Can arrhythmia cause sudden death?

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 16, 2024
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The clinical manifestations of hemodynamic changes caused by arrhythmias mainly depend on the nature, type, cardiac function, and the extent of impact on hemodynamics. Mild conditions such as slight sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, occasional atrial premature contractions, and first-degree atrioventricular block have minimal impact on hemodynamics and therefore do not exhibit significant clinical manifestations, and sudden death is generally not expected. However, more severe arrhythmias, such as sick sinus syndrome, rapid atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and sustained ventricular tachycardia, can lead to palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, hypotension, and sweating. In severe cases, syncope, Adams-Stokes syndrome, or even sudden death may occur.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
1min 49sec home-news-image

Can people with arrhythmia eat ginseng?

Arrhythmia falls under the categories of palpitations and throbbing in traditional Chinese medicine. The common differential diagnoses are as follows: For Blood Stasis Obstruction type, the treatment focuses on activating blood circulation and resolving stasis, and regulating qi to unblock the collaterals. For Blood Deficiency type, the treatment is to nourish qi and calm the spirit, and to nourish the heart and supplement blood. For Yang Deficiency type, the treatment aims to warm and supplement heart yang, and calm the spirit and stabilize the will. For Heart Deficiency and Timid Gallbladder type, the treatment is to nourish the heart and calm the spirit, and to stabilize fright and fix the will. For Yin Deficiency and Exuberant Fire type, the treatment focuses on nourishing the heart and calming the spirit, and nourishing yin to clear the fire. For Water Dampness Overwhelming the Heart type, the treatment aims to invigorate heart yang and transform qi to promote water movement. For Qi and Blood Deficiency type, the treatment is to supplement both qi and blood simultaneously. Ginseng's main therapeutic effect is to greatly supplement the primal qi, secure and stop prolapse, generate fluids, and calm the spirit. Therefore, ginseng can be used when arrhythmia differentiation indicates qi deficiency, but it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What is ventricular arrhythmia?

Ventricular arrhythmias mainly refer to disorders of the ventricular rhythm and are relatively common clinically, including premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular flutter, and ventricular fibrillation. Premature ventricular contractions generally do not cause noticeable clinical symptoms, while ventricular flutter and ventricular fibrillation are very dangerous clinically and must be treated promptly with defibrillation. Therefore, ventricular arrhythmias must be treated promptly, actively treating the underlying disease, and managing the arrhythmia to prevent sudden death.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Arrhythmia is what kind of disease

Arrhythmia is caused by abnormal excitation of the sinoatrial node or excitation originating outside the sinoatrial node, where the propagation of excitation is slow, blocked, or conducted through abnormal channels, leading to abnormalities in the frequency and/or rhythm of heartbeats due to origins and (or) conduction disorders of cardiac activity. Arrhythmia is an important group of diseases within cardiovascular diseases. It can occur independently or in conjunction with other cardiovascular diseases. Its prognosis is related to the causes, inducing factors, and evolutionary trends of the arrhythmia, and whether it leads to severe hemodynamic disturbances. It can cause sudden death or continuously affect the heart leading to its failure.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Is sinus arrhythmia serious?

Sinus arrhythmia is a relatively common type of arrhythmia in clinical practice. It is typically identified through electrocardiogram testing. If no other specific symptoms are present other than sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia, or sinus tachycardia, and if there is no structural heart disease, generally, there are no serious concerns. Often, these kinds of arrhythmias are caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. To address this irregular heartbeat, it is advisable to rest adequately in daily life and to include some aerobic exercise. Exercise can enhance cardiac contractility and strengthen regular heart function, which can help correct the arrhythmia.

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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.