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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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How Can I Help Through Arrhythmia Attacks Especially When She Faints ?

My girlfriend has/suffers from arrhythmia. I m still learning her exact form of it. I ve been around for a few episodes, including one where she fainted. What can I do to help her through the attacks, especially when she faints?
Wed, 25 Jan 2012
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Cardiologist, Interventional,  's  Response
Arrhythmia means abnormal rhythm of the heart. There are many types. Accurate diagnosis is a MUST for proper treatment. If it is a case where the heart is slowing down, then a pacemaker must be implanted to regulate the heart rate and keep it normal. If it is due to very rapid beating of the heart, the treatment could be with medicines or by intervention. Since there is fainting, it is better to do an Electrophysiologic Study and further treatment depending on the exact diagnosis.
When she feels the arrhythmia starting, she should lie down as soon as possible. The falls sustained during fainting can also be dangerous.... Make sure her breathing is all right and turn her face to one side..... If it is a case of tachy-arrhythmia (rapid heart rate), she can try the Valsalva manoevre (trying to strain as if trying to pass stool with mouth and nose closed). It may help... An ECG obtained during the arrhythmia is most valuable for diagnosis. At least, count the pulse, if possible........
Accurate diagnosis is a MUST and in this case, EARLY diagnosis is essential...
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General Surgeon,  Dr. Avinash A's  Response
hi welcome to healthcaremagic
the best thing u can do is get her admitted and set her rhythm right...she needs evaluation and treatment..u cant really do much when she faints..u need to defibrillate at that very moment by seeking medical help..make sure u check her pulse..sometimes arrhythmia will go for cardiogenic shock..
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How Can I Help Through Arrhythmia Attacks Especially When She Faints ?

Arrhythmia means abnormal rhythm of the heart. There are many types. Accurate diagnosis is a MUST for proper treatment. If it is a case where the heart is slowing down, then a pacemaker must be implanted to regulate the heart rate and keep it normal. If it is due to very rapid beating of the heart, the treatment could be with medicines or by intervention. Since there is fainting, it is better to do an Electrophysiologic Study and further treatment depending on the exact diagnosis. When she feels the arrhythmia starting, she should lie down as soon as possible. The falls sustained during fainting can also be dangerous.... Make sure her breathing is all right and turn her face to one side..... If it is a case of tachy-arrhythmia (rapid heart rate), she can try the Valsalva manoevre (trying to strain as if trying to pass stool with mouth and nose closed). It may help... An ECG obtained during the arrhythmia is most valuable for diagnosis. At least, count the pulse, if possible........ Accurate diagnosis is a MUST and in this case, EARLY diagnosis is essential...