What is Arrhythmia? | Wellbeing

Signs of arrhythmia can be felt as a racing heartbeat, a fluttering sensation, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Some types of arrhythmias are harmless; at times, a fast or slow heartbeat is normal. For example, the heart rate may increase during exercise or caffeine consumption, or slow down during sleep and rest.

Management and treatment of arrhythmia may involve the use of medications, devices like pacemakers, or surgical interventions. The goal of treatment is to control or eliminate rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeats. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart damage and minimize causes that may trigger certain types of arrhythmias.

Is Arrhythmia Dangerous?

Arrhythmias may only appear for a short period, causing no serious symptoms and requiring no treatment. However, some types of arrhythmias persist for hours, or even years. If not detected and treated promptly, they can lead to serious complications for the patient.

Arrhythmias are classified into different types based on heart rate. Some dangerous types of arrhythmias that need attention include:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A common type of arrhythmia where the atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat irregularly and rapidly. This leads to ineffective blood pumping, which can cause blood clots to form and increases the risk of stroke.

• Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): A more serious condition where the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) contract ineffectively, resulting in the heart being unable to pump blood to the body. VFib can lead to cardiac arrest, heart muscle damage, and brain damage if not treated immediately.

• Atrioventricular Block (AV Block): A disorder where electrical signals from the atria to the ventricles are slowed or stopped, leading to cardiac arrest.

Warning Signs of Arrhythmia

Symptoms of arrhythmia can vary depending on the type and severity. Some common signs include:

• Palpitations: A feeling of a pounding or irregular heartbeat.

• Dizziness, Lightheadedness: A feeling of loss of balance or like you are about to faint.

• Fainting (Syncope): Temporary loss of consciousness.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.

• Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest.

• Fatigue: Unexplained exhaustion.

There are many causes of arrhythmia, including:

Most arrhythmias occur due to problems with the arteries, valves, or heart muscle.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart valve problems.

• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, alcohol consumption, coffee, or tobacco can increase the risk.

• Medication Use: Some medications can cause arrhythmias.

• Other Health Issues: Such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or electrolyte disorders.

Complications of Arrhythmia

• Stroke Risk: One of the most serious consequences of arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation, is an increased risk of stroke. When the heartbeat is irregular, blood can pool and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow, leading to a stroke.

• Cardiac Arrest: Some types of arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation, can lead to cardiac arrest. This is a serious medical emergency where the heart stops pumping blood. If not treated immediately, cardiac arrest can lead to death.

• Heart Failure: Arrhythmia can reduce the heart's pumping ability, leading to heart failure. When the heart does not work effectively, the body may not receive enough blood and oxygen, causing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.

• Unpleasant Symptoms: People with arrhythmia may experience memory loss or cognitive decline. Additionally, unpleasant symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath also affect the ability to perform normal daily activities.

Does Arrhythmia Need Treatment?

Many forms of arrhythmia do not require treatment other than a thorough explanation to the patient and encouragement to build a healthy lifestyle, maintain a comfortable spirit, and stay optimistic. For some other forms of arrhythmia, doctors will start by searching for and treating underlying causes or potential diseases. More serious forms may require medical treatment, cardioversion, ablation therapy, surgery, or the use of implantable devices (pacemakers and defibrillators).

The choice of appropriate treatment for arrhythmia depends on the type, severity, and health condition of the patient.

• Adjusting Potential Causes: Simple lifestyle changes can help improve arrhythmia, such as managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, avoiding tobacco products, alcohol, and other stimulants (caffeine). Changing or stopping certain medications. Improving oxygen supply to tissues and local pH leading to a return to sinus rhythm can resolve the problem.

• Medication: Using anti-arrhythmic drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other antiarrhythmic drugs to regulate heart rate and prevent arrhythmia episodes. Or anticoagulants like warfarin to prevent blood clot formation, especially in cases of atrial fibrillation.

• Cardioversion: A safe method to restore normal heart rhythm. Performed under doctor supervision, usually used for types of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.

• Catheter Ablation: Ablation via catheter is an optimal procedure to treat arrhythmias caused by abnormal heart tissue. Using radiofrequency energy or cold energy (cryoablation) to destroy the tissue area causing the arrhythmia. This method is very effective for atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and some types of ventricular tachycardia.

• Implantable Devices:

  • Pacemaker: A device implanted in the body to regulate heart rate, especially in cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate). This machine emits small electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat.

  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Implanted to monitor heart rate and automatically deliver an electric shock when detecting dangerous heart rhythms, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. This device helps save the lives of patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

How to Live with Arrhythmia

• Learn to Self-Monitor Health: How to care for your health to minimize complications from arrhythmia. The best way is to practice a positive lifestyle and mindset, knowing your condition and type of arrhythmia. Equip yourself with basic knowledge about arrhythmia. Learn to check your heart rate by counting beats per minute (60 to 100 beats per minute is normal); some health tracking devices or smartwatches can support you in doing this easily. You should also ensure that family and friends around you know how to recognize your arrhythmia symptoms. Especially, learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Equipping a common Automated External Defibrillator (AED) also helps analyze the patient's condition and guide necessary actions at each stage.

• Appropriate Diet: Helps prevent arrhythmia. Limit alcohol and caffeine, as they can both stimulate arrhythmia. Pay attention to your diet to maintain general health.

• Manage Stress: Practice stress reduction methods such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Stress can be a trigger for arrhythmia. Exercise regularly and pay attention to proper rest.

• Connect with the Community: Join support groups or patient communities to share experiences and emotions. This can help you feel less alone in the journey of living with arrhythmia, as well as potentially helping other patients.

• Know When to See a Doctor: Your doctor will tell you how often you should visit. Call your doctor if your symptoms become more severe or if there are any changes in your health condition.

Arrhythmia is a common health condition, but if detected and treated promptly, you can completely control this situation. If you have any symptoms related to heart rhythm, consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Proper attention and care will help you maintain a healthy heart!