Arrhythmia
Definition: An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat resulting from any change, deviation or malfunction in the heart's conduction system. An arrhythmia may be unusually fast or unusually slow. Some arrhythmias are signs of more serious heart problems, and others are not. An arrhythmia may be brief and unnoticeable, or it may be startling, obvious or even fatal.
Symptoms: Symptoms of arrhythmias vary from person to person, and depend on the source of the abnormality. Some people have no symptoms at all. If symptoms are experienced, these may include any of the following: Palpitations (strong heartbeat), skipped heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue or fainting as a result of the brain not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, angina (chest pain, pressure or discomfort), and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it could also result in cardiac arrest and death.
There are a number of tests that physicians may use to diagnose an arrhythmia. The type of tests used will depend on a number of factors, including the specific symptoms of a patient as well as his/her personal and family medical history. These include the following: Alectrocardiogram (EKG) (measuring the heart's electrical activity either at rest or while exercising), echocardiogram (using sound waves to track the structure and function of the heart, cardiac catheterization procedures.
Quitting or reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.
Quitting smoking.
Avoiding certain medications.
Using stress management techniques.
Beta-blockers.
Calcium channel blockers.
Digoxin.
Surgery to implant an artificial pacemaker
Surgery to implant an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Electrophysiological surgery with catheter ablation.
Know yourself and Protect yourself.
