Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular is a term that refers to the heart and blood vessels and relates to circulation, which controls the flow of blood around the body. The process of circulation begins when the blood leaves the right side of the heart to go to the lungs where it gets oxygen. It then returns to the heart to be pumped to the organs through the arteries and is returned to the heart through the veins before being pumped to the lungs again. Heart failure is when the heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood around the body. It usually develops because the heart muscle has become too stiff or weak to function properly and can be caused by a heart attack or high blood pressure. The condition mostly occurs among older men and more than often develops gradually over time. Symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness, tiredness and swelling in the feet, legs and ankles. Although serious, the condition can be treated and most people are given medication, which controls the symptoms. Digoxin is a drug that is used to make the heart´s contractions stronger and can slow the heart rate down. It is used by people who also have a condition called atrial fibrillation, which is a condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly. Atrial fibrillation is when the heart muscle can´t relax as it should between contractions because the upper chambers of the heart – the atria – contract so quickly and irregularly. It happens when abnormal electrical impulses begin to fire in the atria, overriding the heart´s natural rhythm. It can occur during any stage of adulthood and may be triggered by excessive smoking or drinking and is more likely to develop in people with conditions such as high blood pressure. A person with atrial fibrillation may have a heart rate of over 140 beats a minute, compared to a normal heart rate of between 60 and 100. People with the condition may also feel faint, light-headed or dizzy and can often feel their heart racing or thumping - a sensation often described as palpitations - however some might not be aware at all. Medication, such as Cordarone, which belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics, can be used to encourage the heart to adapt back to a regular rhythm. Although atrial fibrillation is not generally life threatening, treatment can relieve symptoms and help prevent a stroke.

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