Smoking and drinking can cause a person to have irregular heartbeats. It is important to quit smoking and drinking even if a person has an irregular heart rhythm, because it can make it worse.
An irregular heart rate does not always mean that a person has a heart condition. Instead, it may just mean that there is an underlying heart issue.
It is a good idea to check with a doctor before taking any new medication. They can help determine if it will be safe for you to take the medication.
The American Heart Association recommends that people with irregular heart rates see their doctor for a checkup at least once a year.
People who smoke or drink should quit. People who have an irregular heart rate should see their doctor.
Heart Conditions and Irregular Heart Rates
Certain heart conditions can make it harder or more difficult for a person to get an irregular heart rate.
Conditions that can lead to an irregular heart rate include:
- Arrhythmias. The heart can beat irregularly and irregularly. Some forms of irregular heartbeats are more common in people with heart conditions.
- Cardiomyopathy. This condition makes the heart and the muscles around it weaken. When this happens, the heart can beat irregularly.
- Cardiomyopathy with heart failure.
- Chronic coronary artery disease. This condition occurs when the coronary arteries become clogged. This can cause a person to experience an irregular heart rate.
- Electrolyte imbalances. A person may experience an irregular heart rate if their electrolyte levels are imbalanced.
Treatment for Irregular Heart Rates
Treatment for irregular heart rates depends on the underlying cause.
If a person is having an irregular heart rate, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor can help determine what is causing the irregular heartbeat. They may recommend a number of different treatments.
The doctor can also check for other heart conditions that may be contributing to the irregular heart rate.
The doctor may recommend that a person:
- Take medication. A person can take medications to help regulate their heartbeat.
- Take a beta-blocker. A beta-blocker is a type of medication that can reduce the heart rate.
- Take an anti-arrhythmic drug. An anti-arrhythmic drug is another type of medication that can help regulate the heart rate.
- Take an anticoagulant. An anticoagulant is another type of medication that can help stop blood clots that may be causing the irregular heart rate.
- Take a medication called amiodarone. This medication can help reduce the amount of calcium in the blood.
- Use a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a device that is implanted in a person’s chest. It is a small device that a doctor can implant. It can help regulate a person’s heartbeat.
When to See a Doctor?
People should see their doctor if they are having an irregular heart rate.
People should also see their doctor if they experience symptoms that seem to be related to an irregular heart rate. These symptoms can include:
- A rapid heartbeat that is out of sync with the rest of the body.
- A heart that does not pump blood properly.
- A heart that is beating too slowly.
- Symptoms that do not go away.
People should see their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms.
The doctor can help determine what is causing the irregular heart rate. They can also help determine if other heart conditions are causing the irregular heart rate.
People with an irregular heart rate should talk to their doctor if their irregular heart rate is:
- Excessive
- Persistent
- Uncontrollable
People with an irregular heart rate should also talk to their doctor if they are older than age 60.
People who are older than age 60 should see their doctor if their irregular heart rate is out of sync with their heart.
People who are older than age 60 should also see their doctor if their irregular heart rate is out of sync with their symptoms.
People should see their doctor if their symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain accompanied by a heart murmur
If a person has any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor.
How to Prevent Irregular Heart Rates?
A person can prevent irregular heart rates by:
- Getting regular exercise. There are many different types of exercise that a person can try to help keep their heart healthy.
- Keeping a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can make it harder for the heart to pump blood properly.
- Reducing stress. Stress can affect the heartbeat.
- Taking medications. Some medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can impact the heart rate.
- Taking cardiovascular vitamins. Taking vitamin supplements can help people maintain a healthy heart.
Can I lower my risk for irregular heart rates?
A person can lower their risk of developing irregular heart rates by:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet. A diet that is mostly made up of fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of developing heart-related problems.
- Limiting alcohol intake. Alcohol can make the heart work harder, which can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.
- Losing weight. When a person is overweight, it can make it harder for the heart to pump.
- Taking medication. Some medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can impact the heart rate.
People can lower the risk of developing irregular heart rates by taking these steps.
What Can I Do If I Have an Irregular Heart Rate?
If a person experiences an irregular heart rate, they should talk to their doctor. The doctor can help determine what is causing the irregular heartbeat. They can also check for other heart conditions that may be causing the irregular heart rate.
Having an irregular heart rate can be a symptom of a number of different conditions. It can also be a symptom of a heart disease.
Outlook
The outlook for people with an irregular heart rate depends on the cause and severity of the irregularity.
For most people, an irregular heart rate does not mean that there is a heart condition. It may just mean that there is a problem with the electrical activity of the heart.
If the irregularity does not go away on its own, or if it lasts for more than a few days, a doctor may recommend that the person see a cardiologist.
In some cases, an irregular heart rate may be a sign of a serious heart condition. This is especially true if the person has other symptoms of a heart condition.
A person should contact their doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of a heart condition, especially if they are having trouble with their daily activities.
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