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.
Causes of Abnormal Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
Introduction
An abnormal heartbeat, also called arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can indicate serious heart problems.
Types of Arrhythmias
1. Tachycardia (Fast Heartbeat)
- Heart rate above 100 beats per minute.
- Common types: Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia.
2. Bradycardia (Slow Heartbeat)
- Heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
- Common causes: Sinus node dysfunction, heart block.
3. Irregular Heartbeats
- Includes atrial fibrillation (uncoordinated rapid heartbeats) and premature beats (extra heartbeats occurring early).
Causes of Abnormal Heartbeats
1. Heart-Related Causes
- Coronary artery disease (narrowed heart arteries).
- Heart attack (damages heart tissue and disrupts electrical signals).
- Heart failure.
- Heart valve disorders.
- Congenital heart defects.
2. Medical Conditions
- High blood pressure.
- Thyroid disorders (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism).
- Diabetes (damages blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart).
- Sleep apnea.
3. Lifestyle and External Factors
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol.
- Drug abuse (stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine).
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, magnesium, or calcium imbalances).
- Smoking (damages blood vessels and affects heart rhythm).
- Emotional stress or anxiety (triggers irregular heartbeats).
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
- Palpitations (fluttering sensation in the chest).
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Fatigue.
- Sudden cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors may use:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to detect abnormal electrical activity.
- Holter monitor for continuous tracking.
- Echocardiogram to examine heart structure.
- Blood tests to check for imbalances.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Changes: Reduce caffeine, avoid stress, stop smoking.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmic drugs.
- Procedures: Pacemakers, catheter ablation.
- Surgery: In rare cases, medical implants or surgery may be needed.
Conclusion
If you experience irregular heartbeats frequently, seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications like stroke or heart failure.
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 Arrhythmia Management
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- 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!
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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.
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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.