If left untreated, certain arrhythmias can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Arrhythmia management techniques include making lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications.

Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. In many people, they do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment.

However, some arrhythmias cause symptoms and increase a person’s risk of developing other health conditions. By taking steps to help manage these types of arrhythmia, a person may be able to reduce their symptoms and decrease the risk of associated complications.

This article discusses different types of arrhythmia management, symptoms to look out for, and when to see a doctor.

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Some types of arrhythmia increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

A person may help prevent these complications by making lifestyle modifications, such as:

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Usually, first-order treatment for cardiac arrhythmias is medications.

The type of drug healthcare professionals recommend may depend on the specific type of arrhythmia a person has. Different classifications of antiarrhythmic medications include:

According to the AHA, cardioversion may be either chemical or electrical.

A chemical cardioversion involves administering medication to help restore a typical heart rhythm.

If medication cannot restore heart rhythms, the doctor may perform an electrical cardioversion. This involves administering an external electrical shock synchronized with the heart’s rhythm.

Individuals undergoing electrical cardioversion receive sedative medication to help them relax. The procedure involves placing electrodes attached to a cardioversion machine on the individual’s chest. The doctor delivers a brief electrical shock through the machine.

Complications are uncommon but can include:

  • irritation on the skin where the doctor placed the electrodes
  • worsening arrhythmia
  • an allergic reaction to the medication

A 2019 study found electrical cardioversion was effective in treating 96.2% of 419 people with sudden onset of atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia.

A catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys a small part of abnormal heart tissue causing the arrhythmia, according to the AHA. An ablation uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the abnormal tissue without damaging the rest of the heart.

An individual remains awake but receives an anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure. A healthcare professional may also administer a sedative medication. The doctor inserts a catheter through the groin and threads it up to the heart. Once they locate the abnormal tissue, they use the catheter to emit radiofrequency energy that destroys it.

Possible risks of catheter ablation include:

According to the AHA, a pacemaker is a small device a surgeon or cardiologist implants in the chest.

It sends an electrical impulse when it detects an arrhythmia. This signal helps keep the heart beating in a typical rhythm.

Vagal maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve and may slow the heart rate. They may be suitable for people with certain types of arrhythmia, such as supraventricular tachycardia.

A doctor may instruct an individual on how to perform a vagal maneuver. The AHA suggests vagal maneuvers may involve methods as simple as coughing or holding the nostrils closed while attempting to blow air through the nose.

According to the AHA, symptoms of arrhythmia vary but may include:

These symptoms may be similar to those caused by a heart attack. In people with extreme cases, arrhythmia may lead to collapse and sudden cardiac arrest. In these situations, people should contact emergency medical services immediately.

If someone develops frequent arrhythmia symptoms, they should speak with a doctor to determine the cause. Additionally, an individual should talk with a doctor if their arrhythmia symptoms worsen or treatment does not help.

A person should call 911 immediately if they think someone may be experiencing a heart attack.

Is it a heart attack?

Heart attacks occur when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart. Symptoms include:

  • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • pain that may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back
  • nausea and vomiting
  • sweaty or clammy skin
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • shortness of breath
  • coughing or wheezing
  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack

If someone has these symptoms:

  1. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
  2. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

If a person stops breathing before emergency services arrive, perform manual chest compressions:

  1. Lock fingers together and place the base of hands in the center of the chest.
  2. Position shoulders over hands and lock elbows.
  3. Press hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, to a depth of 2 inches.
  4. Continue these movements until the person starts to breathe or move.
  5. If needed, swap over with someone else without pausing compressions.

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) available in many public places:

  1. An AED provides a shock that may restart the heart.
  2. Follow the instructions on the defibrillator or listen to the guided instructions.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Arrhythmias do not always cause symptoms or require treatment.

However, when they do cause symptoms, arrhythmia management techniques may include lifestyle modifications, prescription medications, or cardioversion.

The management techniques a doctor recommends may depend on the type of arrhythmia and the severity of symptoms. People should contact a healthcare professional if their symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

Additionally, a person should call 911 immediately if they think someone is experiencing a heart attack.