Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias manifest in various ways, with patients most commonly experiencing palpitations and irregular heartbeats. In milder cases, there may be no specific symptoms, while in severe instances, arrhythmias can lead to sudden death, as in the case of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
Mild arrhythmias can present as sudden, regular, or irregular palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, discomfort in the chest, breathlessness, a sense of suffocation, cool extremities, and, in some cases, patients may have no symptoms at all, with changes only evident through an electrocardiogram during a medical examination or doctor’s assessment. Severe arrhythmias can lead to syncope, seizures, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and induce heart failure, myocardial ischemia, or even sudden death.
Generally, syncope can be seen in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, ventricular tachycardia, rapid atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, high-degree sinoatrial block, high-degree atrioventricular block, and other conditions. Seizures can occur in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Sudden death can result from ventricular fibrillation caused by various factors, untreated sick sinus syndrome, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular arrest, or pre-excitation syndrome, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
Additionally, there are some distinctive clinical features, such as premature beats, where patients may sense a pause in the heartbeat, a sensation of the heart leaping into the throat, or a feeling of the heart “skipping a beat.” Patients with atrial fibrillation may feel irregular heartbeats, with pulses being irregularly strong or weak. Patients with ventricular tachycardia may experience sudden and erratic palpitations and anxiety.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to any abnormalities in the heart’s origin, frequency, rhythm, impulse conduction, or any other factors, resulting in tachycardia, bradycardia, irregular heartbeats, or disordered activity in different parts of the heart. Clinically, arrhythmias are categorized as fast or slow rhythms. Common clinical manifestations include palpitations, chest tightness, chest pain, breathlessness, a sense of restlessness, dizziness, syncope, and sudden death. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition falls under the categories of “heart palpitations” and “palpitations and dizziness.” The treatment of arrhythmias in Traditional Chinese Medicine revolves around identifying patterns and using tailored treatments to adjust organ function, rebalance Qi and blood, and restore overall bodily harmony.
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s understanding and treatment of arrhythmia have a long history, dating back to the Jin Dynasty, with many ancient formulas known for their remarkable efficacy. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has made significant progress in treating arrhythmias. By using pattern differentiation for treatment, it can adjust the patient’s overall condition. This not only alleviates arrhythmia symptoms but also rebalances the Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing arrhythmia at its roots.
Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Arrhythmia
1. High Safety: Traditional Chinese Medicine for arrhythmia has fewer side effects compared to Western medications and is generally safe for long-term use, not causing harm to the liver and kidneys.
2. Benign Bidirectional Regulation: Patients with sick sinus syndrome often have both fast and slow heart rates, which can be challenging for Western medicine to treat. Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer treatment using benign bidirectional regulation, such as herbal medicine or acupuncture, which is safe and effective.
3. Addressing the Root Cause: Many arrhythmia patients have underlying factors like emotional stress, insomnia, and significant psychological pressure. Traditional Chinese Medicine not only targets the arrhythmia but also addresses the patient’s overall state, mobilizing their self-regulatory functions to restore the balance of Yin and Yang, Qi, and blood.
Preventing arrhythmia is crucial, and the following measures should be considered:
1. Maintain a healthy emotional state, avoiding emotional excitement.
2. Actively prevent and control various risk factors for the disease, such as abstaining from smoking and drinking, maintaining a regular lifestyle, avoiding overwork, and late nights.
3. Engage in regular physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
4. If clinical symptoms of arrhythmia occur, seek medical attention and actively pursue treatment under a doctor’s guidance.