Cardiac Arrhythmias Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Cardiac Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, where the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Cardiac Arrhythmias
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias can be caused by various factors, including:
- Heart Conditions: Heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease or heart attacks, can disrupt the heart’s electrical system.
- Medications: Some medications, especially those for high blood pressure, may trigger arrhythmias.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and drug use can contribute.
- Stress: High levels of stress or anxiety can influence heart rhythm.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can lead to arrhythmias.
- Genetics: Some arrhythmias have a hereditary component.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmias:
- palpitations
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- chest pain
- Fatigue
- shortness of breath
- Anxiety or Sweating
- Fluttering in the Chest
- Weakness
What are the types of Arrhythmia?
Healthcare providers describe arrhythmias by where in your heart they start.
- Supraventricular arrhythmias: These begin in your atria (your heart’s upper chambers). “Supraventricular” means above your ventricles or lower chambers of your heart.
- Ventricular arrhythmias : These begin in your heart’s ventricles or lower chambers.
- Bradyarrhythmias and Junctional rhythms: These can happen because of issues in your heart’s conduction system, such as the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node or His-Purkinje network.
What are the risk factors for Arrhythmia?
Risk factors for arrhythmia include:
- Using tobacco products.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Consuming drinks and foods that have caffeine.
- Taking stimulants like cold medicines or herbal supplements.
- Having high blood pressure.
- Having a BMI higher than 30.
- Having high blood sugar
- Having sleep apnea.
Prevention
- Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Monitoring and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.
- Seeking medical advice if you have concerning symptoms or a family history of arrhythmias.
Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a personalized approach to treating and preventing arrhythmias.
Treatment
- Medications to control heart rhythm or rate.
- Catheter ablation to correct abnormal electrical pathways.
- Implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators.
- Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Avoiding triggers like excessive caffeine or alcohol.
- Managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Stress management.
Lifestyle changes
Simple changes to the way you live can help with arrhythmias. These changes may include:
- Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
- Cutting back on alcohol intake.
- Avoiding caffeine and stimulants.
- Working toward a healthy weight.
Medications
Many medications can treat arrhythmias. Because everyone is different, you may have to try several medications and doses to find the one that works best for you. Heart arrhythmia treatments include:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs that convert the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm (normal rhythm) or prevent an arrhythmia.
- Medicines that control your heart rate.
- Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin) that reduce the risk of Blood clots forming.
- Medications that treat related conditions that may be causing an abnormal heart rhythm.
Frequently Asked Question on Cardiac Arrhythmias
Diagnosis often involves electrocardiograms (ECGs), holter monitors, and other heart monitoring tests to assess the heart’s electrical activity
While many arrhythmias are harmless, some can be life-threatening, particularly if they lead to conditions like ventricular fibrillation. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
Treatment may involve medications, catheter ablation, implantable devices (like pacemakers or defibrillators), or lifestyle changes, depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia.
Individual experiences with arrhythmias vary, and medical guidance is crucial to address specific concerns and treatment options.
Arrhythmias can be caused by factors like heart disease, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and sometimes, they may occur without an identifiable cause.