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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
Research shows that there are a number of risk factors associated with the development of arrhythmia:
- Alcohol intake - excessive intake of alcohol is a risk factor for any type of arrhythmia, from the benign to the more serious types
- Caffeine intake - high intake of caffeine (from coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks) can increase the risk of developing an arrhythmia, especially if high caffeine intake is over a long period
- Genetics - long QT syndrome is an arrhythmia which is inherited mainly (but can also be due to taking certain medications) and there is very little which can be done to reduce the risk factors associated with this arrhythmia
- Heart disease - the most common risk factor for arrhythmias to occur is due to underlying heart disease and most heart disease is due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet choices, lack of exercise
- Intense emotions and stress - recent research suggests that experiencing intense grief, depression, anger or chronic stress can all contribute to a risk of developing an arrhythmia, even without any underlying heart disease
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- Medications - there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications which can cause arrhythmia symptoms as part of the side effects of the medications. The most common medications which can cause abnormal heart rhythms are: cough and cold medications (with pseudoephedrine), beta blockers, psychotropics (anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs), amphetamines, sympathomimetics
- Nutrition deficiencies - a diet that includes high intake of processed foods, very little fresh and healthy foods (fruits and vegetables especially) may be increasing their risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with arrhythmias from a lack of certain nutrients (especially calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1)
- Obesity - people who are overweight and obese significantly increase their risk of developing any type of arrhythmia due to the increased pressure on the heart
- Smoking - cigarette smoke is a well known risk factor for any type of heart disorder, including arrhythmia. Not only are people who smoke at risk, but also people who are exposed to second-hand smoke from other people. Cigarettes contribute to as much as one third of all cardiovascular disease cases
- Thyroid disorders - having an overactive thyroid can cause heart arrhythmias, as can having an underactive thyroid and having to take medications to speed it up, which may also cause heart arrhythmia
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 27 October 2007 || Last updated: 9 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
