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.
What Causes Arrhythmia?
Introduction
Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly—too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. Understanding the causes of arrhythmia is crucial for both prevention and treatment.
Causes of Arrhythmia
1. Electrophysiological Abnormalities
- The heart has an electrical system that controls the heartbeat. If there is a disruption in this system, arrhythmias can develop.
2. Heart Diseases and Structural Abnormalities
- Coronary artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can disrupt electrical signals.
- Heart failure: A weakened heart can lead to irregular rhythms.
- Previous heart attack (Myocardial infarction): Scar tissue can interfere with normal electrical conduction.
- Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth may cause arrhythmias.
3. Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
- Electrolyte imbalances (Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium levels).
- Thyroid disorders (Especially hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
- Diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease.
4. External Factors and Lifestyle Choices
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake.
- Smoking, which damages heart tissue and blood vessels.
- Drug use, especially stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines.
- High levels of stress, which can trigger arrhythmias.
5. Genetic Factors
- Some arrhythmias are hereditary, meaning they run in families.
- Conditions like Long QT syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are genetic disorders that affect heart rhythm.
6. Medications and Substances
- Certain medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or depression, may influence heart rhythm.
- Overuse of decongestants and energy drinks which contain stimulants.
Conclusion
Arrhythmia has numerous potential causes, including structural heart problems, metabolic disorders, drug use, and lifestyle factors. Identifying and managing these risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious arrhythmias.
References
For more detailed information, refer to the following clinical guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 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/32860505/
2. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2023-accahaaccphrs-guideline-diagnosis-and-management-patients-atrial-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/11/27/19/46/2023-acc-guideline-for-af-gl-af
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24682348/
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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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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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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.