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Arrhythmia


Definition: irregularity in the heart beat

Signs and Symptoms: Most people experience a fluttering in the chest which makes them more aware of the heartbeat. Sometimes there is anxiety, confusion, or a feeling of faintness, or lightheadedness. An arrhythmia can be confirmed by an EKG or other testing by a medical doctor.

Treatment: Sometimes underlying conditions such as anemia or heart disease causes an arrhythmia, and must be treated first. Various medications are utilized for arrhythmia, and if the irregular rhythm becomes a problem, sometimes surgical intervention is utilized or a pacemaker used. Abrupt arrhythmias that are life threatening may be treated with a defibrillator, and some people have defibrillators implanted if the condition is serious enough.

Alternative treatment of arrhythmia consists of avoiding substances that could have contributed to the atypical rhythm, such as caffeine or food allergies/sensitivities. The use of magnesium and B vitamins can also help with an irregular heart beat, as do fish oils.

Reference:

Anesthesia 2003 Apr;58(4):363-5.
Am Heart J 2003 Sept;146(3):420-30.