Warning Signs of Arrhythmia

7 February 2023

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Warning Signs of Heart Arrhythmia to Look For

Diagram of heart and veins in human - Warning signs of heart arrhythmia graphic

Warning Signs of Arrhythmia

When a person’s heart beats irregularly it is called cardiac arrhythmia. In some cases, the issue may be mild and only require monitoring. However, when left unchecked and untreated, there is the potential for serious health issues, including death. Therefore, you should have a good understanding of the Warning Signs of Heart Arrhythmia.

The Common Signs and Symptoms

In some cases, a person might have a cardiac arrhythmia and not realize it because they don’t have any symptoms. However, others may have some symptoms and signs that could indicate an irregular heartbeat.

For example, someone may have a fluttering or quivering feeling in their chest. They might have an abnormally slow or fast heartbeat. They could also have signs and symptoms that are a bit more pronounced including chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fainting or nearly fainting, sweating, fatigue, or anxiety.

When you feel any issues with your heart, even if you might feel they “aren’t a big deal”, you don’t want to take any chances. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get in touch with a medical professional. They can check you out and determine the problem, as well as potential treatments.

What Causes Arrhythmia?

There aren’t just one or two things that could cause cardiac arrhythmia. There could be any number of issues or conditions that could cause the problem.

Common Causes of Heart Arrhythmia

Scarring from a previous heart attack
Blocked arteries
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Sleep apnea
Genetics
Smoking
Drug abuse
Too much alcohol
Too much caffeine
Anxiety
Stress

These are just some of the major causes of cardiac arrhythmia.

You will want to take steps to deal with the problem if you have an irregular heartbeat or to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing stress, and avoiding bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking will help.

You will also want to make sure you are listening to your doctor and following their orders. This may include taking medication like blood thinners, as cardiac arrhythmias often cause an increased risk of blood clots. The blood-thinning meds could help to reduce the risk of stroke.

Types of Arrhythmia

There are multiple types of arrhythmia, each of which affects the heart differently. It’s important to understand at least the basics of each of these different arrhythmias.

Tachycardia – This type of arrhythmia indicates that you have an excessively fast heartbeat.
Bradycardia – This type of arrhythmia indicates that you have an excessively slow heartbeat.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) names this as the most common type of arrhythmia. Another term for this is a chaotic heartbeat, and it can cause a pulsing or quivering feeling in the chest.

AF happens when the two upper chambers of the heart are not working in sync. It can increase the risk of a stroke. It also causes the heart to beat up to 170 beats per minute and can cause some of the symptoms discussed earlier including shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and sweating. However, not everyone will have symptoms. Atrial fibrillation is very dangerous, and you will need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Something to keep in mind when it comes to your heartbeat speed is that different activities will change how quickly your heart beats. For example, exercising, smoking, drinking caffeine, taking drugs, etc. will do this.

Heart Arrhythmia Treatment Options

Typically, treatment for cardiac arrhythmia will only be needed in certain cases. If the issue is not causing serious health problems, the doctors may only want to monitor it. The treatment offered for those who need it will vary based on the type of arrhythmia they have. It can include everything from medication to vagal maneuvers, catheter procedures, cardioversion, and heart surgery.

Consult a Medical Professional

There are serious complications that can arise from arrhythmia. Your organs and brain may not be getting enough blood, which could lead to dementia and other issues. You could have a stroke due to clots, suffer heart failure, or death if treatment isn’t sought out.

If you or a loved one has cardiac arrhythmia, you should make sure to get in touch with a doctor to be checked out as soon as possible and to determine what type of treatment could work for you.

Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute

Researchers at the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI) are studying what can impact the heart’s electrical patterns and how to best diagnose, maintain, and treat cardiac arrhythmias. The CVRTI is committed to better understanding how to maintain a healthy heart and improve heart health outcomes. CVRTI is famous because, thirty years ago, its Investigators discovered the molecular basis of the most prominent genetically acquired arrhythmia syndrome (“Long QT Syndrome”) and identified how common medicines can result in these highly dangerous arrhythmias. Now, Investigators are studying the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation and ablation techniques with the goal of improving ablation outcomes (Ranjan ). They are also studying techniques to prevent and terminate life threatening arrhythmias without the need for shocking the heart (Dosdall, Shaw). The genetic and metabolic basis for some of these arrhythmias is also being investigated (Aromolaran, Palatinus, Tristani). Research at CVRTI is changing cardiac arrhythmia patients. Contact CVRTI to learn more about ongoing research for cardiac arrhythmia.

How Serious Is Cardiac Arrhythmia?

6 February 2023

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Is Arrhythmia Dangerous for Your Health? How Serious is Cardiac Arrhythmia?

