Healing Heart Arrhythmias
Your heart is beating so fast that it feels like it is leaping out of your chest. You feel winded and fatigued. You are gasping for air. You could have a heart arrhythmia.
A heart arrhythmia is a heart condition where the beats are irregular, whether that is too fast or too slow. An arrhythmia is a glitch in the heart’s rhythm and is created when the electrical impulses, which coordinate heartbeats, are not functioning properly. About one in 18 people or 5 percent of the United States population has an arrhythmia.
There are two basic kinds of arrhythmias. Bradycardia is when the heart rate is too slow, beating less than 60 beats per minute. Tachycardia is when the heart rate is too fast, beating more than 100 beats per minute. Most arrhythmias are treatable and even curable, however, the condition can become serious and even fatal if not discovered. More Americans are being diagnosed with arrhythmias today due to increased awareness and better diagnostic tools.
An arrhythmia can often have no symptoms when it is very brief. It may feel like a skipped heartbeat that a person hardly notices. For others it can feel like a fluttering in the chest or neck. Arrhythmias that are severe or last for a long period of time can actually affect the way the heart functions. The heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, causing symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, it can cause death.
There are many causes behind heart arrhythmia, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or congestive heart failure. Arrhythmias can also be caused by certain substances or medications such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, diet pills, cough and cold remedies. Emotional states such as shock, fright, or stress can also cause irregular heart rhythms.
Many people experience heart palpitations for many reasons. Oftentimes, it is harmless—particularly if the person is young and healthy.
Be on the lookout for related symptoms that signal trouble. Be aware of dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath and be cognizant of any activities that induce these symptoms.
It is important for individuals to understand the risk factors for arrhythmias since the condition can increase their chances for a heart attack or stroke. Risk factors include:
· Age-Normal aging is associated with a variety of changes to a person’s cardiovascular system and studies have shown that the risk of arrhythmias increases as one gets older.
· Genetics-Men are at a slightly higher risk for developing arrhythmias than women. However, women diagnosed with it carry a longer-term risk of premature death. A person is at a higher risk for the condition if heart disease is a part of one’s family history.
· Certain diseases-Those with thyroid disease, diabetes, and hypertension are more prone to develop an arrhythmia.
· Lifestyle choices-Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and stimulant drug use (including caffeine) raises a person’s risk.
Treatment for heart arrhythmia can vary, depending on the heart abnormality a patient is dealing with. A doctor will try to figure out exactly what type of arrhythmia it is and whether it is associated with abnormalities of the heart. Treatment is going to depend on what type of abnormality it is and whether it keeps bad company. For instance, with a slow heart rate, sometimes pacemakers are required. Meanwhile a rapid heart rate could mean medications. With arrhythmia, there could also be a risk of stroke, requiring a patient to go on blood thinners.
Medication and minimally invasive procedures are treatments that patients can count on in the road towards recovery. Experts advise you to find the source of the arrhythmia before choosing the right treatment. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is often used to diagnose arrhythmias. An EKG creates a graphic record of the heart’s electrical impulses. Other tests may include exercise stress tests and electrophysiological studies, which help map the heart’s electrical system. Arrhythmias that happen infrequently may require a monitor that can be worn up to four weeks.
Regardless of the heart condition, lifestyle modification is the key to lowering the risk for heart attack and stroke. Simple steps like quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and exercise go a long way. You can work with your doctor regarding health goals and a fitness plan.
The cornerstone of management of any cardiovascular condition is appropriate management of cardio risk factors. There are many reasons why lifestyle modification can work. It is the first step towards alleviating this condition.
