Irregular heartbeat may cause serious health problems: research

Irregular heartbeat may cause serious health problems: research
Irregular heartbeat -- also known as atrial fibrillation -- may lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and sudden cardiac death, finds a study.

According to the study, published in the journal The BMJ , atrial fibrillation was associated with a two times risk of cardiovascular mortality, a 2.3 times risk of stroke and a five time risk of incident congestive heart failure. ‘Our study could have implications for the prioritisation of public health resources and the development of novel interventions for adults with atrial fibrillation,’ said lead author Ayodele Odutayo, doctoral candidate at University of Oxford. The researchers pointed out that the risk increases associated with many of these events is greater than that of stroke and mentioned that the study adds to the growing literature on the association between atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular outcomes beyond stroke. (Read: New Smartphone app to help patients suffering from irregular heart beat, says study)

One can overcome the problem of irregular heartbeat by yoga. Practice of yoga not only helps improve quality of life in patients with irregular heartbeats, but also lower their heart rateand blood pressure, according to a recent study. Sophiahemmet University’s Maria Wahlstrom said that many patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF)can’t live their lives as they want to. They refuse dinners with friends, concerts and travelling because they are afraid of an AF episode occurring. Wahlstrom added that AF episodes are accompanied by chest pain, dyspnoea and dizziness. These symptoms are unpleasant and patients feel anxious, worried and stressed that an AF episode will occur.

Source: IANS

Photo source: Shutterstock (Image for representational purpose only)

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

Previous Article

India to adopt 'The Strategic Action Plan' to address double burden of malnutrition: WHO

Next Article

Sudden cardiac death more likely in patients with high thyroid hormone level