A cardiac arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rhythm that manifests itself by irregular, too fast or too slow beats. It can be mild and require no treatment, but it can also be severe and lead to serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure.
Causes
Cardiac arrhythmias can be caused by:
- Pre-existing health problems, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or diabetes
- Damage to the heart, such as a heart attack or heart failure
- Use of certain medications, such as stimulants or anti-arrhythmics
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Stress and anxiety
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting spells
Treatment
Treatment of cardiac arrhythmia depends on the severity of the arrhythmia and its causes. If the arrhythmia is mild and does not cause symptoms, no treatment is needed. If it is severe or causes symptoms, treatment may include:
- Medications to slow or speed up the heart rhythm, such as anti-arrhythmics or beta-blockers
- Medical procedures to correct the arrhythmia, such as electrical cardioversion or removal of the tissue causing the arrhythmia
- A pacemaker or implantable defibrillator to help maintain a normal heart rhythm
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or eating a healthy, balanced diet
It is important to talk to a doctor if you think you have a heart arrhythmia or if you have symptoms that worry you. Early treatment of cardiac arrhythmia can help prevent serious complications and maintain a good quality of life.
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent cardiac arrhythmia or reduce the risk of developing an arrhythmia:
- Take care of your overall health by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
- Manage pre-existing health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, properly
- Avoiding alcohol and drug abuse
- Managing stress and anxiety properly, such as through relaxation or therapy
- By taking care of your health and following your doctor's advice, you can reduce your risk of developing a heart arrhythmia and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
Important points
- Cardiac arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder that can be mild or severe.
- Causes of cardiac arrhythmia can include pre-existing health problems, damage to the heart, use of certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse, and stress and anxiety.
- Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia may include palpitations, dizziness, headache, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting.
- Treatment for cardiac arrhythmia may include medications, medical procedures, a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, and lifestyle changes.
- Cardiac arrhythmia can be prevented by taking care of your overall health, managing pre-existing health problems, avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, and managing stress and anxiety appropriately.
It is important to talk to a doctor if you think you have a heart arrhythmia or if you have symptoms that worry you, in order to receive appropriate treatment and prevent serious complications.
Source
Eckel, R. H., Jakicic, J. M., Ard, J. D., de Jesus, J. M., Houston Miller, N., Hubbard, V. S., Lee, I-M., Lichtenstein, A. H., Loria, C. M., Millen, B. E., Nonas, C. A., Sacks, F. M., Smith, S. C., Svetkey, L. P., Wadden, T. A. & Yanovski, S. Z. 2014. "2013 AHA/ACC Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines". Circulation. Vol. 129, no. 25 suppl. 2, S76 - S99. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000437740.48606.d1 [Last consultation July 23, 2024]