Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Irregular Heartbeat May Increase Risk Of Stroke

Aug. 7, 2006
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
For the past 10 years, I have had an irregular heartbeat brought on by an episode of pericarditis. Can a long-term irregular heartbeat cause damage to my heart? Do I have a higher risk of heart failure because of this condition? -- Pine Island, Minn.

ANSWER:
If your heart has been beating irregularly or racing for weeks, months or years, it does pose increased health risks. Think about the family car running at 100 mph all day. It takes a toll on the engine because it's not designed to work that way. The same principle affects your heart. If unchecked, an irregular or racing heartbeat could contribute to problems, including premature death.

One such condition where your heart can beat out of rhythm is called atrial fibrillation. Pericarditis, an inflammation around the heart, could cause atrial fibrillation. Pericarditis is an acute condition, usually the result of a virus or bacteria. The inflammation often goes away on its own in one to two weeks, or it can be treated with medications.

Atrial fibrillation can be caused by many other factors, too, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart valves, congenital heart defects, overactive thyroid, emphysema or other lung diseases, and previous heart surgery.

Stroke is the top health risk for most people with atrial fibrillation. The chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to pool and form clots in the atrium, the smaller chamber of the heart. If a clot dislodges from your heart and heads to your brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke. Generally, the older you are, the greater your risk of stroke with atrial fibrillation. If the heart rate in atrial fibrillation isn't controlled, your heart could weaken over time, increasing the risk of heart failure -- where your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

If your irregular heartbeat lasts only a few moments and occurs rarely, it's not likely a serious health concern. If it is more frequent and long lasting, see your doctor or a cardiologist for an evaluation. If you are dealing with atrial fibrillation, treatment to manage the condition can reduce your risk of stroke and heart failure. There are several treatment options including medications to thin the blood; medications to slow the heart; and procedures to restore normal rhythm.

-- Gregory Altemose, M.D., Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz.