Cardiac arrhythmia deserves attention

Cardiac arrhythmias, disturbances in the rhythm of the heartbeat, affect millions of people around the world and can range from benign to potentially fatal. In Brazil it is estimated that around 20 million people suffer from it […]

Heart rhythm disorder conditions are quite common in Brazil, but it is still an underestimated topic

Cardiac arrhythmias, disturbances in the rhythm of the heartbeat, affect millions of people around the world and can range from benign to potentially fatal. In Brazil, an estimated 20 million people suffer from some type of cardiac arrhythmia. The data comes from the Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias (SOBRAC).

This means that the condition is a common but often underestimated problem, which can have serious health consequences.

What is arrhythmia?

Normally, the heart beats at a rhythm controlled by electrical impulses, which coordinate the contraction of the atria and ventricles. When there is a change in the generation or conduction of impulses, the heart rate may speed up (tachycardia), slow down (bradycardia) or become irregular (atrial fibrillation, for example): this is arrhythmia.

Many arrhythmias are asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms, such as palpitations and dizziness. However, some can cause more serious complications, such as heart failure, stroke, or even sudden death.

Among the most common types, atrial fibrillation (AF) stands out as one of the main causes of stroke. According to the study Global burden of disease (GBD), published in the journal The LancetAtrial fibrillation affects approximately 33 million people worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence in people over the age of 65.

Main risk factors for arrhythmia

The causes of cardiac arrhythmias can be multiple and many factors can contribute to the development of the problem. According to the Heart Institute (InCor), pre-existing heart conditions, such as heart failure and hypertension, are risk factors. Furthermore, obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, the use of illicit drugs and stress are elements that increase the likelihood of developing arrhythmias.

According to information from the institute, arrhythmias can also be associated with electrolyte disorders, such as abnormal levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. Furthermore, some arrhythmias have a genetic origin and familial predisposition can be an important indicator of risk.

Aging requires care

Aging is a risk factor. With the increasing longevity of the population, the occurrence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, has increased. According to the study Framingham Heart Studyone of the most renowned studies on cardiovascular health, one in four people will develop atrial fibrillation after the age of 40.

Diagnosis of arrhythmia

The diagnosis of arrhythmias is mainly carried out through the electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. In some cases, prolonged monitoring may be necessary with devices such as a Holter monitor, which tracks heart rate for 24 to 48 hours, or an event monitor, which records heart rate for several weeks.

Treatment of arrhythmia depends on the case

Treatment of arrhythmias varies depending on the type and severity. For mild arrhythmias, some lifestyle changes, such as controlling blood pressure, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and managing stress, may be sufficient. In more serious cases, the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, anticoagulants (to prevent stroke) or even the implantation of devices such as pacemakers and automatic defibrillators is more suitable. Invasive procedures, such as catheter ablation, which destroys small areas of the heart responsible for abnormal electrical impulses, are also effective options in situations with more complications.

News in medicine

A promising new development is the use of advanced 3D cardiac mapping technologies to perform more precise ablations. According to the European Heart Journal, this technique has been shown to increase the success rate of treatment, especially in cases of complex arrhythmias.

Arrhythmia: it can be prevented

Arrhythmia can be prevented in most cases by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in salt, combined with regular physical exercise, is essential for the heart. Controlling conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol is also extremely important.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs, such as those developed by American Heart Association (AHA), are also effective in reducing the recurrence of arrhythmias in high-risk patients. It is also necessary to raise awareness of the warning symptoms and seek medical attention promptly to avoid more serious complications.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.