Doctor Pham Tran Linh, vice president of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association, shared this information at the 2025 National Conference of Cardiac Arrhythmia Specialists on 19/7. The conference aimed to connect experts, expand professional collaboration, and improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart rhythm disorders in Vietnam.

According to Dr. Linh, cardiovascular diseases are increasing and are a leading cause of death. Among these diseases, cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is particularly dangerous. An irregular heartbeat simply means the heart doesn't beat in a regular rhythm. There are two types: fast and slow heart rhythms.

Common types like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, and atrioventricular block affect tens of millions globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Atrial fibrillation, the most common type, affects an estimated 33 million people and accounts for 15-20% of all clot-related strokes. In Vietnam, the rate of atrial fibrillation in people over 60 is 1-2%, but the actual number may be higher due to limited screening. In 2024 alone, 38,000 new cases of atrial fibrillation were detected, an increase of over 10,000 compared to 5 years prior.

"Irregular heartbeats are complex and potentially dangerous but are often missed in the early stages," Dr. Linh said, adding that they can lead to complications like heart failure, cardiac arrest, dementia, damage to other organs, stroke, and sudden death.

Doctor Pham Tran Linh, vice president of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association, shares information at the conference. Photo: Phuong Anh

Doctor Pham Tran Linh, vice president of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association, shares information at the conference. Photo: Phuong Anh

Palpitations and a racing heart are the most common symptoms of fast heart rhythms. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing are common in slow heart rhythms. Some experience dizziness when standing or sitting, while more severe cases involve fainting and regaining consciousness after a few minutes.

However, many people with irregular heartbeats have no symptoms. They are unaware of the condition until diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG) during a health checkup. Many devices can help detect the condition early, such as electronic blood pressure monitors, smartwatches with heart rate tracking, ECG machines, and 24-, 48-, and 7-day Holter monitors.

At the conference, Doctor Ton That Minh, president of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association, acknowledged that arrhythmia treatment in Vietnam has advanced and is now comparable to global standards. Vietnamese doctors perform most advanced techniques. The number of doctors and medical facilities treating arrhythmias has also increased significantly. In 2025, the country has 66 hospitals and centers for arrhythmia intervention and about 170 specialized doctors.

There are two treatment methods for arrhythmia: medication and intervention. Medication can have side effects. Interventional methods involve using devices to restore heart function, depending on the type of arrhythmia.

For fast heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation, doctors may use radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, or pulsed field ablation. The latest technique involves implanting cardiac devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Doctors at Bach Mai Hospital perform cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Photo: Hospital provided

Doctors at Bach Mai Hospital perform cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Photo: Hospital provided

To prevent irregular heartbeats, follow your doctor's instructions to control risk factors: manage blood pressure and cholesterol, lose weight if necessary, maintain a heart-healthy diet, avoid smoking and e-cigarettes, and engage in physical activity.

Le Nga