Arrhythmia: The Way Ahead
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An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the
heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slowly, or
with an irregular rhythm. When a heart beats too fast, the condition is called
tachycardia. When a heart beats too slowly, the condition is called
bradycardia.
Arrhythmia is caused by changes in heart tissue and activity or in the
electrical signals that control your heartbeat. These changes can be caused by
damage from disease, injury, or genetics. Often there are no symptoms, but some
people feel an irregular heartbeat. You may feel faint or dizzy or have
difficulty breathing.
The most common test used to diagnose an arrhythmia is an electrocardiogram
(EKG or ECG). Your doctor will run other tests as needed. She or he may
recommend medicines, placement of a device that can correct an irregular
heartbeat, or surgery to repair nerves that are overstimulating the heart. If
arrhythmia is left untreated, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to
the body. This can damage the heart, the brain, or other organs.
Causes
Arrhythmia is caused by changes to heart tissue. It can also
occur suddenly as a result of exertion or stress, imbalances in the blood,
medicines, or problems with electrical signals in the heart. Typically, an
arrhythmia is set off by a trigger, and the irregular heartbeat can continue if
there is a problem in the heart. Sometimes the cause of an arrhythmia is
unknown.
Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
An arrhythmia may not cause any
obvious signs or symptoms. You may notice something that occurs
only occasionally, or your symptoms may become more frequent over time. Keep
track of when and how often arrhythmia occurs, what you feel, and whether these
things change over time. They are all important clues your doctor can use. If
left untreated, arrhythmia can lead to life-threatening complications such
as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
You may be able to feel a slow or irregular heartbeat or
notice pauses between heartbeats. If you have palpitations, you may feel
like your heart skipped a beat or may notice it pounding or racing. These are
all symptoms of arrhythmia.
More serious signs and symptoms include:
·
Anxiety
·
Blurred vision
·
Chest pain
·
Difficulty breathing
·
Fainting or nearly fainting
·
Foggy thinking
·
Fatigue
·
Sweating
·
Weakness, dizziness, and light-headedness
Ways to stop heart palpitations
Heart palpitations can cause a sensation of a pounding heart
or a racing pulse. Palpitations can also feel like a fluttering feeling in the
chest or like the heart has skipped a beat. While medical attention may be
necessary, some home remedies can help to stop palpitations.
Lifestyle factors can cause heart palpitations. Less
frequently, an underlying medical condition is responsible. Palpitations can
result from the following conditions, and they require a doctor’s care:
·
thyroid problems
·
abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias
·
atrial fibrillation
·
heart failure, in rare cases
Home remedies to relieve heart
palpitations
1. Perform relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques,
such as yoga and meditation, may help to reduce palpitations. Stress can
have many ill effects on a person’s health. It can induce palpitations or make
them worse. It may help to try the following relaxation techniques:
·
meditation
·
deep breathing
·
journaling
·
yoga
·
spending time outdoors
·
exercising
·
taking short breaks from work or school
·
using a method of guided imagery, these are
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2. Reduce or eliminate stimulant intake: Symptoms may become
noticeable after using a stimulant. Not all stimulants will cause palpitations
in everyone. The following contain stimulants:
·
tobacco products
·
illegal drugs
·
some cold and cough medications
·
caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea,
and soda
·
appetite suppressants
·
marijuana
·
some mental health drugs
·
some high blood pressure medications
3. Stimulate the vagus nerve: The vagus nerve connects the
brain to the heart, and stimulating it can help to calm palpitations. A person
can do so by:
·
holding the breath and pushing down, as if
making a bowel movement
·
coughing
·
placing ice or a cold, damp towel on the face
for a few seconds
·
gagging
·
splashing cold water on the face
·
chanting “Om”
·
taking a cold shower
Before trying this method consult a doctor, who can advise
on the best technique.
4. Keep electrolytes balanced: Electrolytes are molecules
found throughout the body that help to transfer electrical signals. These
signals play a significant role in regulating the heart rate. A person can
boost the number of electrolytes in their body by eating foods rich in sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium. A normal diet
usually provides a sufficient source of sodium.
The following foods have high potassium contents: potatoes,
bananas, avocados, spinach. Dairy products and dark, leafy greens are rich in
calcium. Magnesium is also found in these vegetables, as well as in nuts and
fish.
It may be tempting to attain these nutrients by taking
supplements. A person should consult a doctor before trying any supplements,
particularly if they are also taking prescription medication.
5. Keep hydrated
When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to
circulate blood, which can cause heart palpitations.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The recommended
amount will vary, depending on age, sex, and whether a person is pregnant,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A person should drink a full cup or glass of water when:
·
their urine is dark
·
their heart rate increases
·
they have dry mouth
·
they feel thirsty
·
they have a headache
·
they feel dizzy
·
the skin is dry or pruny
6. Avoid excessive alcohol use
Alcohol is a depressant and does not typically raise the heart
rate.
While drinking in moderation is not necessarily problematic,
some research indicates that even one drink per day can increase the
risk of developing atrial fibrillation. A palpitating heart is just one symptom
of this condition.
7. Exercise regularly
Walking can help to strengthen the heart and reduce
palpitations. Exercise can improve overall cardiovascular health and restore
the heart’s natural rhythm. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, which can prevent or
reduce palpitations.
Beneficial exercises include:
·
walking
·
jogging
·
running
·
biking
·
swimming
However, exercise may trigger palpitations in some people,
and it is important to identify and avoid problematic exercises. Consult a
doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if heart palpitations tend to last longer than
a few seconds. A doctor can determine whether an underlying condition is
causing the palpitations.
These conditions commonly include:
·
heart disease
·
thyroid issues
·
anxiety
·
heart failure
·
heart valve disease
