Arrhythmia is an abnormality in your heartbeat. It can cause your heart to beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (brachycardia) or in an irregular rhythm (atrial fibrillation). This affects the way the blood flows which can even lead to heart failure, cardiac arrest, or stroke.
Arrhythmia is a common heart condition that affects millions of people, especially the elderly, affecting 1 in 5 people above the age of 65.
What Causes Arrhythmia?
There are a lot of factors that can cause or increase the risk of you getting arrhythmia. Let’s understand a few of those below:
- History of existing or prior heart condition
- Heart injury from trauma or surgery
- High blood pressure
- Having birth defects
- Imbalance of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, etc.) in the blood
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Smoking
- Stress and anxiety
- Insomnia, sleep apnea, or other sleeping disorders
- Certain medications
If you fit into any of the categories mentioned above, it will be wise to monitor your heart’s health annually.
When Should You See A Doctor For Arrhythmia?
You might not be able to understand how your heart functions just from some symptoms. In fact, many people do not feel any irregularity in their heartbeat at all! But if you experience the following symptoms, it will be wise to take a consult:
- Palpitations (a sensation of skipped or extra heartbeats)
- Rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue or weakness
- Anxiety or confusion
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
As mentioned before, arrhythmia can cause serious health issues and can even lead to sudden death. This is why it is crucial that you seek medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms.
How Is Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
A single incident of irregular heartbeat does not necessarily mean you have arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a repeating incident. Your cardiologist can use a combination of different tests to understand the nature and severity of your arrhythmia. For example, yan electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can record the heart’s electrical signals and show abnormalities, if any. A Holter monitor is a small device that you wear over a period of 24-48 hours to record your heart’s activity. A stress test can also be used to see how your heart performs when it is in stress.
How Is Arrhythmia Treated?
When it comes to the heart, treatment starts with lifestyle changes. These include eating a healthy and fat-free diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol. In addition, you will need various degrees of medical intervention depending on the severity of the condition. These treatment options are:
Medications: Several medications can help control the heart’s rhythm and reduce the risk of complications from arrhythmia. Your doctor may prescribe anti-arrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, or blood thinners to help manage your condition.
Cardioversion: In this procedure, an electrical shock is delivered to your heart to reset its rhythm. It may be done using medication or a device called a defibrillator.
Implantable Devices: Devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can help manage arrhythmia by regulating the heart’s rhythm and delivering shocks if necessary.
“Regular monitoring is the essence of managing arrhythmia. Work with your cardiologist, follow the treatment regimen, and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle to minimize the risk of complications from arrhythmia,” says Dr. Sandeep Khambhampati, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist with 10+ years of experience.