Nearly 700,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year. Unfortunately, heart disease can lead to a number of heart-related issues, one of the most notable being an irregular heartbeat (known as dysrhythmia). We’ve put together a brief guide with key information about the condition.
Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Dysrhythmia
This heart condition is caused by an electrical impulse problem in the heart that affects its regular beating pattern. It can cause the heart to beat either too quickly (tachycardia) or too slowly (bradycardia).
In some cases, it may also cause a fluttering sensation known as palpitations. When these occur, they can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if they don’t resolve quickly.
Dysrhythmia Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of dysrhythmia vary depending on which type you have.
Symptoms of tachycardia include a rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, or lightheadedness. Bradycardia symptoms include a slow or irregular pulse, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Risk Factors
Left untreated, dysrhythmia can lead to further complications, such as stroke or heart failure.
Risk factors include age (over 65), family history, or high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Diabetes, smoking, and obesity are also notable risk factors.
Treatment Options
In some cases, you’ll need medication to regulate your heartbeat. In more serious cases, a pacemaker may be necessary. A pacemaker is a device that sends electrical signals to the heart in order to keep it beating at a normal rate.
Your doctor can provide more info if you are wondering how does pacemaker work.
Follow-up Care and Monitoring
After treatment, your doctor will likely want to monitor your heart rhythm.
They will use a device to measure your heart rate and may order tests like an echocardiogram. This device records and stores information about your heartbeat for an extended period of time.
Your doctor can then review the data to determine if you need additional treatments or medications.
Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing dysrhythmia. This can include quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress levels.
It’s not uncommon for those who rework their lifestyles to see amazing results. This is especially true if you are overweight or smoke on a regular basis. Making these changes can help you maintain a regular heartbeat.
They can also help reduce your risk of other cardiac issues.
Don’t Neglect a Dysrhythmia
If you notice that your heart is beating irregularly, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away.
Even if the symptoms are mild, they can be an indication of a serious underlying condition. Your doctor can help diagnose and treat dysrhythmia as soon as possible. This can go a long way when it comes to helping you stay healthy.
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