What You Should Know Cardiac

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Heart disease

- Diabetes

- Thyroid problems

- High blood pressure

- Smoking

- Alcohol use

- Drug abuse

- Sleep apnea

- Obesity

Symptoms of arrhythmias can include:

- Palpitations

- Chest pain

- Lightheadedness

- Dizziness

- Fainting

- Shortness of breath

Treatment for arrhythmias depends on the type of arrhythmia and its severity. Treatment options may include:

- Medications

- Surgery

- Lifestyle changes

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Coronary artery disease

- Heart attack

- Diabetes

- High blood pressure

- Valvular heart disease

- Congenital heart defects

- Myocardial infarction

- Cardiomyopathy

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

- Shortness of breath

- Fatigue

- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and abdomen

- Chest pain

- Lightheadedness

- Dizziness

- Fainting

Treatment for heart failure depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:

- Medications

- Surgery

- Lifestyle changes

Stroke

A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by a disruption of blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- High blood pressure

- Smoking

- Diabetes

- Obesity

- High cholesterol

- Heart disease

- Atrial fibrillation

- Carotid artery disease

- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Symptoms of stroke can include:

- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body

- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

- Sudden confusion

- Vision problems

- Dizziness or loss of balance

- Headache

- Seizures

- Loss of consciousness

Treatment for stroke depends on the severity of the stroke. Treatment options may include:

- Medications

- Surgery

- Rehabilitation

Preventing Heart Disease

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent heart disease, including:

- Eating a healthy diet

- Exercising regularly

- Avoiding tobacco smoke

- Managing your blood pressure

- Controlling your cholesterol

- Keeping a healthy weight

- Drinking alcohol in moderation

- Managing stress

- Getting enough sleep