11 symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia (y qué pruebas hacer)

Among the symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia is the feeling that the heart is pounding fast or accelerated, and this can arise in people with a healthy heart or in those who have heart disease, such as high blood pressure or heart failure.

The arrhythmia can occur in any age, but it is more common in major people and, in general, is identified in routine problems and in the symptoms. However, on certain occasions, the symptoms of palpitation may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, nausea, malaise, shortness of breath, pain in the pecho, paleness or cold sweating, for example, which indicates more serious problems with the heart rate.

If you experience any symptoms that raise a suspicion of cardiac arrhythmia, it is important to seek immediate medical help or to go to the nearest health center. Likewise, it is essential to consult a cardiologist for follow-up and start the most appropriate treatment, with the aim of preventing complications.

The main symptoms that could indicate a cardiac arrhythmia are the following:

1. heart palpitation;
2. Heart accelerated or slow;
3. Pain in the pecho;
4. lack of air;
5. Sensation of “nudo” in the throat;
6. tiredness;
7. Sensation of weakness;
8. Seas or faints;
9. malaise;
10. Anxiety;
11. Cold sweating.

In case you present any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital center.

Know other signs that can indicate problems in the heart.

Who has a greater risk of arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia can arise without an apparent cause or as a result of a natural aging process, for example. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia, such as the following:

• Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, infarction or heart failure;
• Haberse had previously undergone cardiac surgery;
• high pressure;
• Birth heart diseases;
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism;
• Diabetes, especially when it is out of control, with blood sugar levels always high;
• Swine apnea;
• Chemical imbalances in blood, such as changes in potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium concentrations;
• Use of drugs such as digitalis or salbutamol or flu drugs that contain phenylephrine, for example;
• Chagas disease;
• Anemia;
• smoking;
• Excessive consumption of coffee.

In addition, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can alter the heart rate and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia.

How is the diagnosis performed?

The diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia is performed by a cardiologist who evaluates the medical history of the person and the symptoms, as well as the possibility of using medications or drugs of abuse.

Tips for diagnosing arrhythmia

Apart from the medical evaluation, it is also possible to request some analysis and laboratory tests that are essential to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of the arrhythmia, such as the following:

• Electrocardiogram;
• Laboratory analysis such as blood count, blood levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium;
• Check blood levels of troponin to assess cardiac contraction;
• Thyroid glands;
• Ergometric prueba;
• Other exams that can be requested are ultrasound, magnetic resonance or nuclear gammagraphy, for example.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment of the arrhythmia will depend on the symptoms, on the severity and on the risks of complications of this condition. Generally, in milder cases, the treatment can include a simple medical indication, changes in life habits, periodic medical follow-up or interruption of the use of the drugs that generated the arrhythmia.

On the other hand, in more serious cases of cardiac arrhythmia, the treatment can be carried out with drugs prescribed by the doctor or surgeon, for example.

Find out more details on the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia.

How to prevent cardiac arrhythmia

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cardiac arrhythmias, such as the following:

• Have a healthy and balanced diet;
• Practice physical activities regularly;
• Losing weight in cases of obesity or excess weight;
• Avoid smoking;
• Reduce alcohol consumption;
• Avoid the use of medications that contain cardiac stimulants, such as phenylephrine.

Likewise, it is important to avoid situations that can cause stress and anxiety, in order to prevent the risk of cardiac arrhythmia or other cardiac problems.

Get advice on how to reduce stress.