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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 is Heart Arrhythmia?
Introduction
Heart arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. This means that the heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can be harmless, but in some cases, they can lead to serious health problems such as stroke or heart failure.
Causes of Heart Arrhythmias
Several factors can cause or contribute to arrhythmias, including: - Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disease) - Electrolyte imbalances (changes in potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels) - High blood pressure - Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake - Smoking - Diabetes - Stress or anxiety - Genetic predisposition (family history of arrhythmias)
Symptoms of Heart Arrhythmias
Common symptoms include: - Palpitations (feeling that the heart is skipping beats or fluttering) - Fatigue - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - Chest pain
Diagnosis of Arrhythmias
To diagnose an arrhythmia, doctors use different tests, such as: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records the heart’s electrical activity - Holter monitor – A portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to check heart function - Electrophysiological study (EPS) – Evaluates the electrical pathways of the heart
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia but may include: - Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs) - Lifestyle changes (reducing caffeine, quitting smoking, managing stress) - Medical procedures: - Cardioversion (electrical shock to restore normal rhythm) - Ablation therapy (destroying abnormal heart tissue) - Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for severe cases
Conclusion
Heart arrhythmias are common and vary in severity. Some are harmless, while others require medical intervention. If you experience heart rhythm irregularities, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis 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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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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