About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia)
Introduction
The human heart beats in a synchronized rhythm controlled by electrical signals. An abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia, occurs when these signals become irregular, too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or erratic (fibrillation).
Types of Arrhythmias
- Tachycardia: Heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – Originates above the ventricles.
- Ventricular tachycardia – Originates in the ventricles and can be life-threatening.
- Bradycardia: Heart rate is below 60 beats per minute.
- Can be due to aging, heart diseases, or electrical signal disruptions.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular and rapid heart rate in the upper chambers of the heart. It increases stroke risk.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Disorganized electrical signals in the ventricles leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
- Premature Heartbeats: Extra beats disrupting normal heart rhythm, often harmless but sometimes linked to heart disease.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
- Palpitations (strong, fast, or irregular heartbeats)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Causes and Risk Factors
- High blood pressure, coronary artery disease
- Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- Excessive alcohol/caffeine consumption
- Thyroid disorders
- Smoking and drug abuse
- Chronic diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Records electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter monitor – 24-hour continuous ECG recording.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to visualize the heart.
- Electrophysiology study (EPS) – Assesses electrical pathways in the heart.
Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Reduce stress, avoid excessive caffeine/alcohol.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly.
2. Medications
Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers for controlling heart rate.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs to stabilize rhythms.
Anticoagulants (for AFib) to reduce stroke risk.
3. Medical Procedures
Cardioversion – Electrical shock to reset rhythm.
- Ablation therapy – Destroys abnormal electrical pathways.
- Pacemaker – Device to stabilize heartbeat in bradycardia.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – Prevents life-threatening arrhythmias.
Conclusion
Arrhythmias range from minor, harmless palpitations to severe life-threatening conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management reduce complications and improve quality of life. If you experience symptoms, consult a cardiologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.