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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 refers to an irregular heartbeat. This means that the heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. A normal heart rate ranges between 60-100 beats per minute in adults.
Causes of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia can be caused by several factors, including: - Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure) - High blood pressure - Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium) - Stress or anxiety - Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs) - Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine consumption
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can lead to serious health complications. Common symptoms include: - Palpitations (irregular heartbeats or a fluttering feeling) - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Fainting or near-fainting
Diagnosis of Arrhythmia
Doctors diagnose arrhythmias using tests such as: - Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Records the heart's electrical activity. - Holter monitor - A portable device that records heart rhythm over 24-48 hours. - Echocardiogram - Uses ultrasound to check the heart's function. - Electrophysiology study (EPS) - A detailed test to analyze the heart's electrical system.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arrhythmia: - Lifestyle changes : Reduce caffeine, manage stress, and adopt a heart-healthy diet. - Medications : Antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, or blood thinners to prevent complications like stroke. - Medical procedures : Pacemakers, defibrillators, or catheter ablation to correct abnormal rhythms.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience: - Severe chest pain - Fainting or loss of consciousness - Persistent palpitations with dizziness
Understanding arrhythmia is crucial for maintaining heart health. If you suspect you have an irregular heartbeat, consult a healthcare professional 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:
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.