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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.
Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
Introduction
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. This can sometimes be harmless, but in other cases, it may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.
Causes of Irregular Heartbeat
Common causes of arrhythmias include: - Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disorders) - Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, magnesium, or calcium) - High blood pressure - Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine - Stress and anxiety - Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) - Medications (certain drugs can trigger arrhythmias)
Symptoms to Watch For
Arrhythmias can manifest in different ways. Common symptoms include: - A racing, fluttering, or slow heartbeat - Feeling dizzy or lightheaded - Shortness of breath - Chest pain or discomfort - Fatigue - Fainting (syncope)
Diagnosis and Tests
If you experience irregular heartbeats, your doctor may recommend: - Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Measures the heart’s electrical activity - Holter monitor – Records heart activity over 24-48 hours - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to check heart structure and function - Blood tests – Check for thyroid problems and electrolyte imbalances
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity: - Lifestyle Changes: - Reduce stress and caffeine intake - Maintain a heart-healthy diet - Exercise regularly but with caution - Medications: - Antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, or calcium-channel blockers - Procedures: - Catheter ablation – Destroys abnormal heart tissue causing the arrhythmia - Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator – Helps regulate the heartbeat
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical help if you experience: - Severe chest pain - Sudden fainting - Shortness of breath - A consistently high or low heart rate
Regular heart checkups can help detect issues early and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for 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://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac 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:
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.