Understand Your Risk for 心律失常

Some changes in heart rate and rhythm are normal during sleep, physical activity and moments of stress.

But other times, irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may be a serious problem. Untreated arrhythmias such as 心动过速 or atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) can have serious consequences, including cardiac arrest and stroke.

View an animation of an arrhythmia.

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Risk factors for arrhythmia include:

心脏病. Some types of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, are risk factors for AFib, which is a type of arrhythmia. Scarring or abnormal tissue deposits can also cause 心动过缓 (slow heart rate) or 心动过速 (rapid heart rate) by interfering with the heart’s electrical system.

年龄. The prevalence of arrhythmia and AFib increases with age.

Congenital defects. Certain conditions present from birth may make a person prone to arrhythmia. 例如, a congenital heart defect that affects the heart's built-in electrical system can cause 心动过缓. And those born with extra electrical pathways can be prone to 心动过速.

化学药剂. Different kinds of chemical agents can cause arrhythmias, sometimes with serious consequences. Minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium play a vital role in the heart’s normal function. But those same minerals may cause arrhythmias when their levels are too high or too low. Addictive substances, including 酒精, 香烟 and recreational drugs, can also provoke arrhythmias. 即使是不同的 cardiac medications may cause arrhythmia.

生活习惯. Certain lifestyle habits including drinking 酒精、吸烟 香烟 and using illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can also cause arrhythmias. 

药物. Many widely used medications may cause or worsen a variety of arrhythmias.

其他因素. Talk to your health care professional to learn what you can do to control other factors that may lead to arrhythmia. 这些包括:

• Reducing high blood pressure
• Controlling cholesterol levels
• Losing excess weight
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Doing regular physical activity 

Talk to your health care professional

Know your risk factors and talk to your health care professional to lessen your chances of arrhythmia or to treat it if it occurs.

Being aware of arrhythmia, its dangers and risks can give you the upper hand when it comes to heart health.