Understand Arrhythmia: The Most Common Heart Problem

Arrhythmia is simply an irregular heartbeat. It may be slow, fast, or abnormally irregular. This condition is the most common heart problem and signals poor heart health.

This condition has affected millions of people globally, making it a crucial disorder relating to the heart. In case you are diagnosed with arrhythmia, you must prioritise heart care and seek cardiac care. This will help prevent the progression of heart disease and prolong life.

What is Arrhythmia?

When the electrical system of the heart does not function adequately, it results in irregular heartbeat. Typically, the heart uses a special signal network to beat, but when the system fails to function harmoniously, arrhythmia develops. In most cases, arrhythmia is harmless but can be life-threatening if disregarded. Hence, it is important to understand your condition and seek medical attention at an early stage.

Types of arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are of multiple types based on their causes and speed. Major types of arrhythmia include:

• Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than normal. A condition can be termed tachycardia when the heartbeat exceeds 100 beats per minute for a prolonged duration. Common causes include stress, side effects from medicines, or underlying heart conditions.

• Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats slower than normal. A condition can be termed bradycardia when the heartbeat falls below 60 beats per minute for a prolonged duration. Common causes include malfunctioning pacemakers or dysfunctioning electrical signalling within the heart.

• Atrial Fibrillation

Afib or atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia. It typically develops when the atria or the upper chambers of the heart receive irregular electrical impulses, resulting in rapid and irregular heartbeat. Afib increases your risk of having a stroke, blood clots and heart failure.

Why do arrhythmias happen?

Various reasons can cause arrhythmias, but they typically occur due to stressful situations, side effects of some medications, underlying heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, history of heart attack, thyroid conditions, and others.

What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia doesn’t really show evident symptoms that will push you to visit a doctor. However, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Palpitations or rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath on performing routine activity and on minimal physical exertion
• Pain in the chest
• Falling unconscious

If you have been experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, consult your physician or cardiologist at the earliest.

How can one treat or prevent arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is more common among people than we think. It is crucial to take care of your heart health since poor heart health poses a lot of risks. This implies you must get yourself regularly checked, especially if you have a strong familial history of medical conditions. In addition, see your heart doctor and enquire what tests you need to undergo.

For severe cases of arrhythmias or in cases where complications are more likely to occur, getting critical care is essential. This kind of special care allows you to diagnose your condition early and prolong survival.

Treating arrhythmia depends on its type and severity. Some common approaches include making lifestyle modifications, medications, catheter ablation, electrical cardioversion or using implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. Only a cardiologist can help you evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable plan of treatment.

Conclusion

Knowing what arrhythmia is, and how it can impact your health and life is essential for taking the right steps before it’s too late. By recognizing how it occurs, its symptoms and preventative approaches, it is possible to keep yourself safe and manage this condition effectively.

Today, healthcare is available at our fingertips, so why not make the most of it and protect ourselves and our loved ones? So today, ensure you prioritise your health, adopt a healthy, heart-friendly lifestyle and follow medical advice that can change your life for the better.