Cardiac arrhythmia: causes, symptoms, and treatment methods

The heart works continuously, ensuring blood circulation and oxygen supply to all organs. However, sometimes its rhythm is disturbed, which may indicate serious health problems.

Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition when the frequency or regularity of heart contractions changes, which can be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and threaten serious complications.

In this article, we will consider why the heart rhythm fails, what causes may trigger irregular heartbeats, how dangerous this disorder is, as well as the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia.

Cardiac arrhythmia: what is it?

Normally, the heart beats at a regular rhythm with a frequency of 60 to 100 beats per minute. When this rhythm is disturbed, too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular heartbeat (extrasystole, atrial fibrillation, and other types of arrhythmia) may be observed.

The main feature of arrhythmia is that it can be either a temporary phenomenon or a chronic pathology. In some cases, patients may not even feel changes, while in more complex situations, rhythm disturbances can lead to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac arrest.

Why does the heart rhythm fail?

The main factors that can cause a heart rhythm disorder are divided into external and internal.

Internal causes:

• Cardiovascular diseases: coronary heart disease, myocarditis, heart defects, hypertension.

• Hormonal changes: thyroid problems, diabetes.

• Electrolyte imbalance: deficiency of potassium, magnesium, or calcium.

• Disorders of the autonomic nervous system: vagus nerve dysfunction, vegetative-vascular dystonia.

External factors:

• Chronic stress and fatigue.

• Abuse of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or narcotic substances.

• Side effects of some medications (especially cardiac drugs, antidepressants).

• Excessive physical activity or, conversely, a sedentary lifestyle.

If irregular heartbeats become regular, it is important not to ignore this symptom, but to consult a cardiologist for a full examination.

How dangerous is arrhythmia?

The risks depend on the type and severity of the disorders. The most common complications are:

• Thromboembolism. In some types of arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation, blood clots may form that can cause a stroke or heart attack.

• Heart failure. With prolonged disturbances of the heart rhythm, the heart may weaken and lose the ability to effectively pump blood.

• Sudden cardiac arrest. This is the most dangerous complication that can occur with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

To avoid serious consequences, it is important to consult a doctor in time and understand how dangerous arrhythmia is in your particular case.

How to treat arrhythmia?

Treatment of arrhythmia depends on its type, causes, and the patient’s overall condition. The main methods are:

• Medication therapy: antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots) are used.

• Lifestyle correction: proper nutrition, stress control, moderate physical activity.

• Surgical intervention: installation of a pacemaker or radiofrequency ablation to restore normal heart rhythm.

The doctor will help choose an effective treatment method and explain how to restore the heart rhythm and avoid complications.

What should not be done in arrhythmia?

With any type of rhythm disturbance, there are actions that can worsen the condition.

Cardiac arrhythmia: what should not be done:

• Take or cancel medications on your own without consulting a doctor.

• Abuse alcohol, coffee, smoking.

• Ignore arrhythmia attacks, especially if they are accompanied by dizziness or loss of consciousness.

• Subject the body to excessive physical exertion.

Following these recommendations will help control the condition and prevent serious consequences.

Practical tips for prevention

Arrhythmia can be both a consequence of cardiovascular diseases and a manifestation of stress, unhealthy lifestyle, or deficiency of important microelements. To reduce the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, it is worth following these recommendations:

1. Balanced nutrition

Diet has a significant impact on the state of the cardiovascular system. To normalize the heart rhythm, it is important to get enough magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is recommended to include in the diet:

• Potassium-rich foods: bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, legumes, dried fruits.

• Sources of magnesium: nuts, spinach, avocado, pumpkin seeds.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed oil, walnuts.

• Foods that reduce heart load: oatmeal, green tea, low-fat dairy products.

At the same time, it is necessary to limit:

• Salt and excess sodium – contribute to high blood pressure.

• Caffeine and alcohol – may cause heart rhythm disturbances.

• Fatty food – provokes an increase in cholesterol levels.

2. Moderate physical activity

Properly selected physical activity helps strengthen the heart muscle and improve blood circulation.

Useful types of activity:

• Walking (at least 30 minutes daily).

• Swimming – evenly loads the cardiovascular system.

• Yoga and breathing exercises – help control stress and normalize blood pressure.

It is necessary to avoid:

• Intense cardio workouts without preparation.

• Heavy strength exercises with breath holding.

• Sudden physical exertion after a long period of inactivity.

Before starting sports, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist to select a safe level of activity.

3. Stress control

Chronic stress can cause heart rhythm disturbances due to changes in blood pressure and hormonal balance.

Methods of coping with stress:

• Meditation and relaxation techniques.

• Mindful breathing practices.

• Sufficient rest and quality sleep (7–9 hours per day).

4. Giving up bad habits

• Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of heart rhythm disturbances.

• Excessive caffeine consumption can cause tachycardia.

• Abuse of energy drinks and nervous system stimulants can provoke cardiac arrhythmia.

Following these recommendations will help restore the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of developing heart pathologies.

Algorithm of actions during an arrhythmia attack

If the heart suddenly skips beats, it is important to know what to do. Depending on the type of arrhythmia, symptoms may differ, but the algorithm of actions remains similar.

Arrhythmia: what to do?

• Try to calm down. Panic only worsens the situation, so you should sit down, relax, and control your breathing.

• Provide access to oxygen: open the window, loosen tight clothing, lie down or sit.

• Perform breathing exercises: take a slow deep breath through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat for 2–3 minutes.

• Try reflex methods. Light massage of the carotid artery area (side of the neck) helps slow down the heartbeat. The Valsalva maneuver can also be effective: deep breath, breath-holding, attempt to “strain” (as during sneezing).

• If possible, measure pulse and blood pressure.

• Take the medication prescribed by the doctor if arrhythmia has already been diagnosed.

Call an ambulance if:

• The attack lasts more than 5–10 minutes.

• Dizziness, weakness, chest pain is felt.

• Loss of consciousness or breathing problems occur.

Cardiologist consultation

If you feel irregular heartbeats, frequent shortness of breath, or weakness, do not postpone visiting a doctor. Timely consultation with a cardiologist will help determine why the heart skips beats and choose effective treatment.

Do not ignore the symptoms! Make an appointment at "Oxford Medical" to get qualified help and restore your heart rhythm.

Frequently asked questions

How to get rid of irregular heartbeats?

It is necessary to eliminate provoking factors: stress, caffeine, smoking, sedentary lifestyle. It is important to normalize nutrition, maintain potassium and magnesium levels, and control blood pressure. If irregular heartbeats persist, consult a cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment selection.

What to do in arrhythmia?

Calm down, breathe deeply, unbutton tight clothing, provide access to air. Try reflex methods (carotid artery massage, Valsalva maneuver). If the attack lasts more than 10 minutes or is accompanied by pain, loss of consciousness – an ambulance should be called.

What risks can arise due to irregular heart rhythm?

Arrhythmia can lead to thromboembolism (stroke, heart attack), heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest. Prolonged irregular heartbeats can impair blood circulation and oxygen supply to organs, which is dangerous for health.