What Is Arrhythmia?

What Is Arrhythmia?

What Is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a heart problem that, as the name suggests, affects the rhythm of the heart's palpitations. For a diagnosis consult your local cardiologist, Dr. Aamir Javaid, of the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care, whether it's in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and St. Cloud, FL.

Electrically Charged

The fist-sized pump inside your chest carries oxygen to every organ in your body. It beats faster in moments of stress and slower in calm and all of it is determined by the heart's own electrical system.

Arrhythmia is what happens when this system falls out of rhythm.

When the heart beats much faster than the normal range, we refer to this as tachycardia. If it beats too slowly we call it bradycardia. But with atrial fibrillation, the most common type, the heart beats at an irregular rhythm.

Usual Symptoms

Symptoms of arrhythmia can be a very slow or fast heartbeat, or palpitations, feeling like you're skipping beats.

More serious symptoms can accompany these. Such as anxiety, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, and chest pain.

It's very important that you speak with your doctor about any discomfort you may be having and through a series of tests diagnose you for arrhythmia.

Prevention

An arrhythmia occurs when something happens that disrupts the nerve cells in charge of producing the electrical signals in your heart.

A heart attack is a known trigger. But other forms of heart disease and high blood pressure can also contribute to complications. As can smoking.

If you are at risk, symptoms can arise suddenly if you overexert yourself physically or emotionally. Situations charged with stress or anger can quickly tax the heart and make it beat faster.

Arrhythmia Treatment in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and St. Cloud, FL

Living a heart-healthy life is a good first step toward prevention. Which includes maintaining your medical checkups and following your doctor's advice on diet and exercise. If you believe you or one of your loved ones are at risk of arrhythmia give Dr. Javaid, of the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care, a call in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and St. Cloud, FL, by dialing (407) 572-8900.