Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac Arrhythmia What is Cardiac Arrhythmia? The human heart is a remarkable organ, tirelessly beating day in and day out to keep us alive.
August 1, 2023
There is no doubt that heart health is extremely important for overall health and wellbeing. The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood and oxygen throughout the body, and any damage to it can have serious consequences.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and it can result from a variety of factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Having good heart health can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems such as stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
Taking care of your heart health involves adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It is also important to regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Common Cardiovascular Diseases:
This is the most common type of heart disease, caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure.
Also known as high blood pressure, it is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.
This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can be caused by several underlying conditions, such as CAD, hypertension, or diabetes.
This is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It can lead to dizziness, fainting, or heart failure.
This is a condition in which one or more of the heart’s valves do not work properly, which can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood.
This is a condition in which the arteries in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing decreased blood flow and potentially leading to tissue damage or amputation.
This is a condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage. It can be caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common ones include:
Chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom of many CVDs, including angina, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. The pain may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, burning, or aching. It may also be described as a feeling of fullness or indigestion. The pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder blades, or back. The severity of the pain can vary, and it may be triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, or exposure to cold weather.
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common symptom of many CVDs, including heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. It may be described as a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest, or a sensation of being unable to get enough air. Shortness of breath may be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or chest pain.
Fatigue is a common symptom of many CVDs, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease. It may be described as a feeling of weakness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. Fatigue may be constant or intermittent, and it may be exacerbated by physical activity or emotional stress. Fatigue may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling in the legs or ankles.
Dizziness or light-headedness is a common symptom of many CVDs, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and orthostatic hypotension. It may be described as a feeling of faintness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Dizziness or light-headedness may be accompanied by palpitations, fainting, or chest pain.
Palpitations are a common symptom of many CVDs, including arrhythmias, mitral valve prolapse, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Palpitations may be described as a sensation of skipped beats, fluttering, or pounding in the chest. Palpitations may be accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Swelling in the legs or ankles, or edema, is a common symptom of many CVDs, including heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and peripheral artery disease. Swelling may be described as a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the legs, or a sensation of heaviness or fullness. Swelling may be more pronounced in the evening or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Swelling may also be accompanied by fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common risk factor for CVDs. Hypertension may be asymptomatic, or it may be accompanied by headaches, nosebleeds, or vision changes. Hypertension may also increase the risk of developing other CVDs, such as stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.
Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, are a common symptom of many CVDs, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia. Arrhythmias may be described as a sensation of skipped beats, fluttering, or pounding in the chest. Arrhythmias may be asymptomatic, or they may be accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe symptoms. Additionally, some CVDs can be asymptomatic, so it’s important to undergo regular screenings if you’re at high risk for certain conditions.
Treating CVDs
Conventional approach
The conventional medicine approach to cardiovascular diseases typically involves the use of medications, procedures, and surgeries to manage the symptoms and complications of the condition.
In many cases, conventional medicine practitioners will focus on treating specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. This may involve prescribing medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, or providing insulin or other medications to manage blood sugar levels.
While these interventions can be effective in managing the symptoms and complications of cardiovascular disease, they may not address the underlying causes of the problem .
Additionally, some patients may experience side effects or complications from these treatments.
Our approach
We take a holistic approach to cardiovascular issues by identifying and addressing the root causes of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. We use a range of tools and strategies to evaluate the condition, including advanced testing and personalized lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
In the context of cardiovascular health, we may focus on factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, gut health, hormonal imbalances, and environmental toxins, which can all contribute to cardiovascular disease.
We also work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, stress management techniques, and other therapies aimed at improving overall health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Addressing the underlying causes of the problem can help promote long-term cardiovascular health and wellness.
Our Assessment & Evaluation
Beyond the commonly known contributing factors, various other aspects that can contribute to the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases. Here are the factors that we usually consider as possible contributors:
A lack of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin D, K2, omega 3s, magnesium, and potassium, can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Conditions such as hypothyroidism, low testosterone in men, and low estrogen in women can also affect cardiovascular health.
Exposure to substances such as high levels of cadmium, mercury, or lead can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood properly. This can lead to an accumulation of waste products in the body, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chronic infections such as dental infections and gut dysbiosis can also contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Elevated levels of a marker called CRP can be one of the biggest indicators of cardiovascular risk. Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Another marker called 8-OHDG can give an indication of the damage caused by free radicals, also known as oxidative stress.
Excessive intake of omega 6 and trans fats can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
High homocysteine levels can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
High uric acid levels can also contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It has been linked to an increased risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, such as the kidneys. Women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Obesity can also lead to other risk factors, such as high cholesterol and diabetes.
Chronic stress can increase the risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Stress can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a release of stress hormones that can damage the blood vessels.
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