Feb 11, 2025
Our guest today is Evelyn Gamble.
Evelyn is a dedicated healthcare worker and passionate heart
disease advocate. With a deep commitment to improving health
outcomes, Evelyn uses her personal and professional experiences to
raise awareness about heart health, particularly for young adults.
As a strong voice for change, she aims to inspire others to take
proactive steps in managing their heart health and to advocate for
better care and resources for those affected by heart
disease.
Definition:
A heart arrhythmia, also known as a cardiac
arrhythmia, is an abnormal rhythm of the
heart. It
occurs when the electrical impulses that control the heart's
contractions do not function properly.
Causes:
Heart arrhythmias can be caused by a wide
range of factors, including:
- Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium)
- Certain medications (e.g., stimulants, caffeine)
- Thyroid disorders
- Damage to the Vagus Nerve
- Stress
- Genetics
Types:
There are many different types of heart
arrhythmias, which can be classified based on the rate and rhythm
of the heart:
- Tachycardia: A
rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute)
- Bradycardia: A
slow heart rate (under 60 beats per minute)
- Atrial
fibrillation: A quivering or irregular rhythm of the upper
chambers of the heart (atria)
- Ventricular
fibrillation: A life-threatening rhythm where the lower
chambers of the heart (ventricles) contract irregularly and
chaotically
- Premature
beats: Extra heartbeats that occur early in the
rhythm
Symptoms:
Some people with heart arrhythmias may not
experience any symptoms. Others may have symptoms such
as:
Palpitations (feeling like the heart is
racing or fluttering), Chest pain or discomfort, Dizziness or
lightheadedness, Fainting, and Shortness of breath.
Diagnosis and
Treatment:
To diagnose a heart arrhythmia, your doctor
will likely perform a physical exam, ask about your medical
history, and take an electrocardiogram
(ECG). Treatment options depend on the type and
severity of the arrhythmia and may include:
- Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics)
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, stress management)
- Surgery (e.g., ablation procedure)
- Implantable devices
(e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators)
Outlook:
The outlook for people with heart
arrhythmias varies depending on the underlying cause and severity
of the condition.