Overview
Heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat resulting from faulty electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats. It can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias may cause no symptoms or may cause symptoms such as a fluttering or racing heart. Some heart arrhythmias may be harmless, while others can be life-threatening. Treatment options include medications, procedures, implanted devices, or surgery to control or eliminate fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart damage that can trigger certain heart arrhythmias.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of heart arrhythmia may include a fluttering in the chest, a racing heartbeat, a slow heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, and sweating. If you feel like your heart is beating too fast or too slowly, or it's skipping a beat, you should make an appointment to see a doctor. If you have shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting, and chest pain or discomfort, seek immediate medical help.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing heart arrhythmia include coronary artery disease, other heart problems, previous heart surgery, narrowed heart arteries, heart attack, abnormal heart valves, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, thyroid disease (overactive or underactive thyroid gland), high blood pressure, congenital heart disease, diabetes, infection with COVID-19, sleep apnea, certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use, and genetics.
Development
The various heart arrhythmias develop due to disruptions in the normal electrical signaling pathways within the heart. This disruption can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias can be grouped by the speed of the heart rate, such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heartbeat). Examples of heart arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and atrial flutter, which are types of tachycardias characterized by chaotic and rapid heart signaling. These conditions can have serious complications, such as stroke. It is important to note that a heart arrhythmia may be harmless and not require treatment, but some cases may necessitate medications, procedures, or surgery to manage the symptoms. A heart-healthy lifestyle can also help prevent heart damage that can trigger certain heart arrhythmias.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if heart arrhythmia is suspected when you experience symptoms like a fluttering or racing heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, or fainting. Seek immediate medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or chest pain or discomfort. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack or ventricular fibrillation.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a heart arrhythmia, your doctor will usually start with a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. They may also perform tests to confirm an irregular heartbeat and look for conditions that can cause arrhythmias, such as heart disease or thyroid disease. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a Holter monitor, stress test, tilt table test, or electrophysiological testing and mapping.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of heart arrhythmia may include stroke, sudden death, and heart failure. Heart arrhythmias may also increase the risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke or other complications if they break loose and travel to other parts of the body. In some cases, arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Additionally, the reversed blood flow through the heart in some cases of arrhythmia can reduce oxygen levels and cause irregular heart rhythms, which may further increase the risk of complications.
Home Remedies
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart arrhythmias. The lifestyle changes include eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress, and using medications as directed. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment recommendations for heart arrhythmia.
Treatment
Treatments for heart arrhythmia may include medications, catheter procedures, implanted devices, or surgery to control or eliminate fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart damage that can trigger certain heart arrhythmias. The specific treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, as well as the underlying cause. Medications, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs or beta blockers, may be prescribed to regulate heart rhythms. In some cases, implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators may be recommended. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for heart arrhythmia, you can follow these steps:
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions: When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet or avoiding certain activities.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing: Include details about when they started, how often they occur, and any possible triggers.
- Note important personal information: Gather information about your family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, including vitamins or supplements: Include the dosages and how often you take them.
- Take someone along, if possible: A family member or friend can help you remember information, ask questions, and provide support.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor: Prepare a list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Some basic questions to ask your doctor about heart arrhythmia include questions about the cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, appropriate treatments, dietary recommendations, physical activity levels, and frequency of screenings for heart disease or other complications. By being well-prepared, you can make the most of your appointment and ensure that all your concerns are addressed.