Arrhythmia Risks
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) can affect anyone — even people who are otherwise healthy and free of heart disease. In most cases, however, they are caused by an underlying problem in the heart. The key to reducing your risk is to take the best possible care of your heart. That means reducing your risk factors for heart disease, managing your existing health conditions, following a healthy lifestyle (link to healthy living, when available) and avoiding substances that can trigger arrhythmias (link to arrhythmia triggers).
Risk Factors
Each of the following risk factors can increase your chances of developing a heart problem that could lead to an arrhythmia:
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Drug abuse
- Stress
- Family history of heart disease
- Advancing age
- Certain medications, dietary supplements and herbal remedies
Reduce Your Risks
To minimize your risk of developing an arrhythmia, reduce as many of the above risk factors as you can. Granted, you can’t change your family history or your age; however, if you do have these risk factors, you should be even more vigilant about reducing the risk factors that are within your control. Here are several strategies that can help:
- Make healthy lifestyle choices – Get regular exercise and follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat and rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein (such as chicken, fish and beans).
- Maintain a healthy weight – The lifestyle choices above will help. Ask your doctor for additional suggestions.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking is the largest preventable cause of heart disease. Avoid secondhand smoke, and if you smoke, quit.
- Avoid substances that can trigger arrhythmias – Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and other substances that can act as arrhythmia triggers.
- Reduce stress – Avoid unnecessary stress in your life, and find ways to manage or control the stress that is unavoidable.
- Get regular checkups – See your health care provider regularly, and mention any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Treat health problems that can contribute to heart disease – Keep high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid disease under control.
Monitor and Treat Existing Heart Disorders
If you do have a heart problem, get appropriate treatment to prevent it from getting worse and potentially leading to an arrhythmia. Be sure to:
- Ask your doctor whether your condition increases the risk of an arrhythmia, and how.
- Talk to your doctor about the options for monitoring and treating your condition.
- Follow your treatment plan and take all medications as prescribed.
- Report any new symptoms, or changes in existing symptoms, right away.
Arrhythmia Triggers
Everything you eat, drink and breathe affects your heart. Healthy foods, clean air and water promote good heart health. Other foods and substances, especially if consumed in excess, can set the stage for heart rhythm disorders. In addition, several types of substances can trigger arrhythmia episodes directly. People who are at risk for arrhythmias should minimize their exposure to these arrhythmia triggers.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the substance most commonly associated with arrhythmias — particularly with fast heartbeats (tachycardia). Caffeinated beverages (soft drinks, coffee and tea) and foods (chocolate) can trigger heart palpitations, fluttering, pounding or racing in some people.
Alcohol
Heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle), heart failure, stroke and arrhythmias. Used in moderation - no more than one drink per day for women or two for men - alcohol can provide heart benefits but even small amounts of alcohol can trigger arrhythmias in some people.
Tobacco
The stimulants in nicotine can trigger arrhythmias directly. In addition, smoking contributes to as much as one-third of all cardiovascular disease, and causes more heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, and heart-related deaths than all illegal drugs combined.
Dietary Supplements and Over-the-Counter Medications
Some herbs and other substances used in over-the-counter remedies are believed to improve abnormal heart rhythms. Others can make arrhythmias worse or can interfere with prescription heart medications. Diet pills and cold medicines can be especially problematic, because they often contain substances that act as stimulants. Always consult your health care provider before taking any medication or supplement.
Prescription Drugs
While most medicines prescribed by physicians are beneficial to health, some can have detrimental side effects. Certain drugs commonly prescribed for arrhythmias, heart disease, high blood pressure and other health conditions can cause heart rhythm problems in some people. If you notice arrhythmia symptoms (palpitations, heart pounding, lightheadedness, chest discomfort) after starting a new medication, be sure to tell your health care provider.
Stimulants and Inhalants
Abusing legal or illegal drugs can lead to dangerous arrhythmias. Substance abuse can be dangerous no matter what the drug, but using stimulants or “uppers” carries a particularly high risk of triggering dangerous arrhythmias.
Airborne Pollutants and Emissions
Hundreds of substances in the air can cause arrhythmias, heart disease and other threats to health and life. In general, the highest risks are among people who are exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace, such as automobile emissions, cigarette smoke, industrial pollution, paint thinners and propane gas. If you are routinely exposed to these or other problematic substances, talk with your health care provider and your workplace environmental safety officer about how to protect yourself.
