Get to know how to detect heart rhythm disturbances
Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) are often not detected early. Even though this can be fatal and can end in sudden death. People with arrhythmias can feel their heart rhythm is too fast, too slow, or irregular. Heart rhythm with a slow beat will interfere with blood flow to the brain so that the sufferer can faint at any time. Conversely, if the heart beats too fast for a long time, the pumping function of the heart will weaken.
Arrhythmia occurs when the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat don't work properly. This condition can be caused by a number of conditions below:
- Consumption of cold medicine or allergy medicine
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte disturbances, such as excess or deficiency of potassium, hyperkalemia and hypomagnesemia
- Thyroid disorders, eg hyperthyroidism
- Abnormalities of heart valves
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Torsades de pointes
Apart from medical conditions, arrhythmias can also be triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as:
- Unable to manage stress well
- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
- Abusing drugs
To determine whether a patient has a cardiac arrhythmia, the doctor will examine the symptoms that appear and the patient's physical condition. Then the doctor needs several supporting examinations. The additional checks referred to include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
This examination is better known as a heart record. This examination is done to record the electrical activity of the heart at rest. Sometimes this check also needs to be done during daily activities. To record the heart for 24 hours the doctor will attach a portable heart recording device called a holter monitoring.
- Cardio exercise test (treadmill test)
The cardiac exercise test is an additional examination that provides information on whether the heart is getting enough blood and oxygen from the circulation during strenuous activity. Treadmill tests can also be done to obtain important information about heart rhythm and blood pressure. Treadmill tests in patients with heart rhythm disturbances should be carried out as directed or by consulting a Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist.
- Ultrasound of the heart (Echocardiography)
This examination is performed to assess the structure and function of the heart. Heart rhythm problems are often accompanied by structural problems of the heart.
Early detection of heart rhythm disturbances is by counting the frequency of pulses per minute. A normal heart rate ranges from 60-100 beats per minute at rest. Some people may have difficulty calculating their own heart rate. This can be caused by the pulse on the wrist which tends to be difficult to feel.
Friends of Hermina, to be sure of heart problems that may be experienced, don't hesitate to consult a Cardiologist & Vessel Specialist at Hermina Podomoro Hospital to ensure there is a heart rhythm disorder. Greetings healthy.