I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
Modern Medicine Saves Lives Every Day
Three Ways That Your Heartbeat Can Become Irregular
For Content
There are many types of conditions that involve the heartbeat becoming irregular. A few of these conditions are harmless while others can be deadly. If you are diagnosed with one of these conditions, you should know just how seriously you should take it. You will also know whether or not your heartbeat is irregular because you will feel it. It is important to visit your doctor if you ever experience it so that you can be diagnosed and receive proper treatment right away. Here are the three most common conditions that can cause your heartbeat to be irregular:
Atrial Fibrillation:
Atrial Fibrillation happens when the upper chambers of the heart start to beat at an irregular pace. Fortunately, this is not a life threatening condition, although it does increase the risk of stroke. The reason it puts you at an increased risk for stroke is because the irregular beat of the lower chambers allows blood to pool and clot the atria. The risk of developing this condition increases as you age. When you are first diagnosed, the doctor may provide certain treatment methods such as prescribing you certain medications of blood thinners. In severe cases, your doctor may have you undergo a procedure in which the affected part of your heart is scarred so that it is unable to send unwanted signals to the rest of the circulatory system.
Ventricular Fibrillation:
Unlike atrial fibrillation, this type of condition is deadly and must be closely monitored. This condition happens when the area that handles the most work in the circulatory system (the lower chambers of your heart) starts to shake instead of flow as it should normally. This causes the flowing of blood to stop entirely, which is what causes those diagnosed with the condition to die. With close monitoring, your doctor can help prevent this from happening with the properly timed shocking of the heart. Some treatment methods of this condition include taking regular medications and your doctor may even implant a defibrillator. This defibrillator will jump start the heart once it recognizes that it has stopped.
Bradycardia:
For many of those who are diagnosed with bradycardia, it isn't anything to take seriously. Many of those who are young and fit are diagnosed with this condition but experience no symptoms and, therefore, do not have to take it too seriously. However, you can also be diagnosed with this condition should you have recently experienced a heart attack, in which case you will have to take medications and possibly even have to implant a pacemaker in your body. You can also be diagnosed with this condition if you have a nutritional imbalance in your body, which your doctor will resolve by prescribing a supplement that you should take daily.
These three common conditions that can cause the heartbeat to become irregular should always be closely monitored, even if your doctor says that there is no need to be concerned. Even non-deadly conditions can eventually develop into something worse. So be sure that when you have regular check-ups with your doctor, you ensure that they are checking your heart to be sure that the condition hasn't worsened. For more information regarding cardiology, contact a company like ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence.
Share