Arrhythmia

What is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a complication with the rate of your heartbeat. It arises with the improper working of electrical impulses that correlate with your heartbeats, affecting your heart to beat too slow, too fast or irregularly. When the rate is too slow, it is called bradycardia. When the rate is too fast, it is called tachycardia. Many factors such as smoking, congenital heart defects and stress are majorly responsible for this condition. There are many effective treatments available that focus to recondition a normal heart rhythm.

Symptoms

Many cases of arrhythmia cause no symptoms. But when they are present, the most common ones are:

  • Sweating
  • Fast or slow heart beat
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fluttering in your chest

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Causes

There are various causes that can lead to arrhythmia:

  • High blood pressure
  • A heart attack
  • Sleep apnea
  • Blocked arteries in your heart
  • Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
  • Overactive and underactive thyroid gland

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Risks

The main risk factors are:

  • Heart diseases
  • Thyroid problems
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Diabetes
  • Caffeine or nicotine use

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Prevention

  • Eat fibre-rich food
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Healthy lifestyle

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How is it diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose arrhythmia based on family and medical history, a physical examination and the outcomes from tests and procedures.

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How is it treated?

Common arrhythmia treatments include specific procedures, medicines and surgery. The treatment for arrhythmia mainly focuses on reducing the significant symptoms or risks related to more heart problems.

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  • Pacemaker

    A pacemaker detects an abnormal heart rate and then it releases electrical impulses that recondition the heart to beat at a normal rate.

  • Cardioversion

    In cardioversion, an electric shock or medication is delivered to restore the heart to its regular rhythm.

  • Surgery

    In most cases, certain surgeries like maze procedure or coronary bypass surgery may be the recommended treatment for arrhythmia.

  • Vagal maneuvers

    These maneuvers are used to decelerate the heart rate by restoring the vagus nerve.

When do I contact the doctor?

You need to see a doctor if you are having certain chest pain symptoms or your heart is fluttering, racing or has skipped a beat. You may have to be evaluated for more heart diseases.

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How does Medanta provide care?

The Heart Institute at Medanta is an integrated healthcare centre with a highly experienced, qualified, and dedicated team of heart surgeons, cardiologists, and radiologists who work in complete coordination to provide comprehensive and multidisci..

Get treated in specialised institutes and departments

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