Living With an Arrhythmia

Many arrhythmias are harmless. It's common to have an occasional extra heartbeat and not even be aware of it, or to only have mild palpitations. People with harmless arrhythmias can live healthy lives and usually don't need treatment for their arrhythmias.

Even people with serious types of arrhythmia are often treated successfully and lead normal lives.

Ongoing Health Care Needs

If you have an arrhythmia that requires treatment, you should:

• Keep all your medical appointments. Always bring all medicines you're taking to all of your doctor visits. This helps ensure that all of your doctors know exactly what medicines you're taking, which can help prevent medication errors.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medicines. Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines, nutritional supplements, or cold and allergy medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you are having side effects from your medicines. side effects could include depression and palpitations. These side effects can often be treated.
• Tell your doctor if arrhythmia symptoms are getting worse or if you have new symptoms.
• Allow your doctor to monitor you regularly if you're taking blood-thinning medicines.

If you have an arrhythmia, taking care of yourself is important. If you feel dizzy or faint, you should lie down. Don't try to walk or drive. Tell your doctor about it.

Many arrhythmias are caused by underlying heart disease. Keep your heart healthy by following a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping your blood cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels.

Your doctor may want you to avoid certain things if they make your heart beat too fast. These things can include alcohol and cold and cough medicines.

Ask your doctor about learning how to do vagal maneuvers. These are exercises that people with certain arrhythmias can do that may help to stop an episode of rapid heartbeat.

Learn how to take your pulse. Discuss with your doctor what pulse rate is normal for you. Keep a record of changes in your pulse rate and share this information with your doctor.