Arrhythmia is a type of heart problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a severe condition impacting one’s general health and can be life-threatening. The condition is characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Though this might sound alarming, early diagnosis and treatment from a professional can lower its severity and improve one’s chances of recovery. Keep reading to understand the underlying causes and symptoms of arrhythmia and treatment options to manage it.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a state in which the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or erratically. The rhythm of the heartbeat can be affected by various factors, including a person’s age, underlying medical conditions, supplements, and lifestyle choices.
Causes
Arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, can be caused by various factors. The most common causes of arrhythmia are often related to the heart and its underlying structure.
The most common causes of arrhythmias include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, congenital heart disease, and electrolyte imbalances. Occasionally, arrhythmias can occur due to underlying health conditions, such as an overactive thyroid gland or an infection. Additionally, certain genetic conditions can cause arrhythmia in some individuals. Obstructive sleep apnea is another risk factor for the condition.
Symptoms
Arrhythmia can cause severe and life-threatening complications, such as stroke and heart failure, so it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and take action if you suspect you have this condition. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of arrhythmia are listed below.
- Feelings of your heart racing, pounding or fluttering
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Weakness or fatigue
- Coughing
However, it is pertinent to note that various other health conditions share these symptoms, so it is best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause behind your symptoms and start treatment.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of arrhythmia involves several steps, including taking a detailed history from the patient, performing a physical examination, and undergoing various tests to determine any abnormalities in the heart’s electrical activity.
- Taking a thorough medical history- This includes asking questions about family members who have faced similar heart problems and any prescription treatments taken in the past that could affect cardiac rhythm. A health expert may also ask about symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness associated with abnormal heart rhythms.
- Physical examination- A doctor will check for signs of poor circulation due to inadequate blood flow through your body’s organs and tissues. The doctor will listen to your heartbeat using a stethoscope to measure your pulse and heart rhythm, take blood pressure readings, etc.
- Tests- Depending on what is found during the initial evaluation, further tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, a stress test, a Holter monitor, etc. It helps identify specific types of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. In some cases, other specialized tests might be required.
Treatment
When it comes to treating arrhythmia, several options are available, depending on the type and severity of the condition. The treatment aims to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and reduce the risk of complications from arrhythmia. The primary treatment options for arrhythmia include-
- Supplements- These can help restore the heart’s normal rhythm, reduce symptoms, and control blood pressure.
- Catheter ablation- A thin catheter is inserted into a vein in the shoulder or neck and guided through the body to the heart. High-frequency energy is then used to destroy tissue areas triggering abnormal heart rhythms.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)- An ICD is a device implanted in the chest to detect and treat irregular heart rhythms with small electrical shocks.
- Pacemaker- This device is implanted in the chest and helps maintain a regular heart rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle to keep it beating regularly.
- Surgery- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct an underlying problem leading to arrhythmia.
Treating arrhythmia can help reduce the risk of severe and life-threatening complications associated with the condition. Therefore, discussing your treatment options with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine which option is best for your condition.
