The rate and rhythm of the heart is controlled by electrical signals that cause the heart to contract, or squeeze, in a coordinated manner and continuously circulate blood through the lungs and out to the rest of the body to deliver vital oxygen. Irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, occur when the heart’s electrical signals are abnormal—making it beat too fast, too slow, or in an uncoordinated manner. That irregular heart rhythm can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump effectively.
There are a number of different types of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), and more. Some types of arrhythmia resolve on their own, while others need treatment. Some types are harmless, while others can be dangerous or even fatal.
A number of conditions can cause arrhythmias like blocked arteries and other heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, and COVID-19. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, drug abuse, stress or anxiety, certain medications and supplements, congenital abnormalities, and genetics can also cause arrhythmias. https://cintaahomecare.com/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults/https://cintaahomecare.com/high-blood-pressure-symptoms-causes-and-maintenance/
Arrhythmias don’t always cause symptoms, but they can cause a fluttering in the chest, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, sweating, and fainting or near fainting. Symptoms don’t mean the problem is serious, but they can be scary and impact day-to-day activities. An accurate diagnosis is a critical step in living with, treating, and potentially curing your arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, while others will need procedures or even surgery.
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, and impacts as many as six million Americans. While the irregular heart rhythm itself isn’t generally serious, the abnormal blood flow and strain to the heart can lead to serious and deadly medical conditions, including heart failure and stroke. Having AFib increases the risk of stroke by 500% and doubles the risk of death.
This makes recognizing the signs and symptoms of AFib especially critical. Symptoms can include irregular, pounding, or rapid heartbeats. Additional symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, breathlessness, weakness, fatigue, and chest pain. However, not everyone experiences symptoms and as many as one in three people with AFib don’t know they have the disease. So if you have risk factors, you should see your healthcare provider and have your heart listened to and your pulse checked regularly.
Risk factors include valve problems, previous heart attacks, and other heart problems; previous heart surgery; high blood pressure; coronary heart disease; overactive thyroid or metabolic imbalances; lung disease; viral infections; stress; sleep apnea; caffeine; alcohol; and certain medications. The cause is not always known, but the risk of AFib does increase with age.
Clots can form in a heart that beats irregularly from AFib. If the clots travel from the heart to the brain, they can block vital blood flow and oxygen and cause a serious and potentially deadly stroke. Medications called anticoagulants can help reduce the risk of stroke from AFib.
Treatment for AFib depends on how long you have had it, how much your symptoms interfere with your life, and the cause of your AFib if known. The two main treatment goals are to regulate the rhythm of your heart and to reduce your stroke risk. Treatments can include lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and even surgery.
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Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is an arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, that causes the heart to beat too quickly—often causing the heart to race and beat as many as 250 beats per minute. These episodes can start and stop without warning and last from seconds to hours.
PSVT episodes affect people in different ways. Some may not even notice them, while others describe them as frightening and exhausting. Some only experience episodes a few times a year, while others have them every day.
For many people, PSVT episodes can be scary and not being able to predict when the next episode will happen can cause serious anxiety and compel them to avoid activities and alter daily routines. Symptoms of PSVT can include anxiety, dizziness, chest tightness or pressure, and palpitations. In more serious cases, the irregular heart rhythms may limit oxygen to the body and can cause shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, fainting, or sweating.
PSVT is caused by an electrical problem in the heart that you are born with, but it can be brought on by a number of risk factors, including age, female gender, certain medications, alcohol, caffeine, illicit drugs, and smoking.
While typically not dangerous, it’s important to properly diagnose PSVT to make sure it’s not a more serious type of arrhythmia and to treat episodes that impact your heart health or your quality of life. There are a number of treatment options that can help you live with your PSVT, including lifestyle changes and vagal maneuvers that you can do at home. Some people may require medications or even emergency procedures to get their heart back in rhythm. You don’t need to live in constant fear of your next PSVT episodes. Take charge and talk to your healthcare provider about how you can lead a normal life.
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Preventing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Related Strokes
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common types of arrhythmias—or irregular heartbeats—and causes the heart to have an irregular rhythm and often beat rapidly. AFib can be physically exhausting, scary, and disabling and raises the risk of heart failure, dementia, and stroke. But with proper treatment, these risks can be significantly decreased and people with AFib can live healthy and active lives. This film focuses on stroke prevention in AFib. You can also view this film that gives an overview of AFib, and these 30-second and 60-second PSAs.
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Living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common types of arrhythmias—or irregular heartbeats—and causes the heart to have an irregular rhythm and often beat rapidly. AFib can be physically exhausting, scary, and disabling and raises the risk of heart failure, dementia, and stroke. But with proper treatment, these risks can be significantly decreased and people with AFib can live healthy and active lives.
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Living with Arrhythmias: What to Know When Your Heart is Out of Rhythm
Have you or a loved one ever experienced an irregular heart rhythm? If so, you know how frightening it can be—especially if you don’t know what’s causing it, or if it’s a sign of something serious or life-threatening. Irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, occur when the heart’s electrical signals are abnormal—making it beat too fast, too slow, or in an uncoordinated manner. There are numerous types of arrhythmias. Some resolve on their own, while others need treatment.
This short film addresses the different types of arrhythmias, including, Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), which affects around 1.7 million people in the United States. Watch this short film to learn more about these arrhythmias, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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