Arrhythmia is more than a simple irregular heartbeat. It is a serious medical condition that warrants careful attention from patients and cardiology specialists alike. A cardiologist and endovascular surgeon from SM-Clinic explained to socialbites.ca why arrhythmia poses real risks and why timely treatment matters. Alexander Sidelnikov.
From a medical perspective, cardiac arrhythmia describes a pathologic disruption in the heart’s rhythm and sequence of contractions. It can manifest as a mixed irregularity, where the heart races too fast or slows down, and may include pauses that interrupt the rhythm when the heartbeat becomes too slow. Such pauses and rate changes are the essence of the disorder.
Arrhythmia presents with a range of symptoms. The most noticeable signs are an irregular or unusually fast or slow heartbeat and episodes where these states alternate. Many patients also feel weakness, shortness of breath, and reduced stamina. Individuals engaged in mental work might notice memory lapses as part of the experience, according to the physician.
The most perilous symptom, in the clinician’s view, is fainting caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain during heart-rate pauses or when the pulse is unusually slow. Fainting can also occur with very rapid heartbeats, which complicates the clinical picture.
In clinical experience, arrhythmias can complicate other conditions, including coronary artery disease, congenital or acquired heart defects, inflammatory and infiltrative heart diseases, thyroid disorders, and certain genetic variations. Atrial fibrillation, and the left atrial appendage, can promote blood clots that, if not prevented, raise stroke risk in a meaningful proportion of cases. Arrhythmia can be both a cause and a consequence of heart failure, underscoring its broad impact on cardiac health, the doctor noted.
It is important not to underestimate arrhythmia, as doing so can lead to serious health complications. The choice of treatment—whether medication, surgical approaches such as radiofrequency ablation, or pacemaker implantation—requires a cardiologist to consider the full clinical picture of the disease.
Today, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have access to advanced technologies that are effectively used to treat various types of arrhythmias in many patients, including older adults aged 70 to 80. For instance, pacemaker implantation is a common intervention. This compact device is placed in the upper chest area, not only monitoring heart rhythm abnormalities but also restoring a normal heart rate when needed, according to the physician.
In certain cases, a pacemaker can be life-saving for an elderly person experiencing rare arrhythmias and associated fainting spells. When asked whether sports are permissible with a pacemaker, the answer is generally yes, with emphasis on moderate activity such as walking, swimming, light calisthenics, or skiing. Contact and high-intensity sports, however, are discouraged, the cardiac surgeon emphasized.
People sometimes wonder about risk factors and preventive measures. A prudent approach includes regular heart rhythm monitoring, managing underlying conditions, and following a physician’s guidance on lifestyle choices and activity levels. The medical team continues to explore evolving therapies and individualized plans to improve quality of life and reduce potential complications for patients with arrhythmia.
At the same time, it is essential to recognize how arrhythmia can intersect with other health issues, including hypertension, metabolic disorders, and sleep disturbances, which may influence both presentation and management. A comprehensive evaluation helps ensure that treatment targets the specific rhythm disturbance and its broader cardiovascular implications.
For patients and caregivers seeking information, consultations with cardiology specialists provide personalized assessments. A careful review of symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic findings informs the most appropriate therapeutic pathway and helps prevent adverse outcomes. Family history and genetic considerations may also play a role in shaping the diagnostic and treatment plan.
Ultimately, the goal is to stabilize heart rhythm, optimize cardiac function, and reduce the likelihood of stroke or heart failure. Ongoing follow-up and adherence to prescribed therapies are key elements of effective care. The medical team remains committed to delivering patient-centered solutions that support long term heart health and well-being.
Attribution: SM-Clinic.