Main Page | Types of Arrhythmias | Cause | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop arrhythmias with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing arrhythmias. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for arrhythmias include:
Medical Conditions
The following medical conditions increase your chances of developing an arrhythmia:
Medications
Taking the following medication may increase your chances of developing an arrhythmia:
Lifestyle Habits
The following habits may increase your chances of developing an arrhythmia:
Illegal Drugs
Use of illegal drugs, especially stimulants such as cocaine, methedrine, and other amphetamines, increases your risk of developing an arrhythmia.
Age
As with the risk of heart disease, your risk of developing an arrhythmia increases as you age.
References:
Barsky, AJ, Cleary, PD, Coeytaux, RR, Ruskin, JN. The clinical course of palpitations in medical outpatients. Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:1782.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
Lok NS, Lau CP. Prevalence of palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias and their associated risk factors in ambulant elderly. Int J Cardiol. 1996;54:231.
Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/ .
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
Sarter BH, Finkle JK, Gerszten RE, et al. What is the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients presenting with hemodynamically stable sustained ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction? J Am Coll Cardiol. 1996;28:122.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.