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. |