Content
Cardiac arrhythmia is curable, but it should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear to avoid possible complications caused by the disease, such as heart attack, stroke, cardiogenic shock or death.
The treatment of cardiac arrhythmia will depend on the severity of the symptoms, the association or not with other heart diseases and the type of arrhythmia, which can be:
- Benign arrhythmia, in which changes in heart rate can even disappear spontaneously, and can be easily controlled with medications indicated by the doctor and the practice of regular physical activities. However, there should be periodic consultations with the cardiologist so that periodic cardiac examinations are carried out in order to assess the activity of the heart and check if there is a need to perform any type of surgical procedure;
- Malignant arrhythmia, in which the changes do not disappear spontaneously and worsen with exertion or physical exercise, which can lead to death if it is not treated quickly and in the correct way.
Arrhythmia corresponds to changes in the heartbeat, making the heartbeat faster, slower or even stopping the heart, which leads to symptoms such as tiredness, chest pain, pallor, cold sweat and shortness of breath. Learn how to identify cardiac arrhythmia.
When is the arrhythmia severe?
In most cases of arrhythmia, there is no health risk. Most arrhythmias disappear spontaneously, generate few symptoms, and improve with some lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, ensuring a good night's sleep, eliminating cigarettes and drinks, as well as avoiding the use of energy and stimulants, such as coffee. .
Arrhythmia can be considered severe or malignant when it arises due to a change in the electrical functioning of the heart or when the heart muscle is affected by a disease. In these cases, the cause is more difficult to avoid and, therefore, there is a greater risk that the rhythm will be altered for longer, increasing the chances of cardiac arrest, for example.
In addition, in people with atrial fibrillation, there is also a risk of clots forming, which can come off and reach the brain causing a stroke.
Treatment options
Treatment options vary according to the symptoms presented, with the following behaviors being more common:
- Electric shock, electrical cardioversion or defibrillation: it has the function of reorganizing the heart rhythm in some types of more urgent arrhythmias, as in the cases of flutter atrial, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia;
- Medicines: the main medications that can be indicated by the cardiologist to control symptoms and regularize the heartbeat are Propafenone, Sotalol, Dofetilide, Amiodarone and Ibutilide;
- Implantation of an artificial pacemaker: the pacemaker is a device consisting of a long-lasting battery that has the function of taking charge of the heart as the doctor schedules, regulating the heartbeat and allowing the person to have a normal life. See what care with the pacemaker;
- Cauterization or ablation surgery: in which a very localized and precise burn is performed, which will prevent or hinder new arrhythmia attacks. The procedure lasts a few hours and may require sedation or general anesthesia.
Other important measures to treat and prevent arrhythmia are changes in lifestyle, that is, the consumption of alcohol, drugs, caffeinated drinks, black tea and cigarettes should be avoided. In addition, it is important to practice regular physical activities and have a balanced diet.