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.
Understanding Arrhythmia
Introduction
Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly. This means that the heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular rhythm. Arrhythmias disrupt the normal electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats, which can lead to complications if untreated.
Causes of Arrhythmia
Several factors can cause arrhythmia, including:
- Heart diseases (such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or valve disorders)
- High blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalances (low levels of potassium or magnesium)
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Stress or anxiety
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can be silent or produce noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Palpitations (feeling like your heart is skipping beats)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Fainting (syncope)
Types of Arrhythmia
There are different types of arrhythmias, including:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – The most common type, characterized by rapid and irregular beats in the atria.
- Bradycardia – A slow heart rate, often due to problems with the heart's electrical system.
- Tachycardia – A fast heart rate, which can originate from the atria (supraventricular tachycardia) or the ventricles (ventricular tachycardia).
- Premature Beats – Extra heartbeats that may feel like skipped beats.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose arrhythmia using tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) , Holter monitor , stress test , or electrophysiology study .
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arrhythmia. It may include:
- Lifestyle changes (reducing caffeine, managing stress, eating a heart-healthy diet)
- Medications (beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants if needed)
- Medical procedures (such as catheter ablation or pacemaker implantation)
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, such as:
- Persistent dizziness
- Sudden chest pain
- Fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
Arrhythmia can often be managed with proper treatment. If you have concerns about your heart rhythm, consult your doctor promptly.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmia
- 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://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
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.