{"id":1576,"date":"2020-05-27T13:18:39","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T13:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.kayawell.com\/?p=1576"},"modified":"2020-05-29T05:45:25","modified_gmt":"2020-05-29T05:45:25","slug":"arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention","title":{"rendered":"Arrhythmia- Overview, Symptoms, Causes and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An\narrhythmia is a problem with heartbeat rates or rhythms. The heart can beat too\nquickly, too slowly or at an abnormal rhythm during an arrhythmia. The\ncondition is called tachycardia when a heart beats too fast. The condition is\ncalled bradycardia when a heart beats too slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arrhythmia\nis caused by changes in heart tissue and activity, or electrical signals\nregulating the heartbeat. Such changes can be caused by disease, injury or\ngenetic damage. There are often no symptoms but some people feel a heartbeat\nthat is irregular. You may feel faint or dizzy, or have trouble breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most\ncommon test used to diagnose an arrhythmia is an electrocardiogram (EKG or\nECG). Your doctor will run other tests as needed. She or he may recommend\nmedicines, placement of a device that can correct an irregular heartbeat or\nsurgery to repair nerves that are over-stimulating the heart. If an arrhythmia\nis left untreated, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body.\nThis can damage the heart, the brain, or other organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#Symptoms\" title=\"Symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#When_to_call_your_doctor\" title=\"When to call your doctor\">When to call your doctor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#Causes\" title=\"Causes\">Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#Risk_factors\" title=\"Risk factors\">Risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#Complications\" title=\"Complications\">Complications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/arrhythmia-overview-symptoms-causes-and-prevention\/#Prevention\" title=\"Prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms\"><\/span>Symptoms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arrhythmias\nmay not cause any signs or symptoms. In fact, during a routine exam, your\ndoctor might find you have an arrhythmia before you do so. However, visible\nsigns and symptoms don&#8217;t necessarily mean you have a severe problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Noticeable\narrhythmia symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A fluttering in your chest<\/li><li>A racing heartbeat (tachycardia)<\/li><li>A slow heartbeat (bradycardia)<\/li><li>Chest pain<\/li><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other\nsymptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Anxiety<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Lightheadedness or dizziness<\/li><li>Sweating<\/li><li>Fainting (syncope) or near fainting<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_call_your_doctor\"><\/span>When to call your doctor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The symptoms\nof arrhythmias are too often ignored. If you have symptoms of arrhythmias you\nshould always consult your doctor. Some symptoms signal a need for immediate\ncare. Additionally, some symptoms may be caused by other problems that require\nan urgent diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes\"><\/span>Causes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any\ninterruption of the electrical impulses that cause contractions in the heart\ncan lead to arrhythmia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some factors\nmay cause the heart to function incorrectly, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Alcohol abuse<\/li><li>Diabetes<\/li><li>Substance use disorder<\/li><li>Drinking too much coffee<\/li><li>Heart disease, such as congestive heart failure<\/li><li>High blood pressure<\/li><li>Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland<\/li><li>Stress<\/li><li>Scarring of the heart, mostly because of a heart attack<\/li><li>Smoking<\/li><li>Certain dietary and herbal supplements<\/li><li>Some medications<\/li><li>Structural changes in the heart<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A person\nwith good heart health will hardly ever experience long-term arrhythmia unless\nthey have an external trigger, like as a disorder with substance use or an\nelectrical shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An\nunderlying heart condition, however, may mean that electrical impulses do not\npass right through the heart. This increases the risk of developing arrhythmia.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_factors\"><\/span>Risk factors <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nfollowing may increase the risk of arrhythmia for a person:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Being 65 years of age or older<\/li><li>Inherited genetic anomalies<\/li><li>Underlying heart problems<\/li><li>Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism<\/li><li>Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs<\/li><li>Hypertension<\/li><li>Obesity<\/li><li>Uncontrolled diabetes<\/li><li>Obstructive sleep apnea<\/li><li>Electrolyte imbalances<\/li><li>Heavy and regular alcohol consumption<\/li><li>Too much caffeine<\/li><li>Illegal drugs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications\"><\/span>Complications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unrecognized\nor left untreated arrhythmias may often cause life-threatening problems\naffecting the heart and brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Cognitive\nimpairment and dementia:<\/strong> Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and vascular dementia are more common in\npeople suffering from arrhythmia.<\/li><li><strong>Heart\nfailure:<\/strong>\nRepeat arrhythmias can lead to a rapid decline in the ability of the lower\nchambers to pump blood. Heart failure is especially likely to develop or to\ngrow worse as a result of arrhythmia when you already have heart disease.<\/li><li><strong>Stroke:<\/strong> This can\noccur in some patients who have atrial fibrillation. Blood can pool in the\natria with arrhythmia, causing blood clots to form. If a clot breaks off and\ntravels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.<\/li><li><strong>Sudden\ncardiac arrest:<\/strong> Because of ventricular fibrillation, the heart will suddenly and\nunexpectedly stop beating.<\/li><li><strong>Sudden\ninfant death syndrome (SIDS):<\/strong> SIDS can be attributed to an inherited\nconduction disorder that causes arrhythmia.<\/li><li><strong>Worsening\narrhythmia:<\/strong> Some arrhythmias trigger another type of arrhythmia or get worse\nover time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention\"><\/span>Prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is\nnecessary to live a healthy lifestyle to reduce heart disease to prevent the\nrisk of heart arrhythmia. A heart-healthy lifestyle may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Eating a heart-healthy diet<\/li><li>Staying physically active and keeping a healthy weight<\/li><li>Avoiding smoking<\/li><li>Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol<\/li><li>Use cautious over-the-counter medicines, as some cold and cough\nmedicines contain stimulants that can cause a rapid heartbeat<\/li><li>Reducing stress, because intense stress and anger can cause\nproblems with heart rhythm<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview An arrhythmia is a problem with heartbeat rates or rhythms. The heart can beat too quickly, too slowly or at an abnormal rhythm during an arrhythmia. The condition is called tachycardia when a heart beats too fast. The condition is called bradycardia when a heart beats too slowly. Arrhythmia is caused by changes in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1576"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1576\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}