Does arrhythmia premature beat have danger?

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Premature beats, also known as premature contractions, abbreviated as premature beats, are a type of early ectopic heartbeats. They can be classified according to their origin into sinus, atrial, junctional, and ventricular, with ventricular being the most common. Premature beats are a common type of ectopic rhythm that can occur on the basis of sinus or ectopic rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. They can occur occasionally or frequently and may irregularly or regularly follow each or several normal beats, forming a bigeminy or trigeminy pattern of premature beats. Generally, sinus, atrial, and junctional premature beats do not involve rapid ventricular rates and are usually not life-threatening. Although most premature beats are functional and do not cause damage to the heart, some pathological premature beats occurring on the basis of structural heart disease may further induce arrhythmias. In particular, ventricular premature beats may provoke ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and in severe cases, may lead to sudden cardiac death. Additionally, multifocal atrioventricular premature beats are often a precursor to atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Why does arrhythmia cause chest pain?

The causes of chest pain due to arrhythmias primarily involve all kinds of arrhythmias reducing the blood flow in the coronary arteries. Although various arrhythmias can decrease coronary blood flow, they rarely cause myocardial ischemia. However, severe arrhythmias that cause significant myocardial ischemia can result in chest pain. For patients with coronary heart disease, various arrhythmias can induce or exacerbate myocardial ischemia, which may also manifest as chest pain and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, lead to acute heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and persistent, unbearable chest pain and tightness.

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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Causes of arrhythmia

There are many causes of arrhythmia, which can be physiological or pathological. Pathological causes can originate from the heart itself or from other diseases. For instance, normal individuals might experience sinus arrhythmia, and circumstances such as staying up late, emotional excitement, or excessive fatigue can lead to premature beats or sinus tachycardia, among others. Other diseases, such as hyperthyroidism or fever, can cause an increased heart rate. For example, pulmonary embolism can lead to atrial fibrillation. Heart-related diseases, like heart failure, can cause ventricular premature beats, and diseases of the sinoatrial node itself can lead to sick sinus syndrome, among others.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What tests are done for arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is also relatively common in clinical practice, and its common detection method is mainly the electrocardiogram (ECG). ECG is a simple and non-invasive operation that helps to identify the type of arrhythmia. Another method is the 24-hour Holter monitor, which can record all heart rate changes occurring within 24 hours. If an arrhythmia occurs, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, visiting a cardiology department. Treatment may involve antiarrhythmic medications, and if possible, a complete electrophysiological examination can be performed.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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How to relieve arrhythmia

The relief of arrhythmia mainly involves removing any triggers if they exist, as well as using non-pharmacological methods, including ocular compression, carotid sinus massage, pinching the nose and forcefully exhaling, and breath-holding, which are methods to reflexively stimulate the vagus nerve. If relief is unachievable and the episodes are accompanied by hypotension, fainting or near-fainting, seizures, angina, or heart failure, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for pharmacological interventions against arrhythmias, or even consider electrical treatments such as cardioversion, defibrillation, pacemaker implantation, and ablation, as well as surgical options.

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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.