This function of the AV node is important, because if the signals generated in the atria of the heart were to increase in rate ( as they do during atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter ), the AV node will limit the electrical activity that conducts to the ventricles.
42.
Now the company can sell the drug for patients who suffer from paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, in which the heart beats too fast, and for patients who have atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, in which contractions in the upper chambers of the heart cause irregular rhythms in the lower chambers.
43.
Although the Sensei system was initially tested in a range of ablation procedures including SVT and typical atrial flutter, there is most excitement about its role in complex ablation procedures such as for atrial fibrillation ( AF ), where the ability to manipulate catheters to precise locations within the heart and keep them stable in the desired position is crucial.
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Atrial flutter is usually well tolerated initially ( a high heart rate is for most people just a normal response to exercise ), however, people with other underlying heart disease or poor exercise tolerance may rapidly develop symptoms, which can be shortness of breath, chest pains, lightheadedness or dizziness, nausea and, in some patients, nervousness and feelings of impending doom.
