Does arrhythmia require hospitalization?

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Arrhythmia treatment should be determined based on the patient's symptoms, type of arrhythmia, and its impact on hemodynamics. For instance, minor conditions like slight sinus bradycardia, irregular sinus rhythm, occasional atrial premature contractions, and first-degree atrioventricular block, which have minimal impact on hemodynamics and no significant clinical manifestation or structural heart disease, do not necessitate hospitalization. However, more severe arrhythmias such as sick sinus syndrome, rapid atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and sustained ventricular tachycardia, which can cause symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, low blood pressure, sweating, and in severe cases, fainting, Adam-Stokes syndrome, and even sudden cardiac death, require prompt medical attention and hospitalization for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Symptoms of Sinus Arrhythmia

Symptoms of sinus arrhythmia vary according to different causes, including sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, sinus arrest, and sick sinus syndrome. Mild cases of sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, and arrhythmia generally do not present noticeable clinical symptoms. However, severe cases can experience symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Sinus arrest and sick sinus syndrome often present more severe clinical symptoms, including not only shortness of breath but also dizziness, blackouts, fainting, and acute cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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What medicine is used for arrhythmia?

There is still no consensus on the drugs commonly used for arrhythmia. The main classes used clinically are as follows: The first class is sodium channel blockers, which include three subclasses: moderate, mild, and significant sodium channel blockers, respectively comprising quinidine, lidocaine, and propafenone. The second class mainly consists of adrenergic receptor blockers, with propranolol being a representative drug. The third class of drugs selectively prolongs the repolarization process, among which amiodarone is commonly used clinically. The fourth class is calcium channel blockers, which mainly block calcium channels and inhibit the inflow of calcium, with verapamil being the main representative drug. Long-term use of anti-arrhythmia drugs can cause varying degrees of side effects, with severe cases possibly leading to ventricular arrhythmia or fatal cardiac conduction block. Therefore, when using these drugs clinically, it is essential to strictly control the indications, monitor adverse reactions, and strictly follow the doctor's prescription for rational medication.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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What should be paid attention to in daily life with arrhythmia?

For managing arrhythmias, it's important to pay attention to several aspects. First, maintain a regular lifestyle and ensure adequate sleep. Second, the living environment should be quiet and serene to avoid noise, and it’s beneficial to grow various plants for a better temperament. Third, balance work and rest according to personal capacities and engage in appropriate physical activities such as walking, Tai Chi, and Qigong; moderate sexual activities and avoid colds. Fourth, strive to maintain a standard weight and not indulge in overeating, as obesity can increase cardiac load. Fifth, be mindful of changes in seasons, weather, and climate, as extreme cold or hot conditions can significantly impact the disease, potentially aggravating or triggering arrhythmias. Sixth, diet should be light with frequent, small meals, and avoid coffee, strong alcohol, fried foods, and minimise strong tea. Seventh, keep a stable emotional state and try to eliminate stress, fear, anxiety, irritation, and anger which are stimulants that could negatively affect your emotions. Eighth, in addition to daily medications, have emergency medications prescribed by a doctor on hand, such as Xintiandan, Shexiang Baoxin Pill, Xintongding, Atropine, etc. Ninth, if there are sudden exacerbations of arrhythmia accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and sweating, and in severe cases fainting, seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Chen Tian Hua
Cardiology
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Arrhythmia is what?

Arrhythmia refers to abnormalities in the frequency, rhythm, origin, or conduction of the heartbeats. It can occur in healthy individuals as well as those with related diseases, and may involve cardiac diseases or other medical conditions. The primary mechanism behind the occurrence of arrhythmias is the abnormal formation of cardiac impulses or the abnormal conduction of these impulses. It is important to actively seek the causes of arrhythmias and control the factors that trigger them. For diseases associated with arrhythmias, proactive management is necessary. When severe arrhythmias occur, timely and effective treatment is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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What department should one go to for arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is an important group of diseases among cardiovascular diseases. It can occur on its own or in conjunction with other cardiovascular diseases, thus it mainly requires consulting a department of cardiology. However, due to other causes such as electrolyte or endocrine disorders, anesthesia, hypothermia, thoracic or cardiac surgery, drug effects, and central nervous system diseases, the assistance of endocrinologists and neurologists is needed for diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes, the arrhythmia might be caused by endocrine disorders, such as thyroid diseases or hypoglycemic symptoms in diabetes, necessitating a consultation with the department of endocrinology. If symptoms like transient blindness, fainting, dizziness, or convulsions occur, it is essential to consider brain-related diseases, such as epilepsy or transient insufficient brain blood supply, and consult the department of neurology to make a differential diagnosis.