Customer question:
Can a heart arrhythmia cause a heart attack? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) does not itself cause a heart attack. A heart arrhythmia and a heart attack are different conditions, but some types of arrhythmias can put you at risk for heart problems, including a heart attack.
Certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular fibrillation (VFib), can increase the risk of heart attack. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can increase the chance of blood clots forming, which can then travel to the heart and cause a heart attack if they block the coronary arteries. In ventricular fibrillation, there is rapid and uncoordinated contraction of the heart chambers, which can quickly lead to cardiac arrest and serious consequences, including heart attack.
It is essential to understand that not every arrhythmia poses a risk of heart attack. Some arrhythmias are benign in origin and do not cause serious complications. In addition, the risk of a heart attack depends on several factors, including an individual's overall health, other heart problems, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors.
If you are diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia or feel an irregular heartbeat, consult your doctor. Regular checkups and heart health monitoring can help you manage risks and prevent potential complications, including heart attacks.
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