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 Heart Arrhythmia?
Introduction
Heart arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly—too fast, too slow, or with an abnormal rhythm. It can be harmless or indicate a serious underlying problem. In this lecture, we'll explore the causes of heart arrhythmia and how they affect the heart.
Causes of Heart Arrhythmia
1. Heart-Related Causes
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart, affecting electrical signals.
- Heart attack: Damage to heart tissue can lead to electrical instability.
- Heart failure: Weak pumping function can disrupt normal rhythm.
- Heart valve disorders: Problems with valves can create turbulent blood flow, leading to arrhythmias.
- Congenital heart disease: Some people are born with abnormal heart structures affecting electrical pathways.
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels play a key role in electrical conduction.
- Low or high levels of these electrolytes can lead to irregular heartbeats.
3. Medical Conditions
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Can lead to thickened heart muscle, affecting electrical signals.
- Diabetes: Increased blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels.
- Thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can influence heart rhythm.
4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Excess caffeine or alcohol consumption: These stimulants can trigger arrhythmia.
- Smoking and drug use: Nicotine and certain drugs can affect heart rhythm.
- High stress levels: Emotional and physical stress may increase the risk of arrhythmias.
- Certain medications: Some drugs, including decongestants and asthma treatments, can cause arrhythmias as a side effect.
5. Genetic Factors
- Some genetic conditions, such as Long QT Syndrome or Brugada Syndrome, can predispose individuals to dangerous arrhythmias.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of arrhythmia can help in prevention and management. If you experience irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical advice.
References
To learn more about heart arrhythmias and their treatment, refer to the following guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) 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/29097294/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 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!
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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.