Arrhythmia treatment

To help control heart rate and maintain a normal heartbeat, your provider may prescribe an antiarrhythmic drug. These are usually administered as tablets meant to be taken several times a day. Common antiarrhythmic medications include:

• Amiodarone
• Sotalol
• Flecainide
• Propafenone
• Dofetilide
• Diltiazem
• Metoprolol
• Propranolol

In addition, your provider may prescribe a blood thinner, such as warfarin, to prevent blood clots. Take antiarrhythmic medication exactly as ordered by your provider to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Treatment for arrhythmias may also include the use of an implantable device to control abnormal heart rhythms. These include:

- Pacemaker. A pacemaker is a medical device that is implanted in the heart to assist control irregular cardiac rhythms. In a simple surgical operation, a tiny device is implanted beneath the skin around the collarbone. The device is connected to the heart by an insulated wire that is securely attached. When a pacemaker detects an aberrant heart rate, it sends electrical impulses to your heart, causing it to beat at a normal rate.

- Cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantable (ICD). If you have a high chance of having a dangerously fast or irregular heartbeat in the lower half of your heart, your doctor may recommend this device (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation). Your doctor may also recommend an ICD if you have had a sudden cardiac arrest or if you have certain heart diseases that enhance your risk of sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD, like a pacemaker, is a battery-powered device inserted under the skin around the collarbone. The ICD sends one or more electrode-tipped wires through veins to the heart. Your cardiac rhythm is constantly monitored by the ICD. It gives either low- or high-energy shocks to reset the heart to a regular beat if it identifies an aberrant cardiac rhythm. An ICD does not prevent aberrant cardiac rhythms from happening, but it does treat them when they do.

In addition to medical treatments, some lifestyle changes and self-care methods can reduce the occurrence of arrhythmia and symptoms of other heart problems. These remedies include:

- Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting your intake of foods rich in salt and fat. A clean, whole foods diet can help encourage heart health.

- Exercise. Regular physical activity (even just walking 30 minutes a day) can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of arrhythmia.

- Quit smoking. Smoking damages the health of your internal organs, including your heart. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of arrhythmia.

- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Both of these substances can cause arrhythmia. Drink alcohol in moderation and limit your use of caffeine throughout the day.

- Use relaxation techniques. Yoga, meditation, and tai-chi can all reduce stress and encourage a relaxed heartbeat.