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What Are The Factors Contributing To Frequent Arrhythmias?
I am a 56 year, old post menopausal female who was diagnosed 18 months ago with idiopathic RVOT. My angiogram, MRI, ultrasound and other tests showed that there are no structural problems with my heart. I am very fit, eat a healthy diet, drink moderately and do not smoke. My arrhythmia is brought on by exercise and sometimes in recovery. My heart rate can shoot up to 235 but usually comes down again within 30 seconds if I cease all activity. I wear a heart rate monitor whilst exercising to keep an eye on it. When my heart rate increases I can feel a flutter in my chest and I feel, light-headed and a little detached. I had an attempted ablation around 9 months ago but it was unsuccessful as the arrhythmia did not occur during the procedure.
Recently the arrhythmia has happened more frequently. Today it happened when I was doing minimal exercise (gentle walking). Previously I would have had to be doing fairly strenuous exercise before it occurred. This is causing me difficulties as I exercise daily and I do not want to give this up.
This week I attended “Accident and Emergency” as I was feeling very light-headed at rest. My ECG was normal but I have been diagnosed with anaemia due to slight iron deficiency. I was surprised by this as I have a varied and healthy diet. There was also no blood in my stool and I do not know how I could be losing any blood. I am now taking iron tablets.
1. What are other causes of anaemia?
2. I understand that anaemia can cause an arrhythmia, could this in any way be linked to the RVOT?
3. If I am now taking iron supplements can you give any estimate of how long before the anaemia is controlled?
4. What factors might contribute to the arrhythmia happening more frequently?
5. What are the risks/prognosis for RVOT?
6. Is there anything I can do to minimise these risks?
Recently the arrhythmia has happened more frequently. Today it happened when I was doing minimal exercise (gentle walking). Previously I would have had to be doing fairly strenuous exercise before it occurred. This is causing me difficulties as I exercise daily and I do not want to give this up.
This week I attended “Accident and Emergency” as I was feeling very light-headed at rest. My ECG was normal but I have been diagnosed with anaemia due to slight iron deficiency. I was surprised by this as I have a varied and healthy diet. There was also no blood in my stool and I do not know how I could be losing any blood. I am now taking iron tablets.
1. What are other causes of anaemia?
2. I understand that anaemia can cause an arrhythmia, could this in any way be linked to the RVOT?
3. If I am now taking iron supplements can you give any estimate of how long before the anaemia is controlled?
4. What factors might contribute to the arrhythmia happening more frequently?
5. What are the risks/prognosis for RVOT?
6. Is there anything I can do to minimise these risks?
Mon, 20 May 2019
Hello,
Your symptoms are indicative of developing Atrial Fibrillation or atrial flutter.
In order to be on the safer side you are suggested to go through investigations (Holter monitor, stress test, lipid profile, other investigations if required) as AF causes quivering heart beat that may cause blood clots, heart palpitations, Heart attack or stroke.
Other causes can be electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hypotension, anemia, changes in heart muscle, etc.
You may need cardioversion, Ablation or Medications. Stay away from anxiety & stress. Avoid refined carbohydrates, addictions if any, greasy food, take adequate rest & do not take unnecessary stress, avoid heavy work.
Take iron rich food, food rich in protein & calcium. You can also take vitamin supplements.
Factors causing anemia are Alcoholism, Aplastic, Hemolytic anemia, thalassemia or blood cancer. Visit ER, get thoroughly examined, get treated at the earliest.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
Your symptoms are indicative of developing Atrial Fibrillation or atrial flutter.
In order to be on the safer side you are suggested to go through investigations (Holter monitor, stress test, lipid profile, other investigations if required) as AF causes quivering heart beat that may cause blood clots, heart palpitations, Heart attack or stroke.
Other causes can be electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hypotension, anemia, changes in heart muscle, etc.
You may need cardioversion, Ablation or Medications. Stay away from anxiety & stress. Avoid refined carbohydrates, addictions if any, greasy food, take adequate rest & do not take unnecessary stress, avoid heavy work.
Take iron rich food, food rich in protein & calcium. You can also take vitamin supplements.
Factors causing anemia are Alcoholism, Aplastic, Hemolytic anemia, thalassemia or blood cancer. Visit ER, get thoroughly examined, get treated at the earliest.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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