Heart arrhythmia occurs when the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat do not function correctly. Patients may experience palpitations, irregular heartbeats (fast or slow), dizziness, fatigue, sweating, and chest pain.

Various treatment methods for heart arrhythmia exist, depending on the individual. Patients may use medication or undergo surgery to implant a pacemaker. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle supports disease management.

Take medication on time

Patients should adhere to their prescribed medication schedule and dosage to stabilize their heart rate as directed by their doctor. Inform your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects; do not self-medicate with additional drugs, as this can lead to blood clotting disorders, bleeding, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Monitor pulse

Individuals with heart arrhythmia can proactively monitor their pulse at home daily to detect abnormalities. This simple method helps identify unusual changes in heart rate early. Place your second and third fingers on the inside of your wrist, just below your thumb. Feel for your pulse, count the beats in one minute, and record the pulse rate and how you feel at that moment.

Exercise regularly

Engage in regular, moderate exercise daily to boost cardiovascular health. Gentle, consistent exercises such as walking, yoga, deep breathing, and cycling are optimal choices for those with heart arrhythmia. These activities reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and stabilize heart rate without overtaxing the body. Patients should aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day, 5 days per week.

Maintain a scientific diet

Patients should adopt a nutritious diet beneficial for cardiovascular health. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products into daily meals. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. Consuming chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds also benefits heart health.

Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger certain heart arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. Limiting alcohol or abstaining completely can help protect heart health. Men should restrict their intake to a maximum of two alcohol units per day, while women should limit themselves to one unit per day. One alcohol unit equals 10 g of pure alcohol, equivalent to about 3/4 of a 330 ml beer can, 100 ml of wine, or a 30 ml shot of spirits. It is advisable to have two alcohol-free days per week.

Le Nguyen (According to Hindustan Times, Times of India)