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 Irregular Pulse Rate
Introduction
An irregular pulse rate, also known as an arrhythmia, is a condition where the heartbeat is not following a normal rhythm. This can be experienced as a faster-than-normal rhythm (tachycardia), a slower-than-normal rhythm (bradycardia), or an irregular rhythm altogether.
Causes of Irregular Pulse Rate
There are various reasons why a person might experience an irregular pulse. Let’s break them down into different categories:
1. Heart-Related Causes
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – The most common cause of an irregular pulse, where the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat chaotically.
- Atrial flutter – A more organized but still irregular heart rhythm.
- Ventricular arrhythmias – Abnormal rhythms originating from the lower chambers of the heart.
- Heart block – A disruption in the electrical conduction of the heart.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Reduced blood flow can affect heart rhythm.
2. Non-Cardiac Causes
- Electrolyte imbalances – Levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium play an important role in heart function.
- Thyroid disorders – An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can influence heart rhythm.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – Can lead to an enlarged heart which might disrupt normal rhythm.
- Lung diseases – Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can trigger arrhythmias.
3. Lifestyle and External Factors
- Caffeine, alcohol, and stimulant drugs – Can cause short-term irregular heartbeat episodes.
- Sleep apnea – Can stress the heart and lead to arrhythmias.
- Emotional stress or anxiety – Can lead to irregular heartbeats due to the body's response to stress.
- Medication side effects – Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, or depression might impact the heart rhythm.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you experience a persistent irregular pulse rate, dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Irregular pulse rate can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from harmless to serious medical conditions. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.
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/32860505/
3. ESC Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/09/02/14/23/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-VAs-ESC-2022
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320108/
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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.