INDEX:
- What is arrhythmia?
- Prognosis of the disease
- Symptoms
- How is it diagnosed?
- What are the causes?
- Prevention of arrhythmias
- How is it treated?
- What expert treats it?
What is arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. It means that the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or has an irregular pattern.
The rhythmic succession of heartbeats at rest ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. When these beats are significantly increased, it is called sinus tachycardia, whereas if the beats are slowed, it is called sinus bradycardia.
Prognosis of the disease
The prognosis of the arrhythmia always depends on different factors, such as the type of arrhythmia suffered by the patient and whether there is previous heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure or heart valve disease).
Even so, the prognosis is generally good if the heart rate is controlled. Otherwise, it may lead to heart failure.
Symptoms of arrhythmia
The person affected by arrhythmia may not feel symptoms when the arrhythmia is present. Symptoms may be mild, severe, or even life-threatening.
The most common are:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Fainting
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
Medical tests for arrhythmia
The health care provider will perform a series of tests to diagnose the arrhythmia. First, he or she will listen to your heart to feel your pulse with a stethoscope. Then an electrocardiogram will be performed.
In some cases, coronary angiography and an electrophysiological study will be performed to see how blood flows in the arteries and to observe the heart’s electrical system.
Arrhythmias usually have a good prognosis.
What are the causes of arrhythmia?
Arrhythmias are caused by problems in the heart’s electrical conduction system. The main causes include:
- Abnormal levels of potassium or other substances in the body.
- Heart attack or myocardial damage from a heart attack in the past.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heart failure or enlargement of the heart
- Congenital heart disease
Can it be prevented?
Quitting smoking or exercising 30 minutes a day may decrease the likelihood of arrhythmia. In addition, it is also important to control cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.
Treatments for arrhythmia
When an arrhythmia is serious, the patient may receive urgent treatment to restore normal heart rhythm.
The treatment consists of performing:
- An electric shock therapy (defibrillation or cardioversion).
- Implantation of a temporary cardiac pacemaker.
- Administration of medications
Other treatments to prevent or treat arrhythmias are cardiac ablation, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and a pacemaker.
Which specialist treats it?
The expert in charge of treating arrhythmias is the Cardiology physician.