So You Have A Cardiac Arrhythmia: What Now?
When you go to the doctor for your regular checkup, and they listen to your chest, the last thing you expect is for them to inform you that they found any sort of abnormality. However, sometimes this is exactly what happens. So, you are referred to a cardiologist for further examination and tests, and you find out you have a cardiac arrhythmia.
Now, cardiac arrhythmia sounds scary, but it is really just an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. While a cardiac arrhythmia is not necessarily a dangerous condition in and of itself, it can be indicative of other problems or worsen over time if you do not take proper care of your cardiac health. So, get to know some of the changes you can make in your life to help get your arrhythmia under control.
Ease Up On The Caffeine
Caffeine consumption has a profound impact on the body, particularly on your cardiovascular and nervous systems. This is because caffeine is a stimulant and as such it stimulates the body to take certain actions. For example, caffeine has been shown to raise your blood pressure while in your system.
Heightened blood pressure means that your blood vessels contract more tightly and remain contracted more. This constricts the blood flow in your body and as such will affect your heart in the process.
However, in addition to raised blood pressure, caffeine also causes your heart rate to increase. These two symptoms in combination can not only worsen cardiac arrhythmias but can cause them when they would not occur otherwise. So, if at all possible, cut out the caffeine from your daily routine completely, and if you cannot do so, reduce your consumption as much as possible.
While You're At It, Deal With Your Other Vices
In addition to getting your caffeine consumption under control, you should take stock of any other vices you may have in your life that could affect your cardiac health. When doing so, pay particular attention to tobacco and alcohol consumption.
In the case of smoking, you really have no choice but to quit completely if you want to have any hope of controlling your cardiac arrhythmia and of preventing further cardiovascular problems in the future. Smoking causes plaque-buildup in the heart and arteries that can contribute to your arrhythmia but also causes blocked blood vessels, heart attacks, and chronic conditions that severely impair your heart's ability to function.
Alcohol, on the other hand, can cause high blood pressure if you drink regularly. And if you binge drink, you run the risk of stroke, heart failure, and various other cardiac disorders. So, if you do choose to drink in spite of your cardiac arrhythmia, do so very rarely and do not drink to get drunk ever.
If you follow these simple rules, you will help to keep your cardiac arrhythmia under control and can also help to prevent other cardiovascular problems in the future. So, make these healthy lifestyle changes as soon as possible.
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