Closeup of EKG Machine with Patient Who Has Cardiac Arrhythmia in the Background in Hospital Bed

Cardiac arrhythmia is a term used to describe an irregular heartbeat, and it affects between 1.5% and 5% of people in the United States. It has the potential to be a serious and even deadly problem. Let’s take a closer look at this medical condition.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Symptoms

In some cases, a person might not notice any signs or symptoms of heart arrhythmia, and it might only be noticed by a doctor. However, many people do feel certain symptoms, such as a fluttering feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Those who have a racing heartbeat could have tachycardia, which is a type of cardiac arrhythmia which makes the heart beat quickly. Someone who has a unusually slow heartbeat could have bradycardia, which is another type of heart arrhythmia.

Some of the other potential symptoms could include sweating, fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor to Seek Medical Treatment?

Those who feel that their heart is beating too fast or too slow, or that their heart is skipping a beat, will want to get in touch with their doctor as soon as they can make an appointment.

If you feel weak or dizzy, or if you have shortness of breath, chest discomfort/pain, or lightheadedness, you will want to get medical attention right away. These could be signs of a serious problem.

There is another type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation, which doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms before it takes effect. This causes a drastic drop in blood pressure, and it can occur in a matter of seconds. The person will soon stop breathing and their pulse will stop. Someone in this condition needs immediate medical help and will need to call 911 ASAP.

Risk Factors

Several different elements of a person’s life could cause them to develop an irregular heartbeat. They could have had complications from previous heart surgery, coronary artery disease, or high blood pressure that contribute to the problem. Some could be born with a heart condition. Having an electrolyte imbalance and suffering from obstructive sleep apnea could increase your risk factor, too.

Additionally, some lifestyle issues could be causing problems with your heartbeat. Drinking too much alcohol, for example, could affect the electrical impulses in the heart, which could increase your risk. Caffeine, nicotine, and other types of stimulants can cause the heart to beat faster and cause you to develop an arrhythmia as well.

What Is the Best Medical Treatment for Irregular Heartbeat?

There is no “best” treatment for irregular heartbeat simply because all patients are different and arrhythmia can differ. In some cases, it may be less severe and require monitoring rather than an active treatment. Other times, treatments will be necessary, and the scope and type will vary.

Using medication to help treat cardiac arrhythmia is known as chemical cardioversion. The medication could be provided intravenously or orally. Another type of treatment is called electrical cardioversion, which is an electric shock treatment. It provides a shock that is meant to reset a normal heartbeat.

There is also atrial fibrillation ablation, which requires a doctor to create small scars on the heart to cause a break in the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. Catheter ablation is a treatment that destroys small parts of tissue that are causing the arrhythmia. Additionally, there are implantable devices that can monitor, synchronize, and reset the heart rhythm.

The one that will be deemed the “best” is going to differ from one patient to the next. You will want to speak with your doctor about the options you have available to find the one that is right for you.

Prevention for Heart Arrhythmia is a Good Treatment

Prevention can the best medicine. Making some lifestyle changes could help to reduce a person’s risk of developing an irregular heartbeat. While these tips won’t change congenital heart issues, they can help to get your heart healthier and could prevent cardiac arrhythmia in some people.

Things To Do To Prevent Heart Arrhythmias

You should start eating a heart-healthy diet and work to stay physically active, so you can maintain a healthy weight. Limit alcohol and caffeine and stop smoking if you are a current smoker. Find ways to reduce your stress levels, and always follow your doctor’s orders for heart health and to avoid the risk of cardiac arrythmias.

Always Consult with a Doctor for Any Heart Treatment Advice

Problems with your heart are never anything to ignore, even if you feel they are minor issues. When it comes to your cardiac health, there is no such thing as a small problem. Always take the time to speak with a medical professional about any issues you have and to get your heart checked out.

Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute

Researchers at the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular

Research and Training Institute (CVRTI) are studying what can impact the heart’s electrical patterns and how to best diagnose, maintain, and treat cardiac arrhythmias. The CVRTI is committed to better understanding how to maintain a healthy and normal heart and improve heart health outcomes.

CVRTI is famous because, thirty years ago, its Investigators discovered the molecular basis of the most prominent genetically acquired arrhythmia syndrome (“Long QT Syndrome”) and identified how common medicines can result in these highly dangerous heart arrhythmias. Now, Investigators are studying the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation and ablation techniques with the goal of improving ablation outcomes (Ranjan).

They are also studying techniques to prevent and terminate life threatening arrhythmias without the need for shocking the heart (Dosdall, Shaw) The genetic and metabolic basis for some of these arrhythmias is also being investigated (Aromolaran, Palatinus, Tristani). Research at CVRTI is changing cardiac arrhythmia patients. Contact CVRTI to learn more about ongoing research for cardiac arrhythmia.

