Are you having trouble keeping your heartbeat in check?
Heart arrhythmias are often small, harmless heart issues that don’t require any treatment. However, if your heart is functioning irregularly, it’s important to get it checked out. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious heart problems down the line.
If you’re concerned about your heart rhythm, read on. We’ll break down how to tell if you have it and what heart arrhythmia treatments are available.
Medication
Treatments for atrial fibrillation depend more on types of AFIB, severity, and frequency of the patient’s arrhythmia.
Patients with intermitted, occasional episodes of AFIB symptoms may benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding stimulants like caffeine, reducing stress, and getting enough rest and exercise.
Heart arrhythmia treatments can be with medication in some cases. Medication for heart arrhythmias can include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Beta Blockers work by blocking the hormone adrenaline and helping control heart rate, while calcium channel blockers work by blocking calcium and also helping control heart rate.
Medications such as anti-arrhythmic or heart pacemakers can also be used to treat certain types of heart arrhythmias. Other medications, such as digoxin, can be used to help reduce the risk of blood clots by controlling the rate and strength of the heartbeat.
All medications come with the risk of side effects, so it’s important to discuss the risks, benefits, and options that may be best for you with your doctor.
Implantable Devices
One of the more cutting-edge treatments for arrhythmias involves implantable devices, such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
Pacemakers deliver small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to prevent it from beating too slowly. ICDs, on the other hand, recognize when the heart is beating rapidly and out of rhythm and use electrical energy to shock the heart into a more regular rhythm.
These devices are usually placed during a minimally invasive procedure, and the device works to regulate the heart rate 24/7. While it’s not a permanent fix, it is a highly effective tool in treating arrhythmias and helping the heart return to a normal rhythm.
Electric Shock
Electric shock is a procedure used to restore a normal heartbeat rhythm. A brief electric shock is sent to the heart through paddles or patches placed on the chest. This works by depolarizing the heart muscle, which allows it to reset its rhythm.
Electrical cardioversion is most commonly used for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia. It can also be used in other cases if the patient is deemed suitable.
As with any procedure, there are risks that should be weighed against the benefits of this treatment. Electric shock, while unpleasant, can be a beneficial and effective treatment for heart arrhythmia.
Learn All About Heart Arrhythmia Treatments
In conclusion, heart arrhythmia treatments depend on their type, cause, and severity. It is important to work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan.
Treatment options range from medication to device-based therapies to surgery. Get started today by speaking to your doctor and taking action to take control of your heart health. Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog.