Sources

A type of abnormality of the heartbeat (see arrhythmia, cardiac)

in which the atria beat regularly and very rapidly. Symptoms and treatment are the same as for atrial fibrillation.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

The atria (see ATRIUM) of the heart contain peptides with potent diuretic and vasodilating properties. It has been known since 1980 that extracts of human atria have potent diuretic and natriuretic effects in animals (see DIURETICS). In 1984 three polypeptide species were isolated from human atria and were called alpha, beta and gamma human atrial natriuretic peptides. Plasma concentration of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide can now be measured: the levels are low in healthy subjects and are increased in patients with congestive heart failure. Infusion of the peptides reduces blood pressure and causes a natriuresis and diuresis.... atrial natriuretic peptide

Atrial Septal Defect

See HEART, DISEASES OF – Congenital heart disease.... atrial septal defect

Atrial Fibrillation

Arrhythmia. Heart flutter. Disorderly uncoordinated contraction of atrial muscle wall, the ventricles responding irregularly.

Causes: thyrotoxicosis, valvular or coronary disease. Present in mitral stenosis and myocarditis. Precursor of heart failure. Carrying a bucket of coal upstairs may be sufficient to precipitate an attack. Symptoms. Pulse irregular in time and force, breathlessness, visible pulse in neck, excessive heart beats of sudden onset or permanent, with breathlessness often from emotional excitement.

Treatment. Patient should avoid excessive physical exercise or give way to anxiety and depression. Alternatives:– Tea. Equal parts: Hawthorn (berries or blossoms), Broom, Valerian. 1-2 teaspoons in each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; dose – half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Valerian, Motherwort.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Passion flower 2; Broom 3. Mix. Dose: Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium (BPC 1973): 2-5 drops. Tincture Lily of the Valley: 0.5-1ml.

Undue violence. Tincture Gelsemium 1; Tincture Cactus 2. Mix. Dose: 5-10 drops. Where heart muscle is damaged, add 1 part Liquid Extract Black Cohosh.

Broom. Spartiol Drops, 20 drops thrice daily. (Klein)

Diet. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... atrial fibrillation

Flutter

The term applied to a form of abnormal cardiac rhythm, in which the atria contract at a rate of 200–400 beats a minute, and the ventricles more slowly. The abnormal rhythm is the result

of a diseased heart. (See HEART, DISEASES OF; FIBRILLATION.)... flutter


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