An arrhythmia is a change in the heartbeat rhythm. The heart may beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). Your heartbeat may be irregular. It occurs if the heart skips a beat or has an extra beat. Arrhythmias are common. For most people, they are minor and not serious. However, they can be severe or life-threatening if you have other heart problems.
Types of arrhythmia commonly seen are as follows,
- Atrial fibrillation: Heart beats irregularly and too fast. It can increase your risk of stroke.
- Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: Heart has episodes of beating too fast. It is not severe.
- Ectopic beats: Heart has an extra beat. Seek treatment if you have several extra beats in a row and/or other heart problems.
- Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation: The heart beats too fast. It require immediate treatment.
How bad is my arrhythmia?
Mild: Usually asymptomatic, medical treatment is not indicated, but a close follow-up is advised.
Moderate: Medical assistance is indicated
Severe: Urgent hospitalization is indicated
How to manage mild arrhythmia?
Keep track of your heart beats using Ankr (myAnkr web portal or the Ankr app). It will help you describe the severity to your doctor or nurse.
- Limit alcohol use and stop smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Avoid or limit caffeine, which is in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate.
- Work with your doctor to manage heart disease or other health problems.
How to manage moderate to severe arrhythmia?
Consult your physician right away if you have
- Passing out
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
- Chest Pain
What causes arrhythmia?
- Family history
- Certain type of cancer treatments ( chemo drugs, targeted therapy drugs)
- Lifestyle habits (alcohol, smoking)
- Stress
- Obesity
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Congenital heart disease (CHD)
- Abnormal heart valve function
- Heart failure.