Arrhythmia is when the heart does not have a regular rhythm. The electrical impulses in the heart can be too slow or too fast, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. When the heart has an irregular beat, the heart doesn’t pump blood properly.
This condition can affect the function of other organs including the lungs, brain, and kidneys causing damage to your health.
Medical professionals divide heart Arrhythmias into two groups;
The latest research has shown that the number of cardiac arrhythmias is South Africa has been continuously increasing. Most arrhythmia symptoms vary depending on the condition’s severity and type. Some of the symptoms include:
There are several causes for irregular heartbeats. For instance, you may develop arrhythmia due to:
As Arrhythmia is linked to different health conditions, several factors increase the risk of arrhythmia. Some common risk factors are:
Like other heart conditions, doctors need to run some essential diagnostic tests and clinical examinations to determine whether you have an arrhythmia or not. The three most common tests for this heart disease include:
It is crucial to see your doctor or cardiologist if you experience arrhythmias symptoms to avoid complications like sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure.
Treatment for arrhythmia depends on the type of arrhythmia and its primary cause, as well as the severity of symptoms. Anti-arrhythmic medications are the first treatment that can help to regulate the heart’s rhythm and prevent arrhythmias from occurring.
Depending on your condition, your doctor can use devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to regulate the heart’s rhythm and provide electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat.
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help to reduce the risk of arrhythmias.