Arrhythmia Complications

People with certain arrhythmias are at a greater risk of developing certain conditions.

Stroke

When a chamber of the heart fibrillates (quivers), it means the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively. This can cause blood to pool and may lead to the formation of a blood clot. If a blood clot dislodges, it can travel to a brain artery, blocking it and causing a stroke. Stroke can cause brain damage and, in some cases, can be fatal.

Heart Failure

Long-term tachycardia or bradycardia can result in a weakened heart that cannot pump enough blood to the body and its organs.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Research links atrial fibrillation to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, though this is not a well defined relationship. Medical professionals currently do not recommend any specific treatments to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s in patients with arrythmia.