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Irregular heart rates can be caused by electrolyte imbalances, heart attacks, or coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help return the heart rate to normal, but it may also be a sign of future heart problems and should be checked by a doctor.
An irregular heart rate, also known as an arrhythmia, can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, injury from a heart attack, or it could even be a sign of coronary artery disease. With an irregular heart rate, the heart sometimes beats slower or faster than normal. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or other stimulants such as caffeine, are usually suggested to help reverse this condition. Antiarrhythmic drugs and blood thinners are usually prescribed as medical interventions that can help return the heart rate to a normal range.
A normal heart rate is a sign that the heart muscle is working properly and that oxygen and nutrients are being transported throughout the body. An irregular heart rate, however, slightly disrupts blood flow resulting in sporadic increases and decreases in the rate of muscle contraction and relaxation. In many cases, particularly for athletes or individuals who exercise regularly without the proper intake of water or other nutrients, the arrhythmia is related to an electrolyte imbalance. Proper electrolyte replacement during exercise can alleviate this problem.
Those who have recently suffered a heart attack or stroke may have an irregular heart rate. With treatment of these conditions, this irregularity should gradually decrease over time. When it continues, however, medical treatments may be needed to bring the heart rate back into a normal range.
If an individual has no history of heart disease or suffers from electrolyte imbalance issues, an irregular heart rate could be a sign of future heart problems. Coronary artery disease is a common cause of heart palpitations, or skipping a heartbeat and arrhythmia. An irregular heart rate in an otherwise seemingly normal individual should be checked by a doctor so potential problems can be spotted early.
Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise program, can help improve heart health and the strength and pace of contraction and relaxation. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can also help relieve symptoms of an irregular heart rate. Antiarrhythmic medications and blood thinners can help return the heart rate to a normal, healthy range for most individuals. A pacemaker is sometimes used in some cases when other methods fail; these devices send electrical impulses to the heart to help it beat at a normal rate.
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