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.
What Causes Arrhythmia?
Introduction
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or simply irregular. The heart’s rhythm is controlled by electrical impulses, and any disruption in these signals can result in an arrhythmia.
Causes of Arrhythmia
1. Heart Conditions
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Reduced blood flow to the heart can damage its electrical system.
- Heart failure: Weakening of the heart muscle affects its ability to pump efficiently.
- Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities affect electrical conduction.
- Heart valve disorders: Valvular issues can lead to disturbances in blood flow and electrical signaling.
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels impact heart rhythm. Imbalances can trigger arrhythmias.
3. Lifestyle and External Factors
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Smoking and drug use (especially stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines)
- Excess stress and anxiety, leading to adrenaline surges
- Lack of sleep, affecting autonomic control of the heart
4. Medications and Substances
- Certain medications, including some antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, can trigger arrhythmias.
5. Medical Conditions
- Thyroid disorders: Overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid impacts heart rate.
- Diabetes: Increased risk due to effects on blood vessels and the heart.
Conclusion
Arrhythmias can arise from a variety of factors, including heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, lifestyle choices, medications, and underlying diseases. Managing these risk factors through a healthy lifestyle and timely medical intervention is key to maintaining heart health.
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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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
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.