Cardiac arrhythmia causes many dangerous complications

(Dan Tri) - Arrhythmia is simply understood as the heart not being able to function regularly and rhythmically as usual. This disease can cause complications such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, stroke, sudden death...

The above information was announced by Dr. Pham Tran Linh, Vice President of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association at the 2025 National Arrhythmia Experts Conference, held on July 19 in Da Nang .

Dr. Linh said that there are many diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, of which arrhythmia is one of the most typical and dangerous groups of diseases. Common forms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block... are affecting tens of millions of people worldwide.

Experts attending the conference (Photo: KV).

According to the World Health Organization, atrial fibrillation affects about 33 million people, accounting for about 15-20% of all strokes due to thrombosis.

In Vietnam, the rate of atrial fibrillation in people over 60 years old fluctuates between 1-2%, but the actual figure may be higher due to limited screening. In 2024 alone, the number of new cases of atrial fibrillation detected will be 38,000, an increase of more than 10,000 cases compared to 5 years ago.

Dr. Linh said that the most common symptoms of tachycardia are nervousness and palpitations. In addition, there may be symptoms of difficulty breathing, chest pain, difficulty swallowing; in many cases, dizziness when standing up or sitting down; or fainting, after a few minutes the patient regains consciousness.

Dr. Pham Tran Linh, Vice President of Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association (Photo: KV).

However, many people with arrhythmia have no symptoms. Patients are completely unaware of their condition until they go for a health check and discover the disease through an electrocardiogram.

Dr. Ton That Minh - President of the Vietnam Heart Rhythm Association said that cardiac electrophysiology examination and treatment with devices help diagnose and treat arrhythmia more effectively.

“In recent years, Vietnam's arrhythmia treatment techniques have developed very well, approaching the world . Since the early years of the century, Vietnam only had 2 doctors who could perform cardiac electrophysiology and ablation to treat arrhythmia. Now we have over 200 doctors who can perform this procedure, with more than 20 centers nationwide,” Dr. Minh informed.

There are two treatment methods for arrhythmia: medication and intervention.

With interventional methods, depending on the type of arrhythmia, the patient may be prescribed appropriate devices to restore heart function.

Experts note that to prevent arrhythmia, it is necessary to follow the doctor's instructions to control risk factors such as good control of blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and maintaining a reasonable weight.

Eat a heart-healthy diet. Avoid tobacco and e-cigarettes. Stay physically active every day.

The 2025 National Arrhythmia Experts Conference brings together leading experts and experienced speakers to share knowledge, advanced techniques and practical clinical experiences.

In particular, the outstanding professional contents shared include: Updating catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation and dangerous ventricular arrhythmias; application of 3D electrical mapping technology; new treatment energy sources such as radio waves, cryo-cryo, magnetic pulses...

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/roi-loai-nhip-tim-gay-nhieu-bien-chung-nguy-hiem-20250719220644813.htm