The Potential for Sudden Death from Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a condition that can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and myocardial infarction. If left untreated, arrhythmia can also result in sudden death. Dr. Ngo Chi Hieu from the Department of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at Hanoi French Hospital emphasized that arrhythmia is often a symptom of underlying dangerous diseases that are overlooked by many people.

The typical signs of arrhythmia include an abnormal heartbeat that is either too fast (over 100 beats/minute), too slow (under 60 beats/minute), or irregular. Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, is especially dangerous for patients. The causes of arrhythmia can range from cardiovascular abnormalities to genetic factors, with certain conditions like congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy increasing the risk.

People with metabolic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disease, substance abuse, and sleep apnea are also at a higher risk of developing arrhythmia. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fainting. Patients should not ignore these symptoms and should seek timely detection and treatment to avoid serious complications.

When symptoms of arrhythmia are suspected, patients should undergo tests like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include medications, pacemakers, antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, and implanted devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. Lifestyle changes, such as controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, can also help prevent complications.

Regular health check-ups and monitoring of cardiovascular health every 6 months to a year are recommended to detect and address potential risks associated with arrhythmia. It’s important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition effectively and reduce the risk of dangerous complications.