Discover how nanotechnology is helping find new treatments for abnormal heart rhythms.Some heart blocks will not cause any symptoms, but others are more serious and may need treatment such as a pacemaker. Find out why you should know your blood pressure.Ī heart block is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that happens when the electrical impulses that tell your heart when to beat are delayed or blocked as they travel through your heart.It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

This is the pressure of blood flow in the arteries as the heart relaxes and prepares for the next contraction (heart beat).

Watch a video about Mark and Paul's experiences of life after stroke.

The second form is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel supplying the brain. This kind of stroke is usually caused by atherosclerosis, the same process that leads to coronary heart disease, including heart attacks.

There can be a blockage of the blood vessels supplying the brain, and this starves the brain of blood and oxygen causing its death. Watch our animation to learn the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest.Death can occur within minutes if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are not carried out. As a result, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain and other organs. In cardiac arrest there is an electrical malfunction in the heart, resulting in an irregular heartbeat that disrupts the effective pumping action of the heart. The most common cause of a cardiac arrest is a heart attack, but there are other causes. This occurs suddenly and without warning. Find out what it's like living with atrial fibrillation.Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke. This causes the atria to twitch, and results in an irregular heartbeat or pulse. This is a common abnormal heart rhythm that happens when electrical impulses fire off from different places in the atria (the top chambers of the heart) in a disorganised way. Learn about treatments for abnormal heart rhythms.There are many different types of arrhythmia which can be managed differently, including medication, a pacemaker or an ICD (an internal defibrillator). This is usually due to faulty conduction of electricity through the heart. This is another way of saying an abnormal heart rhythm. Here are some of the most common examples of medical jargon when it comes to heart health: Arrhythmia Within the medical profession, there are many terms that are loosely thrown around by medical professionals and on the internet alike. Dr Rick Karsan explains some of the confusing terms that you might hear from your doctor.

Another word for running out of breath