En Español (Spanish Version)
by Polsdorfer R
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disturbances)
Some heart rhythm disturbances are harmless and you may not even be aware of them. Some limit your heart's effectiveness and may cause breathlessness or fatigue. Others may make you periodically dizzy or faint and may be warnings of more serious events to come.
If your arrhythmia causes you to tire easily, you may have to limit your physical activities. Talk to your doctor about how much physical activity is appropriate for you. If you are being treated for chronic heart failure (which causes you to tire easily), an arrhythmia can worsen the condition, and correcting the arrhythmia may improve your symptoms.
If your arrhythmia might cause you to lose control without warning, avoid situations that require constant alertness, such as driving. For your sake and the safety of others, do not operate motor vehicles or dangerous equipment until the risk of losing control has been resolved. Avoid working or even being in dangerous places, such as ladders, rooftops, trees, cliffs, etc.
Become familiar with the symptoms of arrhythmias and report them to your doctor immediately.
References
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.
14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
.