Arrhythmia
What is arrhythmia?
Symptoms of arrhythmia
Consequences of arrhythmia
Palpitation
Triggers and causes of palpitations
Prevention / remedies / treatment for palpitation
What is arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia (cardiac dysrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, fibrillation) is when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular or erratic manner. The term cardiac arrhythmia covers many very different conditions, which are usually caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
Some arrhythmias are life-threatening medical emergencies that can result in cardiac arrest and death within minutes. Others may not cause any obvious harm.
Tachycardia is a resting heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute.
Bradycardia is a resting heart rate of less than 50-60 beats per minute. Healthy people and athletes can have a heart rate much lower than this, and it is not a problem as long as there are no other symptoms (see below).
A health professional is required to diagnose arrhythmia, using an electrocardiogram and other means.
Symptoms of arrhythmia
- Some arrhythmias seem to have no symptoms.
- Palpitation. This is the most common symptom, an abnormal awareness of heartbeat. Most palpitations are distracting but do not cause immediate harm.
- Feeling faint, weak, fatigued, tired, lightheaded or dizzy, particularly during or after exertion.
- Short of breath.
- Sweating.
- Chest discomfort or pain.
Consequences of arrhythmia
- Increased risk of blood clotting within the heart, or of a blood clot anywhere in the body. This increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney or digestive problems etc, depending on where the embolism occurs.
- Insufficient blood being transported to the heart because of weak heartbeat.
- Insufficient blood (and oxygen) supplied to other parts of the body.
Palpitation
A palpitation is an abnormal awareness of the heart beating. Most people can experience an awareness of their heart beating when they pay attention and concentrate on it. Those who meditate regularly develop an awareness of the heartbeat and can even control the rate. However, if the heartbeat is intrusive or interrupts other thoughts this can indicate poor heart function and should be looked in to.
Palpitations can last for a few seconds or the whole day, and can occur rarely or more than daily.
Triggers and causes of palpitations
- Alcohol, particularly red wine.
- Adrenaline.
- Anxiety and panic attacks, panic disorder.
- Artificial sweeteners. Nutrisweet / Equal (Aspartame), Splenda ( Sucrolose).
- Caffeine.
- Drugs, both pharmaceutical and recreational. Arrhythmia is triggered by many common medications, such as anti-depressants.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Overexertion.
- Calcium deposits, hypercalcemia.
- Various diseases such as hyperthyroidism, adrenal exhaustion, anaemia or allergies.
Prevention / remedies / treatment for palpitation
- Molasses.
- Magnesium.
- Apple cider vinegar and sodium bicarbonate.
- cayenne pepper.
- If the palpitations are associated with anxiety or panic attacks, psychological assessment, counselling and meditation may help.
- See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.