| tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial | Bouts of rapid, regular heart beating originating in the atrium (upper chamber of the heart). Often due to abnormalities in the av node relay station that lead to rapid firing of electrical impulses from the atrium which bypass the av node under certain conditions. These conditions include alcohol excess, stress, caffeine, overactive thyroid or excessive thyroid hormone intake, and certain drugs. Pat is an example of an arrhythmia where the abnormality is in the electrical system of the heart, while the heart muscle and valves may be normal. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| fibrillation, atrial | An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Although many persons with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms, the most common symptom is palpitations, an uncomfortable awareness of the rapid and irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots that travel from the heart to the brain, causing stroke. Treatment of atrial fibrillation involves controlling the risk factors, medications to slow the heart rate and/or convert the heart to normal rhythm, and preventing complications of blood clotting. (12 Dec 1998) |
| lateral atrial vein | A vein draining deep portions of the temporal and parietal lobes; it runs in the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle to terminate in the superior thalamostriate vein. Synonym: vena ventriculi lateralis lateralis, lateral atrial vein, lateral vein of lateral ventricle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| left atrial pressure | <radiology> 15-20 mm Hg redistribution 20-25 interstitial oedema 25-30 airspace oedema (12 Dec 1998) |