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 Rhythms: Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
The heart beats in a controlled and coordinated manner due to electrical signals that travel through the heart's conduction system. An abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, occurs when these electrical impulses are disrupted, causing the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
Main Causes of Abnormal Heart Rhythms
1. Heart-Related Causes
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowed or blocked arteries can disrupt the heart's electrical system.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Damage to heart tissue can interfere with normal electrical signals.
- Heart Failure: A weakened heart muscle can lead to irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.
- Cardiomyopathy: Structural and functional changes in the heart muscle can trigger arrhythmias.
- Heart Valve Disorders: Improperly functioning valves can affect blood flow and electrical impulses.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with abnormal heart structures that predispose them to arrhythmias.
2. Non-Cardiac Causes
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, or sodium can affect electrical signaling.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can influence heart rate.
- Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine: These substances overstimulate the heart, leading to arrhythmias.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or panic attacks can cause palpitations and irregular heartbeats.
- Medications and Drugs: Some medications, including stimulants and certain antibiotics, can trigger arrhythmias.
- Sleep Apnea: Oxygen deprivation during sleep can disrupt heart function and lead to abnormal rhythms.
3. Genetics and Aging
- Family History: Some arrhythmias, like inherited channelopathies, have a genetic basis.
- Aging: Natural degeneration of the heart’s conduction system increases the likelihood of arrhythmias.
Conclusion
Abnormal heart rhythms can result from various cardiac and non-cardiac factors. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial for management. If you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath, consult a cardiologist for evaluation.
References
- American Heart Association Guidelines
- European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://atlas.heart.org/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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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!
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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.