When the heart rate changes suddenly, we should be alert to malignant arrhythmia. How should we treat it?

An elderly friend left a message to Huazi, saying that his heart rate suddenly increased in recent days, from more than 70 beats per minute to more than 85 beats per minute. But he has no symptoms of discomfort and his blood pressure is normal. Is this situation dangerous?

Huazi said that this situation is not very dangerous. It may be a temporary tachycardia caused by poor sleep, fatigue, or cold. It can be relieved by paying more attention to rest. But we need to be vigilant and guard against malignant arrhythmias.

1. "Warning" in heartbeat Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats in 1 minute. Heart rhythm refers to the regularity of the heartbeat. The human heart usually beats in a rhythmic manner. When the heartbeat rhythm is abnormal, such as too fast, too slow, or irregular, it is called arrhythmia.

The normal heart rate range is 60~100. Everyone has a relatively fixed heart rate. If there is a sudden drastic change, you need to be wary of heart problems.

If a serious arrhythmia occurs, it will affect the heart's blood supply function, and symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, fatigue, and breathlessness may occur. It may further develop into a malignant arrhythmia, causing dizziness, blackouts, syncope, and even sudden death. Therefore, we must pay attention to the "warnings" from the heartbeat and beware of arrhythmia.

2. Causes of arrhythmia Physiological factors that cause arrhythmia include exercise and drastic emotional changes, which can cause the heart rate to increase and cause rapid arrhythmia; the heart rate slows down during sleep, which may cause bradyarrhythmia. Drinking a lot of alcohol, coffee or strong tea can also cause the heart rate to increase and cause arrhythmia.

The pathological factors that cause arrhythmia are mainly heart-related diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, etc. There are also hyperthyroidism, stroke, poisoning, electrolyte disorders and other reasons, which can also cause arrhythmia.

3. Daily monitoring of arrhythmias is the most important. When malignant arrhythmias occur, they may cause serious hemodynamic disorders, damage to important organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, and even endanger life. Therefore, arrhythmias should not be taken lightly. When abnormal heart rhythm is found, go to the hospital for examination in time to find the cause.

Common examinations include auscultation, which can make a preliminary judgment based on changes in heart rate and heart sounds; electrocardiogram or dynamic electrocardiogram, stress electrocardiogram to record and check heart rhythm; cardiac color ultrasound to check the structure and morphology of the heart; blood tests to check heart-related biological enzymes.

But many people's arrhythmias do not occur frequently, but intermittently. Some people have an attack every few days, and some people even have an attack every one or two months. When you go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram, you may not encounter an arrhythmia attack, and the result is only a normal electrocardiogram.

Therefore, it is most important to conduct daily self-monitoring of arrhythmias. It is recommended that you prepare a portable electrocardiograph and measure and record your heartbeat at any time when you feel it is abnormal. Then ask a doctor to interpret the electrocardiogram, analyze the cause, and then carry out targeted treatment.

4. How to treat arrhythmia? Heart disease needs to be treated. For example, people with coronary heart disease need to undergo stenting, bypass surgery, and other surgeries to restore heart blood supply. If there is a problem with the valve, it needs to be replaced. If the lesion site in the heart that releases abnormal beating signals can be identified, catheter ablation can be used to cure it.

For fast arrhythmias, electrical cardioversion or implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator may be used; for slow arrhythmias, a pacemaker may be implanted.

Antiarrhythmic drugs can also be used for treatment, and they need to be taken continuously, but they generally cannot cure the disease completely, and relapse is likely to occur if the drugs are stopped.

5. Pay attention to daily prevention 1. Healthy diet: low-salt diet, control daily salt intake between 3 and 6 grams, lower the sodium ion level in the body, quit smoking and drinking, eat less irritating food, eat more vegetables, fruits, and nuts rich in trace elements, and regulate electrolyte balance.

2. Exercise appropriately: Do appropriate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, Tai Chi, etc., more than 5 times a week, 30 to 60 minutes each time. But pay attention to rest and don't overwork yourself.

3. Stabilize your emotions: Keep a calm and stable mood, and don’t be overly nervous.

4. Regular work and rest schedule: ensure adequate sleep time, do not stay up late, and adapt to the natural time to maximize the maintenance of your heart health.

To sum up, when your heart rate suddenly changes, if it is related to physiological factors, it is usually not a big problem and can return to normal through adequate rest. However, the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases such as "three highs" and coronary heart disease, should be alert to malignant arrhythmias caused by pathological factors. Pay attention to daily prevention and self-monitoring, and seek medical treatment in time if problems are found. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.