Arrhythmia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Arrhythmia is a heart condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast, slow, or irregularly. It can be life-threatening and is treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures.

The speed or regularity of the heartbeat can be used to categorise the various forms of arrhythmias.

• Tachycardia: Heart rate is unusually high in those with this form of arrhythmia. It may occur in both ventricles or atria, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as anaemia, infection, cardiac defects, or certain medications.
• Bradycardia: Abnormally slow heart rate is the hallmark of bradycardia, a form of arrhythmia. It can be caused by some medications, hypothyroidism, or even as a result of ageing.
• Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): PVCs are extra, abnormal contractions that occur before the next normal heartbeat. Numerous causes, such as mental or physical strain, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, or using certain medications, can contribute to its occurrence.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): An unusually high heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) starts in the upper heart chambers (atrium). It can be triggered by a variety of reasons, including infections, electrolyte problems, and some medications.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): AFib is an irregular heartbeat originating from the atria and characterised by rapid and chaotic contractions that prevent blood from being properly pumped out of the heart chambers and into circulation throughout the body.Not treating it can lead to major health problems
• Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): VFib is an extremely rapid and chaotic contraction originating from the ventricles which prevents blood from being pumped out properly and into circulation throughout the body.

Arrhythmias can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Electrical disturbances in the heart muscle (myocardium).
• Structural changes in the heart, such as scar tissue or abnormal valves.
• Certain medications, such as antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause.
• Diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Alcohol and drug abuse.
• Thyroid disorders and certain metabolic disorders.

The most common symptom of arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, which may feel like a fluttering in your chest, skipped beats or a racing heart.

Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Chest Pain Or Discomfort
• Fatigue

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Arrhythmia risk can be lowered with healthy lifestyle choices like eating right, staying active, and not smoking or drinking too much.
• Manage stress: Arrhythmia can be caused by or made worse by stress. Arrhythmia risk might rise with stress, while adopting relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial.
• Monitor your medications: Some medications can increase the risk of arrhythmia or make it worse if you already have it. Make sure your risk isn't being exacerbated by any prescription drugs you're taking by discussing them with your doctor.
• Avoid stimulants: Caffeine and other stimulants such as nicotine should be avoided if you have or are at risk for arrhythmia as they can trigger episodes of an abnormal heart rhythm.
• Monitor your heart rate: If you’ve been diagnosed with arrhythmia, try to keep track of your heart rate throughout the day by using a heart rate monitor or checking it manually with a stethoscope or other device.

Diagnosis of arrhythmia usually involves a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and/or other tests.

• Physical Exam: A physical exam may reveal a heart murmur, an abnormal heartbeat, or other signs of arrhythmia.
• ECG: An ECG detects electrical impulses from the heart and can detect irregularities in the heartbeat that suggest arrhythmia. In some cases, doctors may also use other tests such as an echocardiogram, Holter monitor, or stress test to diagnose arrhythmia.

Possible complications of arrhythmia include stroke, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and even death. Arrhythmia sufferers may also be more likely to experience other cardiac issues including excessive blood pressure or coronary artery disease.

following are the home remedies for arrhythmia:

• Use of sendha namak or rock salt in place of normal table salt is advised in problems of arrhythmia
• Use of ashwagandha churna with warm water or milk is considered good if u are having any symptoms of arrhythmia
• As with any supplement or medication, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking ashwagandha churna or sendha namak for arrhythmia.

If you are looking for food options to help manage your arrhythmia, there are a variety of foods to consider that can help reduce your risk and maintain a healthy heart.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of arrhythmia as they contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains contain an abundance of fibre, which can help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
• Fish: Eating fish regularly is associated with a lower risk of arrhythmia due to their omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the heart muscle.
• Nuts: Nuts are packed with healthy fats like monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats which can help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and also improve circulation throughout the body.
• Low-Fat Dairy Products: Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese are rich in calcium which may help reduce the risk of arrhythmia by improving blood pressure regulation.
• Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs such as hawthorn berries, ginger root, ginkgo biloba, garlic, turmeric root powder, or St John’s wort may be helpful when taken in moderation to help regulate heart health naturally.

