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 an Irregular ECG
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. When an ECG is classified as 'irregular,' it means that the heart's electrical impulses are not following a normal rhythm. This may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.
Possible Causes of an Irregular ECG
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats that may be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or erratic (atrial fibrillation, ectopic beats).
- Structural Heart Disease – Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, valve disorders, or congenital heart defects can cause electrical abnormalities.
- Electrolyte Imbalances – Abnormal levels of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium can affect heart conduction.
- Heart Ischemia or Infarction – Reduced blood flow to the heart (ischemia) or a past heart attack can cause ECG changes.
- Medications and Substances – Some drugs, caffeine, alcohol, or illicit substances can disturb heart rhythm.
- Other Health Conditions – Issues such as thyroid disorders, excessive stress, or infections can also lead to irregular ECG results.
Symptoms That May Accompany an Irregular ECG
- Palpitations (heart pounding or fluttering)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
What Should You Do?
- Consult a Cardiologist – An irregular ECG should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Undergo Additional Tests – These may include a Holter monitor (24-hour ECG), echocardiogram, or stress test.
- Lifestyle and Medication Adjustments – Depending on the cause, treatment may involve medications, procedural interventions (such as a pacemaker), or lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
An irregular ECG does not always indicate a serious medical condition, but it should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and management can prevent complications and improve heart health.
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 Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20802247/
3. American College of Cardiology Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://www.acc.org/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.100.8.886
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281931/
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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.