Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders): symptoms, causes, and medications

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Definition of an arrhythmia

What is an arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a disturbance in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. An arrhythmia condition means the heart can beat faster or slower than a normal heart rate. There can also be an irregular heartbeat; at certain times it becomes faster and changes to be slower, and this is known as a sinus arrhythmia.

The normal heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Meanwhile, for athletes who regularly exercise physical activity, normal heart rate ranges from 40-60 beats per minute.

Normally, the heart rate will be faster when doing activities, such as exercise because it requires more additional oxygen. The number will be lower when you are resting.

In people with impaired heart rate, changes in heart rhythm are not related to activity. These changes are associated with changes in tissue and electrical activity in the heart.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website, arrhythmias are classified into several types, namely:

• Bradycardia

Bradycardia is characterized by a very weak heart rate, which is less than 60 beats per minute.

• Premature heartbeat

A type of arrhythmia that causes a brief pause followed by a stronger heartbeat when the heart returns to a regular rhythm.

• Supraventricular arrhythmias

Classification of arrhythmias that occur in the atria and are divided into atrial fibrillation (rapid heart rate of more than 400 beats per minute), atrial flutter (heart rate around 250-350 beats per minute), and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (increased heart rate due to disturbed electrical signals) .

• Ventricular arrhythmias

Heart rate abnormalities in the lower chambers, which are divided into ventricular tachycardia (heart rate greater than 200 beats per minute) and ventricular fibrillation (disturbances in electrical signals that make the ventricles vibrate can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death).

How common is this disease?

Arrhythmias are a common type of heart disease. This heart disorder can affect men and women of all ages.

These heart rhythm disorders can be treated by reducing the factors that can increase the risk. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Arrhythmia signs & symptoms

Arrhythmias that attack may not cause symptoms or characteristic features. However, most people with this condition report feeling a change in their heart rate.

The heart rate speeds up to more than 100 beats per minute and is often described as a palpitating feeling. It could also be a slower heart rate, which is below 60 beats per minute.

In addition, other symptoms of arrhythmia that may accompany it are:

• Chest pain.
• Dizzy.
• Sweating.
• Fainting (syncope) or nearly fainting.
• Heart palpitations (palpitations).
• Beat on the chest.
• Hard to breathe.
• The body feels weak and tired.

There may be other signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

When you notice an abnormal change in heart rate followed by symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, and weakness, seek medical attention immediately or call emergency medical services at 119.

Causes of arrhythmias

The main cause of arrhythmias is tissue changes in the heart. Sometimes in some cases, this heart rhythm disorder has no known cause.

Several things that cause changes in heart tissue that lead to heart rate disorders, including:

Heart problems or certain medical conditions

Problems with the organs that pump blood can be caused by abnormalities in the anatomy of the heart, reduced blood flow to the heart, or a disturbance in the heart's electrical system. It can also occur due to hardening of the heart tissue, the presence of scar tissue in the heart, or congenital heart valve abnormalities.

People with hypertension, heart valve disorders, coronary heart disease, and changes in the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) can also trigger heart rhythm disorders.

Physical and emotional activity

A common cause of arrhythmias is exertion of a large amount of energy and a variety of emotions, such as stress, anxiety, anger, and intense pain. This condition makes the body produce the hormones adrenaline and cortisol which in turn raise blood pressure and make the heart rate faster.

Imbalance of certain substances in the body

Excess or lack of electrolytes, hormones, and body fluids can change a previously normal heartbeat to an irregular heart. This condition is very likely to occur when dehydration, low blood sugar levels, excess production of thyroid hormones, or the body lacks potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood.

Use of certain drugs

Use of high blood pressure medications, antibiotics, cold medicines or over-the-counter allergy medications can trigger changes in heart rate.

Risk factors for arrhythmias

In addition to the causes of arrhythmias, a person may be more prone to experiencing this heart rate disorder due to various factors, such as:

• Age

The risk of this heart rate abnormality will increase over time due to changes in tissue and heart function over time.

• Environment

Several studies have shown that exposure to pollution, especially particulates and gases can increase the risk of short-term arrhythmias.

• Family medical history and genetics

Someone whose parents have arrhythmias, tend to experience the same condition. It can also be triggered by a gene mutation disorder that causes cells that send heart rate signals to not work properly.

• Certain habits

People who have the habit of smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines are at risk of experiencing abnormal heart rates. In addition, smoking is a major cause of heart disease.

• Certain health problems

People who have heart disease, hypertension, lupus, obesity, kidney disease, and diabetes are at risk of experiencing an accelerated or slowed heart rate.

• Gender

Studies have found that men experience atrial fibrillation more frequently. However, at certain times women are also prone to experiencing heart rhythm disorders, namely during pregnancy or menstruation.

Arrhythmia complications

Heart rhythm disorders that are not treated promptly can lead to life-threatening complications. Initially the condition is mild, but over time it can worsen causing types of heart rate abnormalities to appear.

