A cardiac arrhythmia is a change in the normal rhythm of the heart. Your heart may beat too fast or too slow or beat with an irregular or skipping rhythm. A change in the heart's rhythm may feel like a really strong heartbeat or a fluttering in your chest. A severe heart rhythm problem can keep the body from getting the blood it needs. This can result in shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fainting.
You may take medicine to treat your condition. Your doctor may recommend a pacemaker or recommend catheter ablation to destroy small parts of the heart that are causing a rhythm problem. Another possible treatment is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a device that gives the heart a shock to return the heart to a normal rhythm.
An abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is any variation in the normal heartbeat. Abnormal heartbeats occur when the heart has an irregular heart rhythm, beats too fast (tachycardia), or beats too slow (bradycardia).
The electrical system of the heart creates signals that trigger the heart to pump. These electrical signals control the heart rate and rhythm. Normally, the heart beats in a regular rhythm and at a rate that is appropriate for the work the body is doing. An arrhythmia results from a problem in the electrical system of the heart.
Syncope is transient. That means you wake up soon after you faint. You may wake up because the arrhythmia stops on its own and your heart rhythm and blood pressure go back to normal. Even if the arrhythmia doesn't stop, you may still regain consciousness.
Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia. You may take medicines that slow your heart rate or stop the arrhythmia. Procedures such as cardioversion and catheter ablation may be done. Other options include a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A pacemaker helps your heart beat normally. An ICD can stop a dangerous arrhythmia.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam. You will have an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This test checks for problems with the heart's electrical activity. You may also have other tests to check the health of your heart.
Caring for yourself includes taking your medicines as prescribed and having a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a weight that's healthy for you, and not using tobacco. Your doctor may recommend other things, such as keeping a symptom diary and limiting caffeine if it causes symptoms.
If you have an arrhythmia and your doctor says that it's okay for you to do moderate activity, like brisk walking, then it's probably safe for you to have sex.
If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. Your doctor can check the health of your heart and help you know if it's safe to have sex.
Tell your doctor if you have symptoms, like palpitations, when you have sex or when you exercise.
Talk honestly with your partner about your concerns and feelings. You can also try professional counseling to help you to understand and deal with feelings of worry or fear.
Most people who have a pacemaker can have an active sex life. If your doctor says that you can exercise and be active, then it's probably safe for you to have sex.
After you get your pacemaker implanted, you'll let the incision heal for a short time before resuming sex.
Most people who have an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) can have an active sex life. If your doctor says that you can exercise and be active, then it's probably safe for you to have sex.
After you get your ICD implanted, you'll let your chest heal for a short time before resuming sex. If you or your partner are worried about resuming sex, talk with your doctor about your concerns. Your doctor or another health professional can give you support and advice.
Many people who have ICDs worry that the ICD might shock them during sex. The risk of getting a shock during sex seems to be the same as during any other similar level of exercise. If you get a shock during sex, you will follow your plan about when to call your doctor.
Some people worry that if they get shocked during sex, their partners might be hurt. But your partner will not be shocked or feel any pain if you get shocked.
Your doctor can tell you what type and amount of exercise is safe for you. This will depend on the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm and whether you have other forms of heart disease. Regular activity can help keep your heart and body healthy.
Your doctor may do tests to check how much activity your heart can safely handle. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and maybe a stress test. Then your doctor can suggest a safe level of exercise based on your condition and the stage of your disease.
Your doctor can help you choose activities that will help your heart and are safe for you. An exercise program usually consists of stretching, activities that increase your heart rate (aerobic exercise), and strength training (lifting light weights). You may try things like walking, swimming, biking, or jogging. Any activity you enjoy will work, as long as it gets your heart rate up.
With your doctor, plan how often, how long, and how hard you will be active. Even if you can only do a small amount of exercise, it is better than not doing any exercise at all.
Your doctor may give you a range of how fast your heart rate should be when you exercise. Your doctor can also help you find out what your target heart rate is. Your target rate may be different from a person's who does not have a heart rhythm problem. This is especially true if you take medicine that affects your heart rate, such as beta-blockers.
Avoid exercising outdoors in extreme temperatures or high humidity or poor air quality. Have a plan for indoor activities. For example, when the weather is bad, try exercising indoors at a gym or walking at a mall.
For example, stop and rest if you have palpitations, angina symptoms (such as chest pain or pressure), dizziness, or lightheadedness. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if these symptoms don't go away.
If you see a doctor about your symptoms, it's very helpful if you can show the doctor the rhythm and speed of your palpitations by tapping your fingers on a desk or table. The pattern of the palpitations can help the doctor figure out the type of arrhythmia that caused them.
If your doctor thinks you might have a heart rhythm problem, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of symptoms. This information can help your doctor find out what type of rhythm problem you have.
And if you have a rhythm problem, a symptom diary can help you keep track of your condition. You can then discuss your symptoms with your doctor at your next appointment.
In your diary, include the following:
If you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), it's important to talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you. Regular activity can help keep your heart and body healthy.
The type and amount of exercise that's is safe for you will vary depending on the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm and whether you have other forms of heart disease. If your irregular heartbeat is caused by another type of heart disease (such as cardiomyopathy or a valve problem), you may need to limit your activity because of the other heart disease.
Fast or slow arrhythmias may cause you to pass out. You may fall and injure your head, break an arm or leg, or get other injuries. If you're driving, you may crash. Also, passing out (syncope) may be a sign that you're at risk for a life-threatening arrhythmia.
An arrhythmia is a change in the normal rhythm of the heart. Your heart may beat too fast or too slow or beat with an irregular or skipping rhythm.
If you have a rhythm problem, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms. A symptom diary can help you keep track of your condition. You can then discuss your symptoms with your doctor at your next appointment.
Find a method that works for you. Use a calendar, a notebook, a computer, or an app on your phone.
Learn how to check your pulse or use a heart rate monitor.
Include the following:
Note anything that you ate or did that could have triggered your symptoms. For example, did you drink alcohol or caffeine? Did you forget to take your medicine?
For example, did resting or doing deep breathing exercises help?
Your record can help you and your doctor see how well your treatment is working or if you need changes.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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