The arrhythmia is a change in heart rhythm that, instead of beating at regular intervals and with the same intensity, beats deregulated. These episodes usually last only a few seconds or minutes and in many cases are not even noticed.
In most people with arrhythmia, there is no risk to health because the heart rate is altered due to a specific cause, such as the consumption of stimulant drinks, for example, and in such cases, simply eliminate the cause or avoid it so that there is no change in the functioning of the heart.
However, there are also arrhythmias that are considered malignant, which, when not properly treated, can cause cardiac arrest, putting life at risk if there is no immediate medical help.
When the arrhythmia can be severe
The arrhythmia can be considered severe or malignant when it arises due to a change in the electrical functioning of the heart or when the heart muscle is affected by some disease. In these cases, the cause is more difficult to avoid and, therefore, there is a greater risk of the rhythm being altered for a longer time, increasing the chances of a cardiac arrest, for example.
In addition, in people with atrial fibrillation, there is still the risk of clots forming, which can break off and reach the brain causing a stroke.
What should be done
In any case of arrhythmia it is very important to make a thorough medical evaluation to identify the cause of the arrhythmia and initiate the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, it is only necessary to avoid some substances, while in others it may be necessary to take antiarrhythmic drugs or even to put a pacemaker. Understand better the treatment options for the arrhythmia.
