How to Manage Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition that is indicated by an irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms can be mild or acute and can either involve the heart beating too slowly(bradycardia) or too rapidly (tachycardia). If you have been diagnosed with arrhythmia, it may be a bit scary for you, but it is manageable, if you follow some simple advice.

Things You'll Need

• Self-discipline
• To improve your habits
• To get rid of stress
• Determination

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Instructions

Living and Managing Life with Arrhythmia

• 1

  Make positive lifestyle changes to help control your arrhythmia. This should include changing to a healthier diet, smoking cessation, getting rid of any excess weight and doing moderate exercise. Before you start any exercise program, however, check with your cardiologist first, to make sure that it won't cause any problems. Try to eliminate as much stress as you can from your life.

• 2

  Avoid substances that can cause your heart rate to increase. Things like alcohol, some over-the-counter medications, drinks containing caffeine and even tobacco should not be used, if you want to keep your arrhythmia in check. Certainly, cocaine and other illicit drugs should not be taken, as they present a big danger to your health.

• 3

  Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and make sure that you are managing any other types of physical problems that might further exacerbate your arrhythmia, such as diabetes, heart valve insufficiency, stroke, clogged arteries and the like.

• 4

  If your cardiologist has put you on prescription drugs for arrhythmia, make sure you take them as directed and monitor their effects on your body. Some medications for treating arrhythmia are Procainamide, Disopyramide and Quinidine. Should you experience any side-effect from them, contact your cardiologist immediately.

• 5

  Consider a holistic approach. Alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, herbalism, acupuncture and Ayerveda have helped many people suffering from arrhythmia. If you decide to try any of these approaches, it's important for you to let your cardiologist know, to avoid any drug interactions and to monitor your progress.