Prevention
The following are the ways to prevent arrhythmia and its complications.
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Consume whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based protein sources. Eat less salt and sugar-rich foods. You can also consider eating meats like fish, poultry and other dairy products.
Staying physically active
When compared to persons who don't exercise, most people get significant heart health advantages from exercise. However, staying physically active can cause arrhythmia in a tiny fraction of people with underlying issues.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequent arrhythmia, is linked to a rise in obesity. Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are related to arrhythmia.
No smoking, Limiting caffeine and alcohol
The presence of carbon monoxide in tobacco is responsible for the development of arrhythmia. Smoking can lead to coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, both of which have the potential to cause arrhythmia.
Reducing stress
Oxidative stress is linked to arrhythmia and other heart diseases. Vitamin E and C appear to be particularly efficient antioxidants in lowering irregular heartbeat. Cancer, flu, common cold and even heart arrhythmias can all be treated with vitamin C.
Avoid saturated and trans fats
Foods including salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts and flax seeds contain omega-3 acids and saturated fats. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of these foods.
Risk factors of arrhythmia
The following are some of the possible risk factors that cause arrhythmia.
Being 65 years of age or older
Age-related issues make arrhythmia prevalent in adults over the age of 65. The risk is even higher for patients above the age of 80.
Inherited genetic anomalies
Arrhythmia problems that are inherited might lead to unconsciousness or hazardous cardiac rhythms. Inherited arrhythmia disorders are those that are inherited from one generation to the next generation.
Underlying heart problems
Underlying conditions like too fast, too slow or irregular heartbeat are often said to be the main reason for arrhythmia.
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Research indicated that patients with untreated thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are more likely to experience arrhythmia. Atrial arrhythmia is caused due to hyperthyroidism and ventricular arrhythmia is caused due to hypothyroidism.
However, the most frequent arrhythmia in hyperthyroidism is sinus tachycardia.
Over-the-counter drugs
Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are some of the OTC drugs that may elevate blood pressure and cause problems like heart palpitation and arrhythmia.
Hypertension
Hypertension is also characterised by increased fibrous tissue production and decreased intercellular coupling, contributing to arrhythmia.
Obesity
The left atrium, the heart chamber that gets oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, might grow more extensively due to obesity. The risk of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) may rise when the left atrium is enlarged because it may make the heart less effective at pumping blood.
Uncontrolled diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes often leads to heart palpitation and arrhythmia. This may cause problems in four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (bottom chambers).
Obstructive sleep apnea
Patients with cardiac rhythm problems frequently have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This causes negative intrathoracic pressure and causes issues like breathlessness and occasional hypoxia, and it also acts as a contributing factor to arrhythmia.
Electrolyte imbalances
One of the most frequent causes of cardiac arrhythmia is electrolyte imbalances, making resuscitation attempts more difficult or dangerous.
Heavy and regular alcohol consumption
Studies have indicated that excessive drinking of alcohol might cause arrhythmia in some people with atrial fibrillation.
Also, prolonged alcohol use is associated with increased risks of arrhythmia.
Summing up
Arrhythmia is widespread and affects people irrespective of age. They occasionally come on suddenly and don't have any long-term impacts.
Having a higher heart rate while exercising is also typical because your heart works harder to supply your tissues with oxygen-rich blood, so you don't burn out too quickly.
However, some arrhythmias can be severe and need prompt medical care. It's crucial to get diagnosed in order to choose the most effective course of action.
