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Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia include a feeling of the heart beating or racing and can occur in people with a healthy heart or who already have heart disease, such as high blood pressure or heart failure.
Arrhythmia can occur at any age, but it is more common in the elderly and in most cases, it is identified in routine tests and not by symptoms. However, in some cases the symptoms of palpitation may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, dizziness, malaise, shortness of breath, chest pain, pallor or cold sweat, for example, indicating more serious heart rhythm problems.
When you experience any symptoms that make you suspect arrhythmia, it is important to seek medical help immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. In addition, it is important to consult a cardiologist for follow-up and the most appropriate treatment, preventing complications.
The main symptoms that may indicate a cardiac arrhythmia are:
- Heart palpitation;
- Heart racing or slow;
- Chest pain;
- Shortness of breathe;
- Sensation of a lump in the throat;
- Tiredness;
- Feeling of weakness;
- Dizziness or fainting;
- Malaise;
- Anxiety;
- Cold sweat.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible or the nearest emergency room.
Check for other signs that may indicate heart problems.
Who is most at risk for arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia can arise for no apparent reason or through a natural aging process, for example. However, some factors can increase your risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia and include:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, infarction or heart failure;
- Having had cardiac surgery previously;
- High pressure;
- Birth diseases of the heart;
- Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism;
- Diabetes, especially when it is uncontrolled, with high blood sugar levels;
- Sleep apnea;
- Chemical imbalances in the blood such as changes in the concentration of potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium;
- Use of medications such as digitalis or salbutamol or flu remedies that contain phenylephrine, for example;
- Chagas disease;
- Anemia;
- Smoking;
- Excessive consumption of coffee.
In addition, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can alter the heart rate and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia is made by a cardiologist who evaluates the health history and symptoms, as well as the possibility of using medications or drugs of abuse.
Tests to diagnose arrhythmia
In addition to medical evaluation, some laboratory tests can also be ordered, which are essential to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of the arrhythmia:
- Electrocardiogram;
- Laboratory tests such as blood count, blood levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium;
- Examination of blood troponin levels to assess cardiac contraction;
- Thyroid exams;
- Exercise testing;
- 24-hour holter.
Other tests that can be ordered are echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance or nuclear scintigraphy, for example.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of arrhythmia will depend on the symptoms, the severity and the risk of complications of the arrhythmia. Generally, in milder cases, treatment may include simple counseling, changes in lifestyle, periodic medical follow-up, or discontinuation of medications that have caused arrhythmia.
In more severe cases of cardiac arrhythmia, treatment can be done with drugs prescribed by the doctor or surgery, for example. See more details on the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia.
How to prevent cardiac arrhythmia
Some lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cardiac arrhythmia such as:
- Make a healthy and balanced diet;
- Practice physical activities regularly;
- Lose weight in cases of obesity or excess weight;
- Avoid smoking;
- Reduce alcohol consumption;
- Avoid using drugs that contain cardiac stimulants, such as phenylephrine.
In addition, it is important to avoid situations that can cause stress and anxiety, to prevent the risk of cardiac arrhythmia or other heart problems. See tips on how to reduce stress.