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Mitral Valve Prolapse Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Our next topic is one that will draw heavily upon the anatomy blog that I wrote a while ago. This topic is mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Do you recall how the heart was divided into left and …
Omega 3s and the Heart! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Omega 3s are something that everyone has heard of. In fact many nutritionists including myself consider them to be essential to a healthy daily vitamin regimen. But many people I talk to ask a few …
The Confusing World of Heart Arrhythmias
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Arrhythmia is a word that you may have heard of but may not know what it means. So what exactly is an arrhythmia? Basically an arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. In general we can break down arrhythmias into 2 types, these are a fast heartrate (over 100 beats per minute) and is called tachycardia verses a slow heartbeat (under 60 beats per minute) which is known as bradycardia. Now in this bog I will be concentrating on tachycardia since it is what most people call with questions about. Now what are the most common types of tachycardia? These include atrial fibrillation (Afib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. (1)
What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)? AFib is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm. This means in laymen’s terms that the heartbeat is both irregular and very rapid. Do you remember the structures of the heart that we spoke about? Basically what is happening during an episode of AFib is that the atria or top chambers of the heat beat irregularly/ rapidly and out of sync with ventricles or bottom half of the heart. Now as you can guess this can have series consequences. One potential issue is that AFib can cause a blood clot to form. This increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other series conditions. Now not everyone who has AFib will experience symptoms but there are some symptoms that are common to experience. These include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and a rapid/ pounding heartbeat. What can cause us to develop AFib? Some risk factors for AFib can include age, alcohol use, caffeine as well as nicotine/drug use and even certain medications. Additionally having a family or personal history of AFib, congenital heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and even obesity can all increase your risk of AFib. Having a history of sleep apnea, heat attack, lung disorders and even thyroid disorders also increase the risk of AFib. Lastly having abnormal concentrations of minerals can also increase the risk of AFib. (2)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an episode of irregularly fast and erratic heartbeat where the heartrate can reach on average between 150 -220 beats a minute. During an episode of SVT there is a problem basically in the electrical system of the heart and it causes the heart rate to become fast and erratic. Because the heart beats so fast there is no time for the heart chambers to fill with blood which can lead to a feeling of being lightheaded or even dizzy. What are some of the symptoms you may expect if you have SVT? You may experience palpitations, a very fast heartbeat, pounding sensations in your chest, chest pain, and shortness of breath and even feel lightheaded or dizzy. There may be fainting and you may even start to sweat. Due to the fact that the chambers aren’t filing completely you may experience fatigue. Risk factors are very similar to AFIb with the addition of Wolfe Parkinson white syndrome as well as pregnancy. Complications of SVT can also include heart failure as repeated episodes can weaken the heart over time. (3)
Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Basically during VFib the irregular heart rhythm results in the heat being unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. The most common symptoms are collapse and loss of consciousness preceded by chest pain as well as a fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. If you have a past history of VFib, heart attack, congenital heat defect, heart muscle injury or use certain drugs and have a fast, pounding heat rate it is important to see a doctor. I can’t stress this enough because VFib can be fatal within minutes of an episode stating. (4)
Ventricular tachycardia (VTach) is similar to VFib however, in VTach the episodes may be brief and not cause series complications. However, sustained VTach can cause complications including fainting, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Signs and risk factors for VTach are very similar to VFib. (5)
When it comes to arrhythmias it is important to take any and all medications that are recommended. Therefore, while the following are amazing for heart health and even arrhythmias, it is important to talk to an Invite nutritionist to make sure they complement your medications rather than conflict with them.
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COCOA HX: THE DELICIOUS SUPERFOOD By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT When it comes to enjoying something indulgent and decadent, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is CHOCOLATE. It’s comforting as it takes us back to our childhood and brings …
The Benefits of Beets Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Everyone has heard about beets. Beet powder, beet chews and even beet juice! It’s everywhere you look! But what really are the benefits of using beet supplements? Why is the tart cherry in the Beets …
Congestive Heart Failure
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Our next topic is something that may seem uncommon but is actually more common than you would think. This is congestive heart failure. When people refer to having a “weak heart” they are referring to congestive heart failure. What is congestive heart failure? Basically what happens when you have Congestive heart failure or CHF for short is the heart is unable to pump blood throughout the body. Over time blood and fluids start to build up in different parts of the body. The 3 types of CHF are left sided, right sided, and high output failure.
What causes our heart to fail? There are a number of situations that can cause our heart to fail. Recreational drug use, including tobacco use as well as certain medications can lead to heart failure. Having a family history of CHF also places you at risk of CHF. Having a personal history of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes and having a past heart attack all increase risk of CHF. Additionally being over 65 increases risk of heart failure. Having an enlarged heart known as cardiomyopathy can also increase risk of CHF. There are congenital heart disorders which are present at birth that over time can cause CHF. Having a history of arrhythmia is also a risk factory. Life style risk factors that can increase our risk of heart failure include alcohol use, BMI over 30, being inactive and eating a diet high in saturated fat and salt. Lastly having a history of rheumatic fever can overtime increase the risk of developing heart failure.
Heart failure is broken down into 4 stages. These stages start with high risk of developing heart failure and end with having advanced heart failure. Other conditions that can affect heart function include chronic lung disease, thyroid disorders, anemia and even kidney disease. It is important to address these concerns to help keep our heart working as well as possible.
What are the classic signs of heart failure? While not everyone will experience these symptoms it is important to know what you may experience especially as the disorder gets worse over time. Now as I said the most common symptoms are swelling in the ankles, legs abdomen and even a bloated or heart stomach. This swelling occurs due to the hearts inability to pump fluids and gets worse as the heart fails to do its job. Because of the buildup of fluid in the body there may be weight gain without any change in diet. There may also be nausea. Our ability to breath can be impacted with a feeling of shortness of breath or SOB. You may also wake up with a feeling of SOB. There may also be a chronic dry cough. There can be chest pain and heart palpitations. As fluid builds up there may be a need to urinate at night. Lastly you will experience fatigue that gets worse over time.
Unfortunately, chronic heart failure gets worse over time. Because of the hearts inability to pump blood throughout the body there are some series complications that can occur. This includes a buildup of fluid in the lungs which can lead to pulmonary hypertension. There may also be kidney damage, liver damage and even heart valve damage. CHF can even lead to an irregular heartbeat. Due to nausea there may be malnutrition. Lastly, over time CHF can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Heart failure has to be taken seriously. While there is no cure there are certain things that can help improve our hearts function. (1, 2)
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