As a survivor or co-survivor of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), you may have heard the term “arrhythmia” used to describe an irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmia is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, and it plays a significant role in an SCA.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a term used to describe any disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, and it relies on a complex electrical system to maintain a steady, regular beat. When this electrical system malfunctions, it can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly, resulting in an arrhythmia.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
The most common symptom of arrhythmia is heart palpitations, which is the sensation of your heart beating irregularly, too fast, or too slow. You may feel like your heart is skipping beats, fluttering, or pounding. Other symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
It’s important to note that not everyone with arrhythmia experiences symptoms, and some people may have symptoms that come and go.
Diagnosing Arrhythmia
If you experience arrhythmia symptoms, you must see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will typically start by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also order one or more of the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any abnormal rhythms.
- Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG device that you wear for 24 to 48 hours, allowing your doctor to monitor your heart rhythm over an extended period.
- Event monitor: This is similar to a Holter monitor, but it only records your heart rhythm when you experience symptoms and push a button.
- Implantable loop recorder: This small device is implanted under the skin of your chest and can continuously monitor your heart rhythm for up to three years.
Types of Arrhythmia
There are many different types of arrhythmia, and they can be classified based on where they originate in the heart and how they affect your heart rate. Some of the most common types of arrhythmia include:
- Atrial fibrillation: This is the most common type of arrhythmia, affecting over 33 million people worldwide. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly.
- Ventricular tachycardia: This fast, regular heart rhythm originates in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Bradycardia: This is a slow heart rate, typically defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
Treatment Options for Arrhythmia
The treatment for arrhythmia depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some standard treatment options include:
- Medications: Several medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic drugs, can help control heart rate and rhythm.
- Cardioversion: This procedure uses electrical shocks to reset the heart’s rhythm.
- Catheter ablation: This is a procedure that uses heat or cold energy to destroy the tissue in the heart that is causing the abnormal rhythm.
- Pacemaker: This is a small device implanted under the skin of the chest. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to help maintain a regular rhythm.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): This device is implanted under the skin of the chest and can detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering an electrical shock to the heart.
Preventative Measures for Arrhythmia
While not all cases of arrhythmia can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of arrhythmia.
- Manage underlying health conditions: Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, can increase your risk of arrhythmia. Working with your healthcare team to manage these conditions can help reduce your risk.
- Know your family history: Some types of arrhythmia can run in families. If you have a family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest, it’s essential to let your doctor know so they can monitor you more closely.
- Be aware of medications that can trigger arrhythmia: Certain medications, including some over-the-counter and herbal remedies, can trigger arrhythmia in some people. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication.
- Stay up-to-date with check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help catch any potential problems early on before they develop into more severe conditions like arrhythmia or SCA.
Living with Arrhythmia
If you have been diagnosed with arrhythmia, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications, including SCA. Some lifestyle changes that may help include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use
- Taking medications as prescribed
It’s also important to be aware of your symptoms and to seek medical attention if they worsen or become more frequent.