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.
Arrhythmia: Definition and Explanation
Introduction
Arrhythmia is a term used to describe an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm. The heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. This can be caused by issues with the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeat.
Types of Arrhythmia
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Tachycardia
– Faster than normal heartbeat (above 100 beats per minute).
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia
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Bradycardia
– Slower than normal heartbeat (below 60 beats per minute).
- Sinus bradycardia
- Heart block
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Irregular Rhythms
– Heartbeats that are uneven or inconsistent.
- Atrial flutter
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
Causes of Arrhythmia
- Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disease)
- High blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium, calcium levels)
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine consumption
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
- Palpitations (feeling like the heart is racing or skipping beats)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records the heart’s electrical activity.
- Holter Monitor – A portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
- Electrophysiological Study (EPS) – Assesses electrical activity of the heart.
Treatment
- Medications – Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Reducing stress, avoiding stimulants.
- Medical Procedures – Cardioversion, catheter ablation, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD).
Conclusion
Arrhythmias can vary in severity, from harmless to life-threatening. Early diagnosis and management are crucial in preventing complications such as stroke or heart failure. If you experience symptoms of arrhythmia, 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!
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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.