What are the symptoms and risks of arrhythmia?
Nov 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, arrhythmia may present symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and increased sweating. It may also lead to limitations in physical activity, reduced cardiac function, worsening of existing diseases, onset of angina, increased risk of stroke, and potentially life-threatening complications such as sudden cardiac death. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow the treatment guidance provided by their physician.
Under normal circumstances, arrhythmia may present symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and increased sweating. It may also lead to complications including restricted physical activity, reduced cardiac function, worsening of pre-existing diseases, increased risk of angina, stroke, and even sudden death. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow medical instructions for treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
I. Symptoms
1. Palpitations: When the heart's rhythm becomes abnormal, it can affect the heart's normal contraction and relaxation functions, causing the patient to feel discomfort or anxiety due to irregular heartbeat. This may be accompanied by sensations such as pauses in heartbeat or a pounding heartbeat.
2. Chest tightness: Irregular heartbeat can reduce the heart's blood output, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, which may cause symptoms such as chest tightness and chest pain, particularly noticeable after physical activity or emotional excitement.
3. Dizziness: Arrhythmia can affect the heart's normal ejection function, causing hemodynamic abnormalities and fluctuating blood pressure, which may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain and cause dizziness.
4. Shortness of breath: Once the heart's normal rhythm is disrupted, its pumping function may be impaired, resulting in pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange, which can cause shortness of breath. Symptoms may worsen after physical activity or emotional excitement.
5. Increased sweating: During episodes of arrhythmia, patients may experience excessive sweating due to discomfort, nervousness, or anxiety, further increasing discomfort and affecting quality of life.
II. Complications
1. Restricted activity: Arrhythmia may lead to inadequate cardiac output, limiting physical capacity. Mild exertion may induce fatigue, further restricting physical activity.
2. Reduced cardiac function: Arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, impairing its pumping function. Long-term arrhythmia increases the heart's workload, potentially leading to serious conditions such as heart failure, further reducing cardiac function.
3. Worsening of pre-existing conditions: Patients with existing heart disease or other chronic illnesses may experience exacerbation of their conditions when arrhythmia occurs. For example, arrhythmia in patients with coronary artery disease may further worsen myocardial ischemia.
4. Angina pectoris: Angina is caused by insufficient coronary blood supply leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Arrhythmia may cause unstable coronary blood flow, triggering angina, which typically presents as compressive or suffocating chest pain behind the sternum or in the precordial area.
5. Increased risk of stroke: Arrhythmia may cause blood to stagnate within the heart, forming blood clots. If a clot dislodges and travels through the bloodstream, it may block cerebral vessels, causing a stroke, potentially leading to sequelae such as hemiplegia and aphasia, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.
In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and positive mental well-being—is recommended to prevent the occurrence of arrhythmia.
