-
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: A Patient-Friendly Guide
Introduction
Arrhythmia is a medical term used to describe an irregular heartbeat. It means that your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be serious and require medical attention.
How Does the Heart Normally Beat?
The heart has a built-in electrical system that controls its rhythm. This system ensures that the heart beats in a regular, coordinated manner. Normally, the heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute at rest.
Types of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can be classified into several categories: - Tachycardia: When the heart beats too fast (more than 100 beats per minute). - Bradycardia: When the heart beats too slow (less than 60 beats per minute). - Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A common type of irregular heartbeat that increases stroke risk. - Ventricular Fibrillation: A life-threatening arrhythmia that causes severe heart dysfunction. - Premature Beats: Extra heartbeats that can feel like a skipped beat.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to arrhythmias, including: - High blood pressure - Heart disease - Imbalances in electrolytes (such as potassium or calcium) - Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption - Stress or anxiety - Thyroid disorders - Smoking
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of arrhythmia but may include: - Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats) - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Fatigue - Fainting (in severe cases)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors use tests such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to diagnose arrhythmia. Treatment depends on the severity and type of arrhythmia: - Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, stress, and smoking. - Medications: Drugs like beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic medications. - Medical Procedures: Pacemakers, catheter ablation, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for severe cases.
Conclusion
Arrhythmias can range from mild to life-threatening conditions. If you experience any unusual heart rhythms, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
2. American Heart Association (AHA) 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/16949478/
-
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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.