
Everything You Need to Know About Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia, in simplest terms, refers to any change in the electrical impulses that coordinate your heart to beat properly. Depending on the chance in impulses, you may find your heart beating too slow, too fast, or irregularly. Arrhythmias range from life-threatening to completely harmless, which is why you should seek urgent medical care if you frequently or suddenly experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.
To prevent heart arrhythmia, we recommend partnering with Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, to begin your path toward a heart-healthy lifestyle. He can recommend a number of simple changes to reduce your risk of heart disease, such as changing your diet, staying physically active, and reducing stress.
Related: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Heart Health
Who Is at Risk for Arrhythmia?
Understanding whether you or a loved one is at an increased risk for arrhythmia is an essential step toward the prevention of heart disease. Anyone with a pre-existing heart condition is at risk of developing an arrhythmia, including the following:
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Coronary heart disease
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Heart failure
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Endocarditis
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Heart valve disease
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Congenital heart disorders
Other risk factors include high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, and age. A great way to control these risk factors is to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, and engage in regular physical activity.
Related: What is Atrial Fibrillation?
What Are the Symptoms of an Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmias are known for producing a wide range of signs and symptoms. Your experience with arrhythmia will differ depending on which type of arrhythmia you’re facing. Some individuals will only experience symptoms occasionally, while others may never experience any obvious symptoms. The most important thing is to communicate with your doctor about what you feel, when these symptoms occur, and whether or not you experience any changes in these symptoms over time. Common symptoms of arrhythmia include:
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Fluttering sensation in the neck or chest
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Fatigue
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Fainting or near fainting
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Shortness of breath
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Sweating
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Chest pain
Seek urgent medical care if you frequently or suddenly experience any of these symptoms at a time when you wouldn’t normally expect to experience them.
Do You Need Treatment for Arrhythmia?
Whether or not you’ll need treatment for your arrhythmia will be determined by whether or not your arrhythmia causes serious symptoms or places you at risk for more serious complications in the future. In most circumstances, your doctor will move forward with helping you treat the heart condition that may be causing your arrhythmia, reduce risk factors for other forms of heart disease, and restore a normal rhythm, if possible.
Some steps you can take toward reducing your risk for arrhythmia today include reducing your high blood pressure, working to control your cholesterol levels, eating a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. For more information regarding this condition or a possible treatment plan for your arrhythmia, consult a Tampa heart doctor.
To consult Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, a Tampa heart doctor, please call (813) 344-0934 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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