Sinus Arrhythmia
A sinus arrhythmia is when the heart rate changes during breathing.
This type of arrhythmia is called an atrial or supraventricular
arrhythmia and is generally not a cause for major concern.
It may need
to be monitored but a person can usually live a complete and healthy
life despite having this condition.
Understanding the medical situations that you have can be
always of help, so the following will
explain a bit more about the causes of sinus arrhythmia, concerns and
treatments.
Causes
The word arrhythmia describes any change in regular heart beat. It can
mean that the heart rate speeds up, slows down, missing a beat or
starts beating irregularly. The condition occurs when a person
takes a breath. Sometimes can be caused by a heart
problem or heart disease, but in most cases of sinus arrhythmia, there
is no underlying condition. Besides a heart problem, it can be
caused by stress, and things like: caffeine, alcohol, smoking or the
use of certain medications. It is also possible that a cause cannot be
determined.
Many people live with arrhythmia and have no problems. They may not
even be aware that they have this condition. However, any arrhythmia
that is related to heart disease does need medical attention since the
underlying condition can be life threatening. some people who have an
arrhythmia that causes a slow heart rate may suffer symptoms, like
lightheadedness,
dizziness
or
fainting.
In these people it is wise to
seek medical care to prevent accidents or injuries due to the symptoms.
Arrhythmias are possible at any age, but they are most common in middle
age. They become more common as a person gets older. Sinus arrhythmia
is very common and most people who have this type of arrhythmia will be
able to live a normal life without the need for medical intervention.
Treatments
The arrhythmia usually does not require medical treatment, but for some
people, it can cause anxiety, breathing issues or chest
pains. If you have it and you are worried then it is best to
see your physician. Your doctor will listen to your heart and may use
an electrocardiogram
to diagnose your arrhythmia. If the arrhythmia is not apparent during
the exam then you doctor may order further testing.
One goal your
doctor will have is to ensure that the arrhythmia is not related to
heart disease. Once he determines that you do not have
heart disease or
an underlying heart problem he will then discuss treatment options with
you.
You may not need treatment for your condition. Your doctor should talk
with you about your options. Sometimes medications are used to treat
arrhythmia or used to treat the anxiety caused by it. Your
specific course of treatment will depend on what your doctor finds
during testing.
While it can seem very scary to hear that your heart is not beating
regularly, it is not always a cause for concern. You may never even
know that you have a sinus arrhythmia and that is fine. If it is not
caused by a heart problem and it is not causing you symptoms that
interfere with your daily life, then you are probably just fine and the
arrhythmia will be something that you can live without the need
for further medical intervention.
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