What are the symptoms of arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias, which are chronic abnormalities of your heart rhythm, happen when there’s a miscommunication or malfunction with the electrical impulses that regulate your heartbeats.
Your heart may beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia), or it could beat in an entirely irregular pattern (atrial fibrillation or AFib).
When you have heart arrhythmias, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Unsteadiness
- Heart fluttering
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells (syncope)
- Sensations of “skipping” a heartbeat
Arrhythmias can even lead to anxiety and panic attacks if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation and get to the root of why your heart isn’t functioning properly, so you can get started on treatment.
Why do I have arrhythmias?
Several issues can lead to or increase your risk of arrhythmia, including heart defects you were born with or a personal history of heart attacks. Your case of arrhythmias may be caused by:
- Changes in your heart’s structure, as with cardiomyopathy
- Over- or underactive thyroid issues
- Family history of arrhythmias
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
Arrhythmias can even be tied to your diet, especially if you consume too much caffeine or alcohol, or to your prescription medications or dietary supplements. No matter what’s causing your arrhythmias though, you can expect comprehensive care and management at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc.
How are arrhythmias treated?
Your arrhythmia treatment plan from Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Ezeugwu could recommend:
- Dietary counseling
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
- Pacemaker or loop recorder implantation
- Medications to control or restore your heart rhythm
- Vagal maneuvers, such as coughing or holding your breath
Dr. Ezeugwu spends time talking with you about all possible treatment options, so you can work together to decide what’s right for you. Occasionally, surgery is needed to correct the underlying cause of heart arrhythmias.
Before your arrhythmia starts lowering your quality of life, schedule an exam at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. You can conveniently book a visit online or over the phone.
