Arrhythmia - causes and treatment
Arrhythmias are heart rhythm disorders that can manifest as a heart rate that is too slow (bradycardia) or too fast (tachycardia).
Any case of arrhythmia can lead to serious health problems, so early diagnosis and proper treatment are key. Understanding the causes of these disorders and available treatments helps patients and doctors make the best treatment decisions.
Cardiac Arrhythmia: What is it and how does it work?
To understand what arrhythmia is, it’s worth looking at how the heart works. The heart is a four-chambered organ—two atria and two ventricles—that pumps blood using electrical impulses. The sinoatrial node, also known as the “pacemaker,” located in the right atrium, is responsible for controlling the heart’s rhythm. This node generates electrical impulses that stimulate the muscles of the atria, allowing blood to flow into the ventricles. Normally, the heart beats rhythmically, and its resting heart rate in adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, although this can vary with age.
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Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Supraventricular Arrhythmias: This type includes atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and tachycardia. Often diagnosed in people without other heart conditions, supraventricular arrhythmias can have an impact on future health.
Ventricular arrhythmias: Disorders of this type, such as ventricular tachycardia, can be a direct threat to life. They cause hemodynamic problems and require immediate medical attention.
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Causes of arrhythmias
The most common causes of arrhythmias are cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic disease and heart valve disease. Other factors include diabetes, thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalances and infections. Stress, smoking, excess caffeine, alcohol abuse and taking certain medications can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Arrhythmia prevention and daily heart care
Lifestyle plays a key role in arrhythmia prevention. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and managing stress are key factors in supporting heart health. Regular check-ups are also recommended, especially for people with a family history of heart disease.
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Symptoms and diagnosis of arrhythmia
Arrhythmia can be asymptomatic or can present with symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Diagnosis of arrhythmia usually begins with an ECG, which records the heart rhythm. In patients with sporadic symptoms, a Holter ECG is used, which monitors the heart’s activity around the clock.
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When is arrhythmia dangerous?
A rapid heart rhythm (tachycardia) can be a serious threat, especially when it occurs at a heart rate above 100-200 beats per minute. Tachycardia can lead to shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and fainting. If you experience any worrying symptoms, it is worth seeing a doctor who will help diagnose and possibly treat the arrhythmia.
Bradycardia – when the heart beats too slowly
- Definition and symptoms: Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, weakness and fainting. For physically active people or athletes, a slow heart rate may be normal, but for people with heart disease, bradycardia can indicate a serious health problem.
- Causes: Bradycardia can be caused by problems in the heart’s conduction system, such as atrioventricular block, or damage resulting from coronary artery disease, heart attack or metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism. Bradycardia can also result from the use of medications such as beta-blockers.
- Treatment: Treatment for bradycardia depends on the cause and symptoms. In mild cases, your doctor may recommend only observation. However, when bradycardia threatens the patient’s health, a pacemaker is implanted to help regulate the heart rate. In some cases, it is necessary to modify the drug treatment, e.g. reduce or change the drugs that affect the heart rate.
Tachycardia – rapid heart rate
- Definition and symptoms: Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute at rest. Symptoms of tachycardia can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. A rapid heart rate overloads the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure, especially if it occurs for a long time.
- Causes: The causes of tachycardia are varied and include stress, electrolyte deficiencies, fever, hyperthyroidism, infections, and some heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy or conduction disorders. Tachycardia can also be caused by excessive caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications.
- Treatment: Treatment for tachycardia depends on the type and cause. It can include lifestyle changes, avoiding stress and stimulants, and medications such as beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate. In more advanced cases, such as ventricular tachycardia, ablation is used, a procedure that eliminates the areas responsible for the abnormal heart rhythm. Patients whose tachycardia is particularly dangerous may have an implantable defibrillator (ICD) fitted to control and stabilize the heart rhythm.
How to prepare for a visit to a cardiologist?
Before visiting a specialist, it is a good idea to write down all of your symptoms, medical history, and a list of medications you are taking. Bringing the results of recent blood tests and previous heart tests, if available, will help your doctor determine the cause of the arrhythmia. You should also tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease, which may be important when making a diagnosis and planning your treatment.
Price list
Service | Price |
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Cardiology consultation | 250 zł |
Cardiology consultation with EKG | 280 zł |
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Arrhythmia – causes and treatment
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Objawy takie jak kołatanie serca, duszności, zawroty głowy, zmęczenie lub omdlenia mogą wskazywać na arytmię. W przypadku ich wystąpienia zaleca się kontakt z lekarzem.
Czynniki ryzyka obejmują choroby serca, nadciśnienie, nadczynność tarczycy, cukrzycę, otyłość, stres, a także nadużywanie alkoholu i palenie tytoniu.
W łagodnych przypadkach możliwa jest zmiana stylu życia – zdrowa dieta, aktywność fizyczna, unikanie kofeiny i alkoholu mogą pomóc. W innych przypadkach konieczne są leki lub zabiegi.
Nie każda arytmia jest niebezpieczna, ale niektóre, zwłaszcza tachykardia komorowa, mogą stanowić zagrożenie dla życia i wymagają leczenia.
Stosuje się EKG, Holter EKG, echokardiografię oraz testy wysiłkowe do oceny pracy serca i zidentyfikowania problemów z rytmem.
Nie, nie każda bradykardia jest niebezpieczna. W niektórych przypadkach, zwłaszcza u sportowców, wolne tętno jest naturalne.
See also