Being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia isn’t the end of the world. In fact, many cases don’t have any further follow-up treatment after identification, and don’t require any further attention.
How a Doctor Evaluates Arrhythmia
The key question when heart arrhythmia is diagnosed is whether the given case is harmful or benign. This is evaluated in terms of abnormality or whether the pattern is normal to itself and shows no sign of change during observation. The condition is also evaluated to determine if it will cause other arrhythmia and then become a serious clinical concern for the overall function of the patient’s heart. Doctors like Ian Weisberg specialize in studying these heart patterns and typically confirm the status of the patient after various test reviews, including whether additional tools like a pacemaker may be needed.
What to Expect If Treatment is Needed
Where treatment does apply, then the goal is to help reduce the sources of pressure on the heart so that it doesn’t get into a state of irregularity. A high priority involves avoiding any blood clots, which can trigger stroke and have a high risk in patients already prone to AFib. Secondly, heart rate management is a proactive priority, with the patient being advised to avoid strain and high heart rate conditions or exposure. In some cases, patients may be prescribed pharmaceuticals to help with blood pressure.
Self-Monitoring is Always a Good Idea
Anyone with arrhythmia should have a practiced idea of how to check their own pulse. And, if a pacemaker is already implanted, pulse-checking is a must. Tracking pulse rates and logging them daily helps with active monitoring of blood pressure and avoiding surprises.
Read also: The Role of a Health Coach in Promoting Wellness
There are other steps one can take to improve their condition as well, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling alcoholic drinking
- Losing weight if obese or overweight
- Get a proper night’s sleep regularly
- Exercise
- Limit caffeine intake
In any case, even if a doctor diagnoses a case as currently harmless, a patient is well-served being proactive and monitoring for any changes to his or her health as things move along. If there is a change, sudden dizziness, shortness of breath, vision problems or hard pressure or pain in the chest, see a doctor right away, even if it means going to an emergency room. It’s always far better to be cautious with a known heart arrhythmia present than to ignore it. In the stroke or heart attack world, there are very few accidental second chances, especially in the first hour of response.