What Can Cause Cardiogenic Shock?

9 January 2023

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Cardiogenic Shock Causes, Stages, and Treatments

Heart Graphic on Blue Background - What Can Cause Cardiogenic Shock Graphic

Cardiogenic shock is a serious condition that can result in death if medical attention is not sought out quickly. This condition occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to meet the needs of your body. When there is not enough blood and oxygen making their way to the organs, it can result in organ failure and eventually death if not treated right away.

This medical issue is more common than a lot of people might imagine. Annually in the United States, there are around 50,000 people who suffer from cardiogenic shock. This is the leading cause of death in people who have a heart attack.

Cardiogenic Shock Causes

Even though it’s the top cause of death in people who have a heart attack, and it is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock, having a heart attack does not always lead to cardiogenic shock.

When someone has a severe heart attack, they may suffer damage to the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber for the heart. If this happens, it hampers the body’s ability to pump blood. The left ventricle is often the one that receives the most damage and causes cardiogenic shock. However, it could also happen to the right ventricle.

In addition to heart attacks, you will find other potential causes of cardiogenic shock. There could be inflammation in the heart muscle or an infection in the heart. Those who suffer from an abnormal heart rhythm are at a higher risk of having cardiogenic shock, as well.

Having too much blood around the heart, blood clots, or tears in the valves of the heart could lead to cardiogenic shock, too. Even if someone is considered healthy and has a good heart, an injury to the chest could damage the heart and lead to cardiogenic shock.

Types of Cardiogenic Shock: The Stages

Cardiogenic shock has several stages. The amount of time that each stage lasts can vary from one patient to the next, of course. Additionally, medical attention at earlier stages can sometimes help to curb the problem before it becomes worse.

Some people may have heart disease and other cardiac issues. This might include suffering a heart attack or heart failure but not having signs of cardiogenic shock. These issues don’t always lead to shock.

Those who don’t take steps to reduce their risk at this point may then proceed to what most consider the first stage of cardiogenic shock. This is where they have a lowered blood pressure or heart rate. Essentially, they aren’t pumping enough blood to the organs.

The next stage is when the patient starts to need medicine or medical devices that can help them get blood to their organs.

The following stage is entered if a patient is not responding to those devices or medicine, and they continue to get worse. The patient could then progress to a stage where they enter cardiac arrest and need CPR, a ventilator, or a defibrillator. At this point, it can be difficult for the patient to survive.

Ideally, patients will start to notice that they have issues with their heart as early as possible, so it never progresses beyond those initial stages. However, that’s not often the case.

What Treatments Will the Doctors Perform?

Diagnosis of Cardiogenic Shock and Emergency Treatment

First, the doctors will need to determine whether the patient has cardiogenic shock or another health issue. There are multiple tests, including lab tests, that doctors can use to provide a proper diagnosis. The treatment will depend on a range of factors including the stage of shock.

The goal is always to ensure that you have enough blood flowing from and to your heart and organs to remain healthy. This might require the use of medications, often provided by IV in cases of emergency. The patient might also have to go on oxygen to increase the amount of O2 in their blood.

Additional Treatment

After emergency medical treatment has been provided, there will likely need to be additional treatment. Again, this will vary based on the cause of the cardiogenic shock. In some cases, it might result in stent placement, heart valve repair, or a bypass. Those who have fluid around the heart will need to have it removed via a needle. This stops the compression of the heart.

Each case is different. Patients and their loved ones will want to speak with the doctors about the available options. Those who feel they may be in danger of suffering cardiogenic shock should start finding ways to reduce that risk. Talk with a doctor about medications to take and lifestyle changes to make.

Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI)

Researchers at the CVRTI use a multidisciplinary approach to study every aspect of cardiogenic shock from the cell to the bedside. We have Investigators who study the cell response to lack of oxygen (Chaudhuri, Hoareau, Lesniewski, Palatinus, Selzmen) and ways to preserve heart tissue when blood flow is compromised in cardiogenic shock. Individual cells are injured when blood flow is lost and receive additional injury when blood flow is restored (termed reperfusion injury) (Hoareau, Shaw). Keeping individual cells alive in the setting of shock is critical to patient survival. On the other end of the spectrum, our investigators study methods of maintaining the normal heart rhythm as abnormal heart rhythms a can contribute to cardiogenic shock (Aromolaran, Dosdall, MacLeod, Ranjan, Shaw, Tristani). Our investigators have access to heart tissue from patients who have received heart transplants for cardiogenic shock to study changes in proteins and molecular signals in response to this condition (Drakos, Hong, Shaw).

What Are the Symptoms of Cardiogenic Shock?

9 January 2023

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cariogenic Shock?

Human Heart on Bright Blue Background- What Are the Symptoms of Cardiogenic Shock Graphic

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart has been damaged to the point that it is no longer capable of supplying enough blood and oxygen to the body’s organs. This has the potential to be a serious medical condition that can lead to many health issues and even death. Below, you’ll learn more about cardiogenic shock including signs and symptoms to watch out for.

Why Does Cardiogenic Shock Occur?

The most common causes of cardiogenic shock are serious heart conditions. These could occur during or after a heart attack, for example. When this occurs, a portion of the heart muscle may no longer move properly, or not at all. Damage from a heart attack might also cause a rupture in the heart muscle.

Pressure on the heart, tears of muscles or tendons that support heart valves, ruptures in the wall between the left and right ventricles, and slow or erratic heart rhythms could cause the progression of cardiogenic shock, as well.

Understanding Progression of Cardiogenic Shock and Criteria

Cardiogenic shock progresses through four stages—initial, compensatory, progressive, and refractory.

In the initial stage, the heart output is diminished, but there aren’t any clinical symptoms that would necessarily be noticed. When it moves to the compensatory stage, the body responds to the decreased cardio output and essentially starts to change the blood pressure in the body. This can start to cause a host of issues in the body.

Next comes the progressive stage if there is no intervention to help the blood pressure return to normal, get healthier, and reverse the problem. At this stage, the heart is under increased demand, which can lead to metabolic acidosis and fluid leakage from the capillaries. This can cause clotting in the capillaries and tissue death. Cardiac output is further reduced at this stage and will eventually lead to the refractory stage if there is no intervention. The chance of survival when cardiogenic shock gets to this stage is limited.

At this stage, there are also often other complications that arise, which can make treatment even more difficult. Some of these complications include organ failure, stroke, and cardiopulmonary arrest.

Cardiogenic Shock: Examples of Symptoms

If you or a loved one is suffering from cardiogenic shock, you will want to be aware of some of the most common signs. If you feel any of these issues, you must get in touch with your doctor right away. Often, going to the emergency room is the best course of action when dealing with any type of heart issue, even if you may not think it is serious.

Some Of the Most Common Signs And Symptoms Include:

Pressure or pain in the chest
Heavy, increased sweating
Moist, clammy skin
Skin that is cool to the touch
Fast breathing
Elevated pulse or a weak pulse
Restlessness
Agitation
Lightheadedness
Trouble concentrating or confusion
Not being alert
Blotchy skin or pale skin
Shortness of breath
Less than normal urination (or no urination at all)
Nausea/vomiting
Loss of consciousness

As mentioned above, these are serious issues, and you will want to have them checked out by a medical practitioner sooner rather than later. Even if a patient isn’t in any of the stages of cardiogenic shock, it is always better to have the help and guidance of a professional, who can perform exams and tests to get to the root of the problem.

What Sorts of Tests Are Administered for Diagnosis?

Some of the types of tests that may be administered as a means to diagnose cardiogenic shock include chest x-rays, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and nuclear scans of the heart.

Lab tests may be ordered, as well, to determine the problem with the heart. These tests could include a complete blood count, blood chemistry, and checking arterial blood gas, for example.

Treatment for Cardiogenic Shock

It is important to understand that cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency. Patients will need to stay in the hospital while the doctors attempt to find and treat the cause, so they can help to save their life.

Some of these treatments might include various medicine meant to improve heart function and increase blood pressure. Medicines like vasopressin, epinephrine, and dopamine could help in the short term. Other treatments, such as pacemakers, ventricular assist devices, surgery, and heart monitoring may be required, as well.

Whenever you or a loved one has any health issues, such as those described above, make it a point to get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible.

Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI)

Researchers at the CVRTI use a multidisciplinary approach to study every aspect of cardiogenic shock from the cell to the bedside. We have Investigators who study the cell response to lack of oxygen (Chaudhuri, Hoareau, Lesniewski, Palatinus, Selzmen) and ways to preserve heart tissue when blood flow is compromised in cardiogenic shock. Individual cells are injured when blood flow is lost and receive additional injury when blood flow is restored (termed reperfusion injury) (Hoareau, Shaw). Keeping individual cells alive in the setting of shock is critical to patient survival. On the other end of the spectrum, our investigators study methods of maintaining the normal heart rhythm as abnormal heart rhythms a can contribute to cardiogenic shock (Aromolaran, Dosdall, MacLeod, Ranjan, Shaw, Tristani). Our investigators have access to heart tissue from patients who have received heart transplants for cardiogenic shock to study changes in proteins and molecular signals in response to this condition (Drakos, Hong, Shaw).