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 Heart Arrhythmia: Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
Heart arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats that can be too fast, too slow, or simply erratic. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening. Understanding the causes of heart arrhythmia is essential for prevention and effective treatment.
Causes of Heart Arrhythmia
1. Electrical Signal Abnormalities
- Your heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals. When these signals are disrupted, arrhythmias can occur.
- Common disruptions include abnormal impulse generation or blocked signals.
2. Heart Diseases and Structural Problems
- Coronary artery disease (narrowing of blood vessels supplying the heart)
- Heart attack (damages heart tissue and affects electrical pathways)
- Heart failure (weakens the heart's ability to pump efficiently)
- Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
- Congenital heart defects (heart abnormalities present from birth)
3. Imbalance of Electrolytes in the Blood
- Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium help regulate heart rhythms.
- An imbalance (due to dehydration, kidney disease, or medication side effects) can cause arrhythmias.
4. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Increased workload on the heart can lead to conditions that trigger arrhythmias.
5. Thyroid Disorders
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause rapid heartbeats (tachycardia).
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to slow heartbeats (bradycardia).
6. Excessive Stimulants
- Caffeine, nicotine, and drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines can interfere with electrical signaling.
7. Sleep Apnea
- Repeated pauses in breathing at night can stress the heart and lead to irregular rhythms.
8. Stress and Anxiety
- High stress levels release adrenaline, which can trigger arrhythmias.
- Panic attacks may mimic arrhythmia symptoms.
9. Aging
- As people age, heart tissue wears down, increasing the likelihood of arrhythmias.
10. Genetic Factors
- Some people inherit a predisposition to arrhythmia (e.g., Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome).
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of arrhythmia can help in prevention and better management. If you experience symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, it's important to seek medical advice.
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://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmia
- 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://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
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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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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.