Heart Condition Saturday: Arrhythmia
March 18, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
A Hearty Life focuses on the heart and its supporting system; all combined called the cardiovascular system. There are a number of health conditions that fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease. Each week, we’ll take a closer look at a heart condition and learn how to live a hearty life.
This week’s condition is: ARRHYTHMIA
Arrhythmias are disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. They’re common — as many as 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation (one type of rhythm problem). Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. They also may indicate a serious problem and lead to heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death.
What are the causes?
- Atherosclerosis (arteries lined with fatty deposits)
- High blood pressure
- Inflammatory/degenerative conditions
- High or low blood and tissue concentrations of certain minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Recreational drugs
What are the risk factors?
- History of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Inflamed heart muscle/lining (endocarditis)
- Atherosclerosis
- Angina
- Congenial heart defects
- Chronic lung disease
- Pulmonary blood clots
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Stimulant drug use including caffeine
- Men are more likely than women to develop atrial fibrillation
- Women with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of premature death
- Older people more likely than younger
