Heart Health: Understanding Arrhythmias

By: Laura Klassen, PA-C

by Laura Klassen, PA-C

February is “American Heart Month” and what better time to discuss some common heart issues than right now?

The most asked question about heart health is “What is an arrhythmia?”  An arrhythmia is when there is an abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat; this can either mean it is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.  It’s important to recognize symptoms of arrhythmias and seek out medical attention if needed.  The most common symptoms include heart palpitations or racing heart.  If you notice this, especially in the presence of feeling fatigued, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, sweating, passing out, or having chest pain you should seek care in your nearest emergency department.  While there, your provider will be able to examine you as well as perform a multitude of tests to determine what is going on and get you on the right track for treatment, if indicated.

What can you do to help yourself? The best way to prevent cardiac arrhythmias is to control aspects of your life that are under your control.  The first is to eat a healthy diet which includes balanced protein, plenty of fruit and vegetables, limiting processed food, and to drink plenty of water.  Another is to maintain an active lifestyle; not just day to day work-life but to incorporate physical exercise (walking, running, lifting, yoga, etc) into your daily life.  It is also important to avoid or limit alcohol, control your stress, get enough sleep, and avoid drug use.  As always, controlling your chronic medical conditions along with the help of your healthcare provider is another big way to prevent any adverse cardiac outcomes.

At BCHC we are here to help you and want what is best for the health of our community. If you have questions, please schedule a visit with one of us or your established health care provider.