Cardiac arrhythmias are a common phenomenon concerning many people and is defined as the lack of normal rhythm heart.
It is important to know that the heart works with electrical signals it itself produces and that any disorder in this process can lead to arrhythmia.
More generally, arrhythmias are classified into bradyarrhythmias (number of pulses/minute below 50) and tachyarrhythmias (number of pulses/minute above 100).
Frequency of arrhythmias
“Arrhythmias occur at a rate of 1.5% to 5% of the general population, but not all arrhythmias are the same, nor do they have the same seriousness. Although it is for all ages, they are more common in adults after 30-40 years. The most well -known arrhythmia in adults is atrial fibrillation, which, if not treated, can have a serious health impact, “says Charalambos Kosivakis, director of electrophysiology and pacing at the Metropolitan Hospital and continues by explaining his symptoms of risks:
Symptoms
There are cases where one may have arrhythmias without realizing them, and at other times they may feel arrhythmias without being pathological. Vaginal fibrillation is an example of arrhythmia that can be asymptomatic. In this case, regular preventive control, especially after 60-65 years, is very important.
The symptoms of an arrhythmia vary and include:
- Feeling “fluttering” on the chest
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of intense fatigue
If one has such symptoms, it is advisable to visit a specialist cardiologist. In some cases, arrhythmias may occur occasionally and may be associated with situations such as stress, caffeine consumption or dehydration.
Hazardness of arrhythmias
The danger of an arrhythmia depends on whether it is accompanied by some underlying heart disease, such as valve disease, coronary heart disease, heart failure, or primary heart disease. Most serious arrhythmias can cause strokes, heart failure, or cardiac arrest if not treated promptly and properly. Otherwise, without the presence of a heart disease, the majority of arrhythmias are benign and do not combine with poor prognosis.
Check for arrhythmias
One simple way is to palpate the pulse. If the pulses are irregular or very high (over 90 or below 60 in a state of rest), it is good to visit a doctor. In addition, the use of mobile devices, such as smartwatches, can provide useful indications for arrhythmias but does not replace the clinical diagnosis by a specialist.
Although exercise is generally beneficial to the heart, excessive stress can increase the risk of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. This is mainly observed in endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, so it is important for athletes to undergo regular cardiac tests, especially if they have a family history of heart disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of an arrhythmia includes exams such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Heart ultrasound (Triplex)
- Fatigue test
- Holter rhythm to continuously recording cardiac function
The treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia and includes:
- Anti -rhythmic medication to eliminate or reduce arrhythmia relapses
- Anticoagulant medication in patients with vaginal fibrillation or vaginal flutter and high risk of vascular stroke
- Treatment of underlying diseases such as: arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, pathogenic obesity
- Changes in lifestyle such as smoking cessation, avoidance of sedentary life, reducing stress and balanced diet
- Invasive treatments such as ablation or pacemaker placement
In some cases, lifestyle changes can be enough for arrhythmia management, especially when associated with factors such as stress or excessive alcohol consumption. However, when arrhythmias are more serious, more specialized intervention is required.
“Cardiac arrhythmias are common and may not always cause symptoms. Regular preventive control is important, especially for high -risk individuals. If suspected symptoms occur, early diagnosis and treatment by a special cardiologist is crucial to heart health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, attention to warning signs and timely intervention can make a significant contribution to maintaining heart health, ”concludes Mr. Kosivakis.