Are you at risk of arrhythmia? This is a common heart problem in many people. It causes an irregular heartbeat, which is also known as dysrhythmia. While it’s not dangerous for every person; in some cases, it’s a sign of severe heart disease or other medical conditions. Learn what risk factors increase the risk of arrhythmia and when you should consider visiting a doctor for arrhythmia. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.

Causes and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias

Arrhythmias means irregular heart rhythm which can be caused even when your heart is healthy. Many risk factors can lead to arrhythmias, including:

1. Heart conditions:

These heart conditions can cause arrhythmias:

• Coronary heart disease: This disease is caused by plaque buildup in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle or scarring on the heart. These plaque buildup and scarring make it difficult for your heart to pump blood efficiently which causes arrhythmia.
• Heart attack or heart failure: Both these conditions are dangerous and need immediate medical attention. They can change the heart’s electrical impulses, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
• Endocarditis: This is caused by inflammation of the heart muscle. People with this condition often develop atrial fibrillation.
• Heart valve disease: Leaky or weak heart valves can cause changes in your heartbeats, which cause arrhythmias.
• Congenital heart disorders: Some people are born with heart conditions that affect the way the heart works and sometimes, it is not able to produce a normal heartbeat. Also, if you go through heart surgery, you are more at risk of developing arrhythmia.

2. Age:

Older adults over the age of 60 are more likely to develop serious arrhythmia because they are more prone to risk factors like high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and thyroid disease that can lead to arrhythmias. They are also at risk of heart disease or often take medications that affect the heart’s rhythm.

3. Genes:

Your odds may be higher if your parents/siblings/close relatives had an arrhythmia. Some types of heart disease can also run in families.

4. Lifestyle:

Certain lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much caffeine, and using illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause arrhythmias.

5. Gender:

According to the American Heart Association, men are more prone to atrial fibrillation (a type of arrhythmia) than women.

6. Certain medication:

Many widely used medications for other health conditions can cause arrhythmia or worsen a variety of arrhythmias. Talk with your doctor to know your risk of an arrhythmia if you’re taking medicine to treat high blood pressure or for a mental health condition. Certain antibiotics and over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines also raise the risk of arrhythmias in some people.

7. Other medical conditions of arrhythmia:

Other medical conditions can also put you at risk of arrhythmia. It includes:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Low blood sugar
• Obesity
• Chronic lung disease
• Sleep apnea
• Anxiety
• Thyroid disorder
• Asthma
• A pulmonary embolism is a clot that develops in the lungs that causes arrhythmias.
• Chemical imbalances happen due to a lack of potassium, magnesium, calcium, or other chemicals in the body necessary for maintaining a regular heart rhythm.

8. Previous treatments for heart disease:

You’re more at risk of developing arrhythmia if you had surgeries or other treatments for heart disease in the past.

When to go to a doctor?

You should visit your doctor if you notice any of these irregular heartbeat symptoms, including:

• Frequent irregular heart rhythm for no apparent reason.
• Fast heartbeat when you’re at rest.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Heart palpitations – when the heart skips a beat or beats too hard or fast.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sweating
• Weakness, light-headedness, or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness, blackouts, or fainting.

Many risk factors cause irregular heartbeats, however, not all are dangerous and need treatment. But knowing the reason for arrhythmia is a good precaution you should take as it can lead to severe heart problems or other medical conditions. If you notice the above-mentioned signs along with arrhythmia, consider seeking emergency medical help.

If you want to know the reason for your arrhythmia, visit our cardiology clinic in Brooklyn to get a proper medical checkup and treatment. Call us to book your appointment today. If you need tips on how to keep your heart healthy, call us on +1(347) 384-5690. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn are able to greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.