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If fluttering or pounding in your chest makes you feel dizzy or short of breath, you might have an arrhythmia. There are many different types of abnormal heartbeat rhythms, some of which are more dangerous than others. Arrhythmias are caused by a multitude of underlying conditions and poor lifestyle choices, but can often be treated successfully.
What Is an Arrhythmia?
Normally, your heart beats in a regular rhythm at a rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Your heart rate naturally increases when you exercise or have stress and slows down when you are relaxed or are at rest. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that is either too fast, too slow, or irregular. Arrhythmias can be mild to severe to life threatening. Types of arrhythmias include:
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Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heartbeat, generally slower than 60 beats per minute. This can be normal in some cases, such as in trained athletes or when you are deeply relaxed.
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Tachycardia is an abnormally fast heartbeat, generally faster than 100 beats per minute. This can be normal if it occurs when you exercise or are under stress, and if it returns to normal at rest or when the stress has passed.
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Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia is a very rapid heart rhythm that occurs suddenly.
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Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, unusually rapid heart rhythm; it is the most common type of arrhythmia.
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Heart block refers to a variety of arrhythmias caused by a “blockage” in your heart’s electrical system.
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Ventricular tachycardia is a very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to ventricular fibrillation, an ineffective quivering of your heart. This can cause cardiac arrest, in which your heart stops beating or is beating too inefficiently to maintain an adequate circulation.
An arrhythmia can cause your heart to be ineffective or weak, resulting in not enough blood getting to your body. Sometimes, people with arrhythmias don’t feel any symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms may include:
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Feeling like you can’t catch your breath
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Tiring easily with activity
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Feeling weak or nauseous
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Having chest pain or feeling a pounding or fluttering in your chest
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Fainting or feeling dizzy
Who Gets Arrhythmias?
Anyone can get an arrhythmia, but people most at risk include those who have a history of heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Diabetes, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and alcoholism are other conditions that can trigger an arrhythmia. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive exercise, and drinking too much caffeine can also contribute. You should also be aware that arrhythmias can be a side effect of stimulant drugs, such as herbal drugs, diet drugs, and some street drugs, such as cocaine.
What Can I Do About My Arrhythmia?
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that is best for you based on your type of arrhythmia, age, medical history, and other factors. Treatment can include medications and devices, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator implant. There are also procedures, called cardioversion, that convert your abnormal heart rhythm to a normal one with an electrical device or medications. Advanced interventions include destroying the misbehaving nerve bundles (ablation) and implanting a pacemaker or defibrillator device.
Here are some things you can do yourself to help manage or prevent an arrhythmia:
- Stop smoking. Talk with your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications, such as nicotine patches.
- Take your daily heart medication exactly as prescribed.
- Don’t use street drugs or misuse stimulant medications.
- Control your stress level. Take time for yourself and do something to relax. Choose a calming activity that you can enjoy, such as yoga, shopping, or getting a massage.
- Go easy on alcohol and caffeine. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how much, if any, is okay for you.
- Follow your treatment plan for other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and high blood pressure.
- Call 911 immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness
