arrhythmia Cardiac arrhythmia refers to a collective term for irregular, rapid, or slow heartbeats caused by abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system. It can be effectively controlled in most cases through the use of oral antiarrhythmic medications, surgical interventions, lifestyle improvements, and regular follow-up examinations, leading to long-term survival.

Clinically, arrhythmias can be classified based on the location, mechanism, and frequency of occurrence.

Based on the location of occurrence, arrhythmias are divided into two major categories: supraventricular (including sinus, atrial, and atrioventricular junctional) and ventricular arrhythmias.

Based on the mechanism of occurrence, arrhythmias are divided into two major categories: abnormal impulse formation and abnormal impulse conduction.

Based on the frequency of occurrence, arrhythmias are divided into two major categories: fast and slow types of arrhythmias. In clinical practice, arrhythmias are often classified based on heart rate.

Common slow-type arrhythmias (heart rate <60 beats/minute) include: sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, sick sinus syndrome, and sinus node conduction block (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree).

Common fast-type arrhythmias (heart rate >100 beats/minute) include: premature beats, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia (atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation), supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia (ventricular flutter, ventricular fibrillation), etc.

Genetic factors causing arrhythmias are often due to genetic mutations. For patients without organic heart disease who experience recurrent malignant arrhythmias or even sudden death, genetic testing can be used for risk assessment and to guide treatment plans.

Acquired factors causing arrhythmias include physiological and pathological factors.

Common physiological factors include: fast-type arrhythmias caused by exercise, emotional changes, and slow-type arrhythmias occurring during sleep, etc.

Common pathological factors can be divided into several categories:

Cardiovascular diseases: including coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congenital heart disease, etc.;

Systemic causes: including drug toxicity, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances, autonomic nervous system and fluid balance dysfunction, etc.;

Other extracardiac functional or structural changes: including hyperthyroidism, stroke, etc.

As the disease progresses, patients in the early stages may experience palpitations, sweating, fatigue, and dyspnea. At this stage, if the heart rhythm returns to normal, there is no significant discomfort. If it further progresses, it can lead to dizziness, syncope, and even sudden death.

For patients with suspected severe hemodynamic instability, such as first-time occurrence of hypotension or unmeasurable blood pressure, loss of consciousness, convulsions, syncope, etc., prompt rescue measures by a physician may be necessary.

Patients: Engage in self-management of daily life. Patients should quit smoking and drinking if they have such habits. Adequate sleep and rest should be maintained. Daily diet should avoid overeating or consuming stimulating foods (strong tea, coffee, etc.), and ensure regular bowel movements.

Family members: Encourage patients to maintain normal work and life, pay attention to work-rest balance, and supervise patients to take medications on time and in the right dosage. In daily life, help patients avoid triggers, create a quiet rest environment, and assist with home care.

Rest and exercise: Arrhythmia patients should arrange their work reasonably, pay attention to rest, and engage in appropriate exercise.

Diet: Avoid overeating and consume a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, and fresh meats, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, drinking strong tea, coffee, etc.

To reduce the incidence of arrhythmias, preventive measures include:

Healthy diet: Low-salt, low-fat diet, and moderate intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Moderate exercise: Pay attention to rest and engage in appropriate exercise.

Stable emotions: Maintain a calm and stable mood, relax mentally, and avoid excessive tension.

Appropriate medication: Use non-prescription drugs with caution and follow medical advice for rational drug use.

Self-monitoring: Regularly monitor the pulse.

Regular check-ups.