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- What is arrhythmia?
- Symptoms of arrhythmia
- Causes of arrhythmia
- Prevention of arrhythmia
- Risk factors for arrhythmia
- Complications of arrhythmia
- When to see a doctor about arrhythmia
- Diagnosis of arrhythmia
- Conventional treatment of arrhythmia
- Alternative/complementary treatment of arrhythmia
- Living with arrhythmia
- Caring for someone with arrhythmia
Arrhythmia can be caused by a whole range of reasons, but sometimes the cause is never found (especially in those arrhythmias that do not have any basis in heart disease and are not serious).
Some of the most common causes of arrthymias are:
Abnormal blood chemistry
If certain substances in the blood are unbalanced, it could cause arrhythmia. The most common reasons are due to an imbalance (usually deficiency) of:
- Calcium - a lack of calcium may cause abnormal heart rhythm. Calcium is needed to regulate heart beat to normal levels. Calcium also helps to control blood pressure
- Magnesium - a lack of magnesium can cause abnormal heart rhythm. Magnesium is needed to ensure the heart muscle is healthy and beats properly and regularly, so it vital for healthy heart rhythm. Magnesium is also needed to control blood pressure
- Vitamin B1 - a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamin) can cause abnormal heart rhythm. The body needs adequate levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) to enable the heart to beat strong and healthy and to ensure the heart muscle is elastic and functions properly
Anxiety or intense emotions
Anxiety or very intense emotions can often cause a "flutter" type of heart beat or to feel that the heart is racing, or skipping a beat. This type of arrhythmia is usually not serious, but if it continues unabated, it should be investigate by a doctor to rule out any underlying serious heart problems. Several recent studies are showing that depression, anger, prolonged stress and intense emotions may cause arrhythmia and also heart disease.
Certain illicit and prescription drugs
Certain illicit drugs may cause an increased heart rate, palpitations and arrhythmias which can range from benign to life threatening. The most common drugs to cause this type of symptom are: speed and cocaine (or any drugs that are derivatives of either).
Certain prescription medications can also cause arrhythmia as a side effect. The most common medications to cause this type of side effect are:
- Allergy and sinus medications that contain pseudoephedrine
- Appetite suppressants
- Beta-blockers
- Psychotropics (anti-depressants)
- Thyroid medications
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Caffeine
A high intake (or even moderate intake for some people) is enough to cause arrhythmias. The arrhythmias normally occur due to the stimulatory effect of caffeine on the heart. People who are concerned should cut down on their caffeine intake.
There are some guidelines for maximum caffeine intake for children and adults (from the Canadian government):
- Children aged 4-6 : 46mg caffeine per day
- Children aged 7-9 : 62.5 mg caffeine per day
- Children aged 10-12 : 85 mg caffeine per day
- Children aged 13-18 : 100mg caffeine per day
- Adults over 18 : 400mg caffeine per day
- Women 18-50 : 300 mg caffeine per day
The most common sources of caffeine are:
- Chocolate: 4-30 mg per 40g
- Coffee: 70-120 mg per cup
- Cola: 34-50 mg per can
- Energy drinks:- 20-40 mg per can
- Fizzy drinks: 20-40 mg per can
- Tea: 15-45 mg per cup
Exercise
In some people exercise can precipitate arrhythmia in certain circumstance, some of which are completely normal and others which may be serious, or potentially life threatening.
Fever
Sometimes a fever can cause an arrhythmia. This type of arrhythmia is normally benign and does not usually signify a underlying problem with the heart.
Heart disease
Many diseases of the heart can cause abnormal heart beats and very serious heart disorders can cause tachycardia (very fast heartbeats).
Stress
Sometimes being under prolonged stress can cause the heart to beat a little bit fast or skip a beat. This is because of the effect that the stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) have on the heart. People concerned about stress should engage in some meditation or other types of relaxation therapy.
Thyroid disorder
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can cause the heart beat to increase as one of the symptoms of this disorder. Sometimes the medications for an underactive thyroid can cause arrhythmia if they over-stimulate the thyroid.
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