11 symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia (and what tests to take)

Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia include a feeling of the heart palpitating or racing and can appear in people with a healthy heart or who already have heart disease, such as high blood pressure or heart failure.

Arrhythmia can occur at any age, but it is more common in the elderly and in most cases, it is identified in routine exams and not by symptoms. However, in some cases, palpitation symptoms may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, dizziness, malaise, shortness of breath, chest pain, paleness or cold sweat, for example, indicating more serious heart rhythm problems.

If you experience any symptoms that make you suspect an arrhythmia, it is important to seek medical help immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Furthermore, it is important to consult a cardiologist for follow-up and the most appropriate treatment, preventing complications.

Main symptoms of arrhythmia

The main symptoms that may indicate a cardiac arrhythmia are:

1. Heart palpitation;
2. Heart racing or slow;
3. Chest pain;
4. Shortness of breathe;
5. Feeling of lump in the throat;
6. Tiredness;
7. Feeling of weakness;
8. Dizziness or fainting;
9. Discomfort;
10. Anxiety;
11. Cold sweat.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible or the nearest emergency room.

Check out other signs that may indicate heart problems.

Who is most at risk of arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia can appear without an apparent cause or due to a natural aging process, for example. However, some factors can increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia and include:

• Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or heart failure;
• Have previously had heart surgery;
• High pressure;
• Inborn heart diseases;
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism;
• Diabetes, especially when it is uncontrolled, with blood sugar levels always high;
• Sleep apnea;
• Chemical imbalances in the blood such as changes in the concentration of potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium;
• Use of medicines such as digitalis or salbutamol or flu medicines that contain phenylephrine, for example;
• Chagas disease;
• Anemia;
• Smoking;
• Excessive coffee consumption.

Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can alter the heart rhythm and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia is made by a cardiologist who evaluates the health history and symptoms, as well as the possibility of using medications or drugs of abuse.

Tests to diagnose arrhythmia

In addition to medical evaluation, some laboratory tests may also be ordered, which are essential to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of the arrhythmia:

• Electrocardiogram;
• Laboratory tests such as blood count, blood levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium;
• Examination of troponin blood levels to assess cardiac contraction;
• Thyroid exams;
• Ergometric test;
• 24 hour Holter.

Other tests that may be requested are echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance or nuclear scintigraphy, for example.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of arrhythmia will depend on the symptoms, severity and risk of complication of the arrhythmia. Generally, in milder cases, treatment may include simple guidance, changes in lifestyle habits, periodic medical monitoring or stopping the use of medications that caused the arrhythmia.

In more serious cases of cardiac arrhythmia, treatment can be done with medications prescribed by the doctor or surgery, for example. See more details about the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia.

How to prevent cardiac arrhythmia

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cardiac arrhythmia, such as:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet;
• Practice physical activities regularly;
• Lose weight in cases of obesity or overweight;
• Avoid smoking;
• Reduce alcohol consumption;
• Avoid using medications that contain cardiac stimulants, such as phenylephrine.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid situations that can cause stress and anxiety, to prevent the risk of cardiac arrhythmia or other heart problems. See tips on how to reduce stress.