Certain foods can raise your risk of arrhythmias and should be avoided. These include:

• Foods high in sodium, such as processed meats, canned soups and frozen dinners
• Caffeine, found in coffee, tea and energy drinks
• Alcohol
• Foods high in saturated fat and trans fats, such as fried foods, fast food and processed snacks
• Sugary foods and drinks, such as soda and sweets
• Processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon and salami
• Herbs or supplements that contain caffeine or stimulants

Treatment for arrhythmia depends on its severity and underlying cause. Common treatments include lifestyle modifications such as limiting alcohol intake, avoiding certain medications and foods that can trigger arrhythmias, or taking medications to control heart rate or rhythm.

In some cases, medical intervention such as ablation or implantable device therapy may be necessary to treat more severe arrhythmias.Depending on the kind and severity of your arrhythmia, you and your doctor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you have been diagnosed with arrhythmia, it is important to consult with a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a physician who focuses on cardiovascular health.

A cardiologist is in the greatest position to diagnose your illness and recommend appropriate treatment. The next step may be to see an electrophysiologist, a physician with advanced training in treating irregular heartbeats.

It is possible to treat arrhythmia without surgery. And some treatment options for arrhythmia are given below:

• Medications: They can be used to stop an irregular heartbeat from occurring or to slow down an irregular heartbeat so that a normal rhythm can be restored.
• Pacemakers: Implantable devices, such as pacemakers, are frequently beneficial for patients who suffer from severe arrhythmias. Pacemakers are devices that send minute electrical impulses to the heart muscle at the appropriate times in order to help maintain a normal heart rate.
• Defibrillators: Defibrillators monitor the heartbeat and deliver an electrical shock if needed to restore a regular rhythm when dangerous abnormal rhythms occur.

Treatment for arrhythmia typically entails medicine, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic pharmaceuticals. Depending on the specific type and severity of arrhythmia, several medications will prove to be more effective than others.

Generally, the most common surgical treatments include:

• Catheter Ablation: This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) areas of abnormal electrical pathways responsible for causing the arrhythmia.
• Implanted Devices: These are devices that are implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate the heart rhythm, such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
• Maze Procedure: This is an open-heart procedure that involves making small incisions in the heart chambers and connecting them with other incisions to create a “maze”-like pattern. This can correct an irregular heartbeat by rerouting electrical signals.
• Maze Plus Procedure: This is a more complex version of the maze procedure that includes placement of sutures between certain areas of the heart muscle to help regulate electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm.

Arrhythmia recovery times vary according to the nature of the condition, the intensity of the symptoms, and the chosen treatment modality. Recuperation time typically ranges from a few weeks to many months. If you want to get better, you need to do what the doctor says and follow the treatment plan he or she gives you.

The results of the treatment for arrhythmia depend on the type of arrhythmia. Some types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can be successfully treated with medications or procedures that can help restore a normal heart rhythm.

However, in some cases, the arrhythmia may come back over time or may not respond to treatment.

The kind and severity of an arrhythmia will determine the post-treatment protocols that should be followed after the arrhythmia has been treated. For mild arrhythmias, post-treatment guidelines may include:

• Regular monitoring of heart rate and rhythm.
• Making changes to one's lifestyle, such as adopting a healthier diet, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing one's exposure to stress, cutting back on alcohol intake, and quitting smoking (if applicable).
• Keeping regular appointments with your primary care physician so that he or she may monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

The cost of treatment of arrhythmia in India might change based on the kind of arrhythmia, the severity of the ailment, and the level of intricacy of the treatment. Generally, the cost can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1 lakh or more for complex treatments such as ablation surgery.

The cost also includes hospital expenses and other medical tests. Additionally, patients may need to take medications and undergo lifestyle modifications to help control their arrhythmias as prescribed by their doctor.

• Generally, the most common side effects are fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, and shortness of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin rash or itching, ankle and foot edema, and muscular cramping are also possible adverse reactions.
• More significant adverse effects, including a stroke or heart attack, are possible, but they are quite uncommon. Before beginning therapy for arrhythmia, it is crucial to address any risks with your doctor.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to arrhythmia then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like heart attack , cor pulmonale and heart block in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.