Emergency room patients who suffer an unexplained bout of atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, appear to be at a very low risk of long-term complications.

After a stroke, tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), also known as a clot buster, offers the most effective acute treatment.

United States Food and Drug Administration officials today delayed approval of Eliquis ( apixaban ) to prevent stroke or systemic embolism in patients with a common heart arrhythmia for the second time.

For most patients with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a procedure that uses electrical currents can successfully restore a normal heart rhythm.

Endurance exercises such as running and bicycling benefit overall health and improve longevity. However, there appears to be a point where too much of a good thing is possible.

Certain types of heart arrhythmias may be dangerous and are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Now researchers have found a genetic variant that appears to be associated with an increased risk of both.

A type of inhaled asthma medication appears to slightly increase the risk that children or young adults will develop a potentially deadly heart arrhythmia.

Patients with potentially fatal heart arrhythmias often benefit from receiving an implantable cardiac defibrillator ( ICD ) because of their high risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Often a slow or racing heartbeat isn't a reason for concern. In some cases, however, it may suggest a heightened risk for a more serious heart condition.

A potentially fatal abnormal heartbeat means some patients need an implanted device to provide a shock when dangerous rhythms are detected. Cardiologists describe the shocking sensation "like being hit with a baseball bat in the chest."