Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment Methods

Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia can be due to many causes, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases (such as coronary artery disease, heart failure)

• Hypertension (High blood pressure)

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Stress, anxiety

• Use of medications or stimulants

Common Symptoms

• Palpitations

• Dizziness, fainting (syncope)

• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Weakness, fatigue

• Excessive sweating

Treatment Methods

Treatment methods for cardiac arrhythmia focus on helping reduce symptoms, regulating and controlling heart rhythm, as well as preventing complications. Many types of cardiac arrhythmias have little clinical significance and do not require treatment; however, if the arrhythmia persists, there are 4 types of treatments that can be used:

• Medical Management (Conservative Treatment): Focuses on adjusting underlying causes:

  • Limit the use of stimulants, change or stop certain medications being used.

  • Maintain a healthy diet.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Manage stress and anxiety.

• Medications:

  • Anti-arrhythmic drugs.

  • Heart rate-lowering drugs (beta-blockers).

  • Anticoagulants if necessary.

• Cardioversion/Defibrillation:

  • Emergency or urgent cardioversion is used frequently in hemodynamically unstable patients. It is often the selective treatment for certain forms of supraventricular arrhythmias.

• Technical Interventions:

  • Pacemaker implantation: For cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate).

  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation: For people at high risk of cardiac arrest.

  • Ablation therapy: Treatment using extreme cold (cryoablation) or radiofrequency catheter ablation techniques. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is effectively used to improve blood flow to the heart.

Possible Post-Treatment Complications:

After treating cardiac arrhythmia, some complications may occur such as: new arrhythmias, infection, myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction, etc. To minimize the risk of complications after treatment, regular heart rate monitoring is needed to detect abnormalities. Pay attention to a healthy diet, do not use stimulants, and build a healthy lifestyle. Balance work and rest. Relax the mind, avoid pressure and stress.

If you feel anxious or depressed after treatment, consider seeking support from a psychologist or joining support groups. Patients need to inform relatives, friends, or colleagues around them about their condition. Equip some heart rate monitoring devices as well as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). In many cases where symptoms occur, those around will know how to support and take the patient to the medical facility fastest.

Cardiac arrhythmia can greatly affect the quality of life, but with early detection and timely treatment, patients can completely control this condition. If you have suspicious symptoms, see a doctor for advice and to be prescribed appropriate treatment methods.