Apart from getting worse, the complications of arrhythmias that may occur are:

• Heart failure

Repeated abnormal heartbeats can trigger heart failure, which is a heart that fails to pump enough blood to other body tissues.

• Stroke

Either type of abnormal heartbeat can cause blood clots that lead to blockages. This condition can cause the blood supply to the brain to decrease and even stop and eventually become a stroke.

• Sudden heart attack

The irregular heart rhythm allows the heart muscle not to get enough oxygen, causing sudden heart attack.

• Cognitive disorders

Patients with heart rhythm disorders are also more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia because of impaired blood circulation to the brain.

Medications & treatment of arrhythmias

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

In order to make a diagnosis and determine the right treatment, your doctor will ask you to undergo a series of tests. The usual arrhythmia tests are:

Medical history

In this test, the doctor will ask about their eating habits, physical activity, medical history of family members, and their risk factors. The doctor will also ask what signs and symptoms you are experiencing.

Physical examination

During this test, the doctor will perform a detailed examination, including:

• Check for swelling in the hands or feet, as a sign of an enlarged heart disease or heart failure
• Check heart rhythm, how fast the heart is beating and heart murmurs (heart sounds caused by abnormalities)

Advanced medical test procedures

Next, the doctor will recommend other tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check the levels of certain substances in the blood.
• Cardiac catheterization is used to see any possible complications of heart disease.
• An echocardiogram to see the size and shape of the heart, as well as how this organ is working.
• An electrocardiogram to see how fast the heart is beating.
• Electrophysiology (EPS) and Holter studies to check the electrical activity of the heart while you are doing activities.
• Implantable loop recorderto detect abnormal heart rhythms.
• Other tests, stress tests and imaging tests, such as ultrasound.

How to treat arrhythmias?

The treatment for curing this arrhythmia varies according to its severity. In some cases, doctors may not need treatment. The following is an arrhythmia treatment that is usually done:

Take medicine

Medications for arrhythmias that are usually prescribed by doctors include heart rate control drugs, anticoagulant drugs (antiplatelet), such as aspirin, adenosine, and warfarin.

Invasive therapy

Some patients may be asked to undergo invasive therapy by a doctor to treat symptoms of arrhythmia, namely electrical cardioversion (giving electric shocks to the heart) and catheter ablation (giving energy that blocks abnormal heart beats).

Use of electrical devices

Other treatments for patients with heart rhythm disorders include the use of a permanent pacemaker and a pacemaker Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD),namely a monitoring tool as well as energizing the heart muscle to keep it working normally.

Heart surgery surgery

Surgery may be performed to treat arrhythmias if previous treatments were not effective enough. This includes heart valve surgery and heart bypass procedures.

Home remedies for arrhythmias

Apart from undergoing doctor's care, patients must also change their lifestyle to support treatment. The following lifestyles that need to be applied by patients with arrhythmias are:

1. Maintain a healthy diet

No longer as free as before you were sick, from now on you have to be smart in choosing the foods you consume. Avoid foods that contain high levels of saturated fat, trans fat, and foods with high cholesterol.

As with sugar, you should also avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. All of these foods will only slowly worsen your heart condition.

Instead, consume more heart-healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, or lean meats.

2. Doing regular exercise

Exercise is very good for the heart, including those of you who have heart rhythm disorders. However, you should be extra careful because certain types of exercise can increase adrenaline and worsen the condition.

Exercise options that are safe for people with heart problems like this are yoga, cycling, walking, and swimming. Try to consult a doctor who treats your condition.

3. Avoid coffee and alcohol

The caffeine in coffee can affect heart rate, as can alcohol. Therefore, the intake must be limited. If your condition is not healthy, you should avoid these two drinks.

4. Meet the needs of rest

You can avoid stress that can trigger an abnormal heart rate to recur by getting enough sleep. At least, you need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Avoid various things that interfere with sleep, such as playing on your cellphone before bed. Likewise, if you have a sleep disorder, consult a doctor to overcome it.

5. See a doctor and take medication regularly

It is not uncommon for people who experience an abnormal heart rate not to cause any problems if their lifestyle is awake and healthy. Including, taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor according to the rules and routinely checking the pulse to remain normal.

However, at certain times, this condition can recur and cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, weakness, and chest pain. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Prevention of arrhythmias

How can you prevent arrhythmias?

Arrhythmia is a heart disorder that you can prevent. The key, by living a heart-healthy lifestyle, so that the various risks of heart problems will decrease.

The Mayo Clinic reveals some tips for preventing heart rhythm disorders, such as:

• Stop smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol and coffee.
• Stay physically active and maintain an ideal body weight.
• Be careful about using over-the-counter drugs, especially if you have certain health problems.
• Eat foods that are rich in nutrients and healthy for processing.
• Clever in managing the stress you face